VA Loans in Martin & St. Lucie County
For our nation’s veterans, service members, and eligible surviving spouses, homeownership should be simple, affordable, and rewarding. With VA Loans in Martin & St. Lucie County, Zarro Mortgage Group helps Florida’s military community achieve that goal through zero down payment options, competitive interest rates, and flexible credit guidelines.
As an experienced mortgage lender serving Florida’s Treasure Coast, we take pride in guiding veterans through the VA home loan process—from prequalification to closing—with the care, respect, and transparency you deserve.
What Is a VA Loan?
A VA loan is a mortgage program backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that helps eligible military members, veterans, and surviving spouses purchase, build, or refinance a home with no down payment required.
The program is designed to honor service members and their immediate family by making homeownership accessible and affordable, offering lower interest rates and fewer restrictions than conventional loans.
Because VA loans are guaranteed by the government, lenders like Zarro Mortgage Group can extend favorable terms to qualified borrowers while maintaining flexibility in underwriting.
Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?
Eligibility for a VA home loan in Florida is determined by your service history and discharge status. You may qualify if you meet any of the following:
- You’re an active-duty service member with at least 90 consecutive days of service.
- You’re a veteran who served 90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime.
- You’re a member of the National Guard or Reserves with at least six years of service.
- You’re the surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-related disability.
To confirm eligibility, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)—which our team can help you obtain quickly as part of your application.
👉 Learn more about eligibility and documentation on our Mortgage Resources page.
Key Benefits of a VA Home Loan
VA Loans offer some of the best benefits available to homebuyers today.
1. No Down Payment
Qualified borrowers can finance up to 100% of their home’s value, meaning no down payment is required in most cases.
2. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Unlike other low- or no-down-payment programs, VA loans don’t require monthly PMI—saving buyers hundreds per month.
3. Competitive Interest Rates
Because they’re guaranteed by the VA, these loans often come with lower rates than conventional or FHA options.
4. Flexible Credit Guidelines
VA lenders take a more holistic approach when reviewing applications, making these loans accessible to more borrowers.
5. Lifetime Benefit
VA loan benefits never expire—you can use them multiple times for new home purchases or refinances.
6. Refinance-Friendly
Eligible borrowers can reduce their monthly payments through the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), often with no appraisal or income verification required.
👉 Compare savings using our Mortgage Refinance Calculator.
VA Loan Requirements
While VA loans are more flexible than most, they still have general guidelines for qualification.
Basic Requirements:
- Satisfactory credit history (usually 580+).
- Sufficient, stable income to cover mortgage payments.
- Property must serve as your primary residence.
- Valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
Our team at Zarro Mortgage Group will guide you through every step—verifying your service eligibility, gathering necessary documents, and helping you calculate what you can afford.
👉 Use our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to get started.
How VA Loans Work
A VA loan operates much like other mortgage programs but with added advantages:
- Prequalification – We evaluate your income, credit, and COE eligibility.
- Home Search – You find the perfect home within VA loan limits.
- Appraisal & Underwriting – The VA ensures the property meets minimum property requirements (safe, sound, and sanitary).
- Approval & Closing – Once approved, you sign your documents and receive your keys—with no down payment required.
Because VA loans are government-backed, you’ll also benefit from built-in safeguards against foreclosure, offering peace of mind long after closing.
VA Loan Funding Fee
Instead of monthly PMI, VA borrowers pay a one-time funding fee that helps sustain the program for future generations.
The fee can be financed into the loan or paid upfront at closing, and the amount varies based on your down payment and whether it’s your first or subsequent use of the benefit.
Typical VA Funding Fee Rates (as of 2025):
- First-time use, no down payment: 2.15%
- Subsequent use, no down payment: 3.3%
- With 5% down: 1.5%
- With 10% down: 1.25%
Note: Veterans receiving disability compensation are exempt from paying the funding fee.
Use our Mortgage Payment Calculator to estimate your total payment with the funding fee included.
VA Loans vs. FHA and Conventional Loans
| Feature | VA Loan | FHA Loan | Conventional Loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 0% | 3.5% | 3–20% |
| PMI | None | Required | Required if <20% down |
| Credit Score | 620+ | 580+ | 620+ |
| Loan Limits | No limit with full entitlement | $524,225 | $819,000 |
| Occupancy | Primary residence only | Primary | Primary, secondary, investment |
👉 Learn more about your options:
VA Refinance Options
Already have a VA loan? You may qualify for one of two refinance options:
1. VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL)
This simplified refinance helps eligible veterans lower their rate or switch from an adjustable to a fixed mortgage with minimal paperwork and no appraisal in most cases.
2. VA Cash-Out Refinance
Access your home’s equity for home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses. This option is available even to borrowers with non-VA loans.
👉 Estimate your savings with our Home Equity Estimator.
Pros and Cons of VA Loans
Advantages
✅ Zero down payment required.
✅ No PMI or ongoing mortgage insurance.
✅ Lower average interest rates.
✅ Flexible credit and income requirements.
✅ Foreclosure protection built into the program.
✅ Reusable lifetime benefit.
Considerations
⚠️ Funding fee applies (waived for disabled veterans).
⚠️ Primary residences only—no vacation or investment homes.
At Zarro Mortgage Group, we ensure every veteran gets the respect, clarity, and savings they’ve earned through service.
