When choosing the right loan to buy a home, you have a handful of options. Loan types often differ based on their qualification requirements and the terms they offer, such as the loan’s length, interest rate, and minimum down payment amount.

A VA loan is backed by the government through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA-approved lenders are insured by the government to cover risks if borrowers can’t pay back these loans.

VA benefits allow lenders to offer VA loans with more flexible qualification requirements than conventional and FHA loans, including lower credit scores and competitive interest rates. It also allows for no down payment and no mortgage insurance. These features make VA loans a popular option among first-time homebuyers. Additionally, VA benefits can be used more than once.