Question 1

Can I get a VA loan if I'm no longer on active duty?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Veterans, National Guard members, and surviving spouses with a Certificate of Eligibility qualify. You don't need to be serving now. Contact the VA to confirm your eligibility and get your certificate.

Question 2

Do I have to pay mortgage insurance on an FHA loan in Glendale?

Accepted Answer

Yes. FHA mortgage insurance applies for the life of the loan. It protects the lender if you default. The insurance premium rolls into your monthly payment and doesn't go away unless you refinance to a conventional loan later.

Question 3

What's the funding fee on a VA loan?

Accepted Answer

VA funding fees range from 1% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on your service history and down payment. It's a one-time cost added to your loan balance. No monthly insurance follows. First-time VA buyers typically pay 2.3%.

Question 4

Can I buy a home over $1,249,125 in Glendale with either program?

Accepted Answer

No. Both FHA and VA cap at $1,249,125 in Los Angeles County for 2026. Purchases above that limit require a jumbo loan or a larger down payment on a conventional loan. Most Glendale homes fall within this limit.

Question 5

Which loan closes faster, FHA or VA?

Accepted Answer

Both typically close in 30 to 45 days. VA loans don't move slower. The timeline depends on your lender, appraisal speed, and how quickly you submit documents. Neither program has a speed advantage over the other.

FHA vs VA loans in Glendale: which works for you?