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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the one-time exception for renewing VA eligibility?

A VA certificate of eligibility is renewable on a one-time basis. You qualify if the existing VA loan is paid in full, but you still own the property. Under the rules, you ordinarily must prove the property has been sold, but thanks to the one-time exception you may renew the VA certificate of eligibility. All you need to do is complete VA form 26-1880 and send it to the nearest VA Eligibility Center. Remember that getting released from liability for a VA loan or having a debt waived by the VA is not the same as paying off the loan. In that case you'll have to pay back the government's loss. Once that is done, the certificate of eligibility may be renewed.

MORE: Learn how to restore used VA entitlement for an owned property.

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Compare Top VA Purchase Lenders

Take the guesswork out of finding a VA Loan provider. Veterans United Home Loans created this site to educate and empower military homebuyers. Regardless of what lender you pick, it's always a good idea to compare and know your options.

  • NMLS #1907
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    • Veterans United ranks No. 1 in Customer Ratings for VA purchase lenders, according to ratings and reviews collected by TrustPilot.
    • In 2018, Veterans United closed 40,869 VA Purchase Loans, which was 9% of all VA Purchase Loans closed nationwide last year.
    • VA Loans were 97% of the company’s total loan volume.
  • NMLS #401058
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    • USAA ranks No. 5 in Customer Ratings for VA purchase lenders, according to ratings and reviews collected by TrustPilot.
    • In 2018, USAA closed 28,912 VA Purchase Loans, which was 8% of all VA Purchase Loans closed nationwide last year.
    • VA Loans were 64% of the company’s total loan volume.
  • NMLS #399807
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    • Navy Federal ranks No. 3 in Customer Ratings for VA purchase lenders, according to ratings and reviews collected by TrustPilot.
    • In 2018, Navy Federal closed 23,870 VA Purchase Loans, which was 6% of all VA Purchase Loans closed nationwide last year.
    • VA Loans were 53% of the company’s total loan volume.
See Top 10 VA Lenders →
  • Customer Ratings: Customer Ratings based on ratings and reviews provided by TrustPilot. VALoans.com is not affiliated with TrustPilot and has no control or influence on how users rate each lender.
  • 2018 VA Loans: Total VA loan volume for fiscal year 2018 as reported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA Home Purchase, VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance, VA Cash-Out Refinance).
  • % VA Volume: Percentage of lender's total loan volume which is comprised of VA Loans, determined from Product Mix data found under Lender Search located here.