What is needed to qualify for a VA Loan according to the information provided?

To qualify for a VA loan, a Certificate of Eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is required. This certificate demonstrates to lenders that the borrower is eligible for the VA loan program due to their service record or the service record of an eligible family member.

The VA loan program is designed to support veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves, offering benefits such as no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). Having the Certificate of Eligibility is a crucial step, as it verifies the borrower's eligibility for these extensive benefits.

Other aspects, such as credit score, employment proof, or down payment, can play a role in determining a borrower's overall financial quality and may impact the specific terms of the loan but are not mandatory for qualifying for the VA loan itself. Therefore, while those factors are relevant, they are secondary to obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility.