Determining Your VA Loan Eligibility as a Dallas–Fort Worth Home Buyer

For veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses, the VA home loan program is one of the most powerful tools available when purchasing a home in the Dallas–Fort Worth real estate market. With zero down payment requirements, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates, VA loans in Dallas and Fort Worth can make homeownership significantly more accessible. The first step, however, is determining whether you’re eligible.

Understanding VA Loan Basics

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees a portion of VA loans, which allows lenders to offer favorable terms. In DFW’s fast-growing housing market, where home prices continue to rise in areas like Frisco, Plano, Fort Worth, and Prosper, this guarantee is especially valuable for buyers hoping to secure a property without draining their savings.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility depends on your service history and duty status:

• Veterans: You typically need at least 90 days of active service during wartime or 181 days during peacetime.

• Active-Duty Service Members: Most qualify after 90 continuous days of service.

• National Guard & Reserve Members: Usually need six years of service unless activated under Title 10 orders.

• Surviving Spouses: Certain spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability may also qualify.

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Even if you meet the service requirements, lenders need proof. That’s where the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) comes in. This official VA document confirms your entitlement and lets lenders process your loan. You can request a COE:

1. Online: Through the VA’s eBenefits portal.

2. With Your Lender: Many VA-approved Dallas mortgage lenders (including Clarity Home Lending) can generate it for you.

3. By Mail: Submitting VA Form 26-1880 directly to the VA.

Special Considerations in Dallas–Fort Worth

Because the DFW housing market is competitive, knowing your VA eligibility upfront gives you a strong advantage:

• Zero Down = More Buying Power: Skipping a down payment allows you to direct funds toward closing costs, renovations, or simply keeping cash reserves.

• Loan Limits: VA loans don’t technically have a cap, but lenders may use county conforming limits as guidelines. In 2025, the conforming loan limit in most Texas counties (including Dallas, Collin, Tarrant, and Denton) is $766,550. This gives DFW buyers plenty of room to shop.

• Property Types: VA loans are for primary residences only, so if you’re shopping in Plano, Arlington, Cedar Hill, or Fort Worth, make sure you’re focusing on homes you’ll live in, not investment properties.

Steps for Dallas–Fort Worth VA Home Buyers

1. Check Your Eligibility: Review your service record and request your COE.

2. Talk to a Local VA Lender: Clarity Home Lending specializes in VA home loans in DFW and can explain how your entitlement translates into buying power in today’s market.

3. Get Pre-Approved: With homes in Dallas and Fort Worth often selling quickly, pre-approval ensures you can act fast on a home you love.

4. Work with a VA-Savvy Realtor: At OnDemand Realty, our team understands the ins and outs of VA transactions and helps you navigate unique requirements (like condos that aren’t VA-approved).

Final Thoughts

For Dallas–Fort Worth home buyers with military service, VA loans are a life-changing opportunity. Determining your eligibility is the first step toward unlocking zero-down financing and securing a home in one of Texas’s most dynamic housing markets. Whether you’re looking at a starter home in Mesquite, a new construction in Prosper, or a family-sized home in Fort Worth, confirming your VA eligibility ensures you’re ready to compete in today’s market.