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Berkeley sits in one of California's most competitive housing markets. VA loans give eligible veterans real buying power here — no down payment, no PMI.
Alameda County home prices run high. A zero-down VA loan means veterans aren't sidelined waiting years to save a 20% down payment.
0%
Down Payment
620
Typical Min. Credit
2.15%
Funding Fee (1st Use)
None
Mortgage Insurance
Up to 4
Units Allowed
VA Loans in Berkeley
You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — proof of qualifying military service. Most lenders also want a 620 credit score, though VA has no official minimum.
Debt-to-income ratio matters too. Most VA lenders want that number under 41%, but strong residual income can offset a higher ratio.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect va loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Berkeley.
Berkeley sits in one of California's most competitive housing markets. VA loans give eligible veterans real buying power here — no down payment, no PMI.
Alameda County home prices run high. A zero-down VA loan means veterans aren't sidelined waiting years to save a 20% down payment.
You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — proof of qualifying military service. Most lenders also want a 620 credit score, though VA has no official minimum.
Not every lender handles VA loans well. Some charge lender fees that eat into your benefit. Others have overlays — stricter rules than VA actually requires.
We work with 200+ wholesale lenders, including specialists who do VA loans daily. That matters when Berkeley sellers want fast closes and clean offers.
The VA funding fee trips people up. First-time VA users with zero down pay 2.15% of the loan amount. That fee can be rolled into the loan.
Disabled veterans with a service-connected rating are exempt from the funding fee entirely. Confirm your status before closing — that's real money back in your pocket.
FHA loans require 3.5% down and charge mortgage insurance for years. VA loans require nothing down and skip mortgage insurance entirely.
Conventional loans need 5-20% down for the best terms. In Berkeley, that gap runs into six figures. VA removes that barrier completely.
Berkeley sellers see lots of conventional and cash offers. A strong pre-approval letter showing VA eligibility closes the credibility gap fast.
VA appraisals have minimum property requirements. Older Berkeley homes — and there are many — sometimes need repairs before VA will sign off.
Yes, but the condo project must be VA-approved. We check VA's approval list before you make an offer.
Typically 30-45 days. VA appraisals can add time, so strong lender relationships help keep things on schedule.
Veterans with full entitlement have no loan limit. Reduced entitlement borrowers face limits tied to Alameda County conforming loan caps.
It's a one-time fee — 2.15% for first use with zero down. Disabled veterans with a service-connected rating are often exempt.
Yes. Unremarried surviving spouses of qualifying service members are eligible. A COE confirming eligibility is still required.
Yes, up to a 4-unit property if you occupy one unit as your primary residence. It's one of VA's most overlooked benefits.