How VA Loans Work and How to Support Veterans This Veterans Day

Veterans Day is right around the corner. It’s a great time to pause and reflect on not just those who have served, but also on how we can support them. One powerful way to support veterans is to help them access the benefits they’ve earned, such as the VA home loan.

To do so, it is important to know how VA loans work. Also, consider other ways you can help veterans.

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA loan is a mortgage option backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, created to help eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses become homeowners. It’s not a loan directly from the government – it’s offered through lenders like Ruoff Mortgage, with the VA guaranteeing a portion of it.

This guarantee helps lenders offer more favorable terms to those who qualify.

Who May Qualify for a VA Loan?

Eligibility for a VA loan is based on service history. Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, and reservists may qualify depending on their length and type of service. Certain surviving spouses may also be eligible.

There’s no cost to check eligibility, and the process is often simpler than many expect. A quick conversation with a Ruoff Loan Officer can get the ball rolling.

Key Benefits of VA Loans

While every borrower’s situation is unique, VA loans offer some powerful benefits:

• No down payment required (in most cases)
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Flexible credit guidelines
• Competitive closing costs
• Ability to reuse the benefit

For many veterans, it’s a game changer – especially for first-time homebuyers or those looking to move after a military relocation.

Celebrate Veterans Day with Gratitude

It’s important to show your gratitude through your actions. At Ruoff, one way we show our gratitude is by not charging lender fees on VA loans. Whether it’s helping a veteran explore the VA loan they’ve earned, buying from a veteran-owned company, or just picking up the phone to reconnect with a veteran you know – every bit helps.

And if you’re not sure where to start? Start by asking. “Hey, have you ever looked into VA home loan options?” That one question could open a door someone didn’t even know was there.

Want to learn more about how VA loans work – or how you can connect a veteran with helpful resources? Reach out to a Ruoff loan officer.

About Ruoff Mortgage

At Ruoff Mortgage, we understand that buying a home is one of life’s biggest moments – not just as a financial decision, but a personal one. For more than 41 years, we’ve proudly helped families turn their dreams into reality. From our roots in northeast Indiana to now serving homebuyers throughout the Midwest, our focus has stayed the same: delivering exceptional service rooted in care, speed, and community. With an average 15-day clear-to-close time, our team is here to make your journey to homeownership as smooth and stress-free as possible. When you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.