Many service members wait until after they separate to use their VA loan benefit — but you do not have to. Active duty service members who meet the minimum service requirements can use their VA loan right now. Buying near your base, building equity, and planning for PCS are all part of the picture. MaxVALoan works with active duty buyers every day — let us help you navigate the process.
What It Means
Active duty service members with at least 90 consecutive days of service (or 181 days during peacetime) are eligible for VA home loan benefits. You can purchase a home near your current installation, use BAH to help qualify, and even plan for future rental income if you receive PCS orders. See how BAH helps with VA loan qualification.
Requirements
- Service requirement: 90 continuous days on active duty during wartime, or 181 days during peacetime
- Statement of Service: Required instead of DD-214 — signed by your unit's adjutant or commanding officer
- Occupancy: Your spouse or dependents can fulfill the occupancy requirement if you are deployed at closing. See occupancy rules
- BAH income: Basic Allowance for Housing can be counted as income for qualifying purposes
- Credit and income: Standard lender requirements apply
Examples
Example 1 — Near base: An Army staff sergeant at Fort Liberty (NC) buys a $320,000 home 8 miles from post. His BAH is $1,850/month which is counted as income. His total qualifying income (base pay + BAH + BAS) makes the loan easy to approve. When he receives PCS orders in 2 years, he keeps the home as a rental.
Example 2 — Transition planning: A Marine with 18 months until ETS buys a home near Camp Pendleton. He builds equity for 18 months, then decides to keep it as a rental when he transitions. He then uses restored or remaining entitlement to buy near his new job.
Tips
- Buy near a base with high rental demand — it makes the transition to landlord smooth if you get PCS orders.
- Have your commanding officer sign your Statement of Service early — it is the active duty equivalent of a DD-214.
- Check your BAH rate — in high-cost areas it can significantly boost your qualifying income and buying power.
- Use our VA payment calculators to see what your all-in payment will be including estimated rental income scenarios.
- If you are buying during a PCS move, ask about the PCS home buying tips that experienced veteran buyers use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I receive PCS orders 6 months after closing?
A: As long as you occupied the home as required, receiving PCS orders later does not violate the occupancy requirement. You can rent the home and use remaining/restored entitlement for a new purchase.
Q: Can I include allowances like BAS and BAH in my income?
A: Yes — military allowances are considered stable, non-taxable income and are fully countable for VA loan qualification.
Q: Do I need to be in the U.S. to close on a VA loan?
A: You can sign using a Power of Attorney if overseas. Your spouse or an attorney-in-fact can close on your behalf.
