For many veterans and active-duty service members, a VA loan can be the key to affordable homeownership — but questions about eligibility often stop buyers from taking the first step.
At Redmond Lending, we offer a dedicated VA Home Loan program that’s built around the real-life needs of veterans and active-duty service members. Whether you’ve just received PCS orders, are transitioning to civilian life, or are finally ready to buy after years of renting, our team is here to help you make the most of your well-earned benefit — with clear answers, trusted guidance, and a process that puts your needs first.
Who’s Eligible for a VA Loan?
To qualify for a VA loan, you must meet the service requirements established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These include:
- Active-duty service members (typically 90 continuous days)
- Veterans with a minimum of 90 days of active duty during wartime or 181 days during peacetime
- National Guard or Reserve members with at least 6 years of service (unless called to active duty sooner)
- Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related condition (and who have not remarried, in most cases)
You’ll also need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which confirms your eligibility with the VA. We can help you retrieve this easily — often within minutes — as part of your loan pre-approval.
Income and Credit Requirements
One of the best features of VA loans is that they’re more flexible than most loan types when it comes to credit and income. While the VA doesn’t set a minimum credit score, most lenders (including Redmond Lending) look for a score of around 580 or higher, though we evaluate every borrower individually.
For those with low or recovering credit, we won’t just say no — we’ll help you understand what needs to improve and walk with you toward qualification. Many of our veteran clients start with a plan and return within weeks or months to close on a home.
In terms of income, the VA uses something called residual income to determine your ability to repay the loan. It considers how much money you’ll have left after paying your major expenses (mortgage, taxes, insurance, debt). This makes VA loans more realistic and fair than the rigid debt-to-income ratios used in other loan programs.
Property and Occupancy Requirements
VA loans must be used to finance a primary residence — not investment properties or vacation homes. That means you’ll need to live in the home as your primary address within 60 days of closing (with exceptions available for deployed service members).
The property must also meet VA minimum property requirements (MPRs), which ensure the home is safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. These aren’t difficult hurdles to clear for most standard homes, and we’ll guide you and your realtor through the process.
We Pay for Your VA Appraisal — Here’s Why That Matters
One unique benefit of working with Redmond Lending is that we cover the cost of your VA appraisal — a savings of several hundred dollars right up front. We believe you’ve earned the right to a more affordable path to homeownership, and removing this upfront cost helps make that a reality.
More than just a cost savings, this reflects our commitment to serving veterans the right way — with respect, clarity, and financial transparency.
Local Experts for a Local Mission
Whether you’re buying near Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, settling in scenic Guntersville, or making a move to Warner Robins, Macon, or Dublin, Redmond Lending understands the unique needs of military buyers in Alabama and Georgia.
Our dedicated VA lending team offers:
- Deep experience with VA guidelines and approval structures
- Clear communication with real-time updates
- Personalized strategies based on your goals and service history
- Fast turnaround times, even in competitive markets
We don’t just “do” VA loans — we specialize in them.
Ready to Explore Your VA Eligibility?
If you think you might qualify for a VA loan — or even if you’re not sure — we’d love to help you find out. It’s quick, pressure-free, and could be your first step toward homeownership.
Reach out to Redmond Lending today to get pre-approved, verify your eligibility, and take advantage of our VA appraisal coverage. We’re proud to serve veterans across North Alabama and Central Georgia, and we’re ready to serve you too.
Visit redmondlending.com to start your VA home loan journey.