Quick Answer
With full VA entitlement, there is no loan limit in California — you can buy a $500,000 home or a $2 million home with zero down payment. No monthly mortgage insurance, ever.
The 6 numbers that matter:
- Zero down payment, no loan limit with full VA entitlement
- $0 monthly mortgage insurance — saves $350–$700/month vs. conventional or FHA
- $832,750–$1,249,125 county loan limits (only matter with partial entitlement)
- CalVet Home Loans offer bundled fire, earthquake & flood insurance at group rates
- 100% disabled veterans can exempt up to $271,009 from assessed value ($2,700–$3,200+/year saved)
- Your spouse’s debts count toward your DTI in California — even if they’re not on the loan
Key Takeaways
- No loan limit with full entitlement — buy any California home you qualify for on income, zero down
- No monthly mortgage insurance — ever. Saves ~$139,000 over 30 years vs. FHA on an $875K home
- 2026 county limits: $832,750 (baseline) to $1,249,125 (Bay Area, LA, Orange County) — only matter with partial entitlement
- Funding fee: 2.15% first use (zero down) — but 5 groups pay nothing, including any veteran with a disability rating
- CalVet bundled insurance increasingly valuable as private insurers exit wildfire zones
- Community property law: Spouse’s debts affect your DTI even if they’re not on the loan
- Disabled vet property tax exemption: $180,671 (basic) or $271,009 (low-income) off assessed value
- California has 1.5 million veterans — the third-largest veteran population in the country
What's in This Guide
- How VA Loans Work in California
- VA Entitlement: Full vs. Partial
- The VA Funding Fee
- 2026 County Loan Limits
- The CalVet Home Loan
- Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
- California-Specific Challenges
- VA Loan by Military Base
- How to Use the VA Calculator
- 9 Myths About VA Loans
- Frequently Asked Questions
Trying to buy a home in California with your VA benefit — but confused by loan limits, CalVet, Mello-Roos, and wildfire insurance headaches?
You’re not alone.
California has the third-largest veteran population in the country — roughly 1.5 million strong — yet most veterans here don’t fully understand the benefits available to them. And in a state where the median home price is projected to hit $905,000 in 2026, that knowledge gap can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
This guide covers everything you need to know about using your VA loan benefit in California — federal VA mechanics, the CalVet state program, county loan limits, funding fee schedules, disabled veteran exemptions, and every California-specific challenge that national guides skip.
Plus, you can run your exact numbers using our VA Mortgage Calculator — which factors in the VA funding fee, property taxes, and insurance for a complete monthly payment picture.
Let’s get into it.
By the Numbers
- 1.5 million veterans in California (3rd largest in the US)
- $905,000 projected statewide median home price in 2026
- $0 down payment required with full VA entitlement
- $0 monthly mortgage insurance — saves $139K+ over 30 years vs. FHA
- $832,750–$1,249,125 county conforming loan limits
- $2,700–$3,200+/year in property tax savings for 100% disabled veterans
How VA Loans Work in California (The Basics, Done Right)
A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. You don’t borrow from the VA — you borrow from a private lender (bank, credit union, mortgage company). The VA’s guarantee reduces the lender’s risk, which is why they can offer you terms no other loan type matches.
What makes VA loans special:
| Feature | VA Loan | Conventional | FHA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | 0% | 3–20% | 3.5% |
| Mortgage insurance | None | PMI until 20% equity | MIP for life (if <10% down) |
| Loan limit (full entitlement) | None | $832,750–$1,249,125 | $832,750–$1,249,125 |
| Credit score minimum | None (lenders typically want 620+) | 620–680 | 580 |
| Seller concessions | Up to 4% of home value | 3–6% depending on down payment | 6% |
| Assumable? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Funding fee | 0.5%–3.3% (one-time) | None | 1.75% upfront + 0.55%/yr |
At California prices, these differences are enormous.
Let me show you.
On an $875,000 Home (Near California’s Statewide Median)
| Cost Category | VA Loan | FHA Loan | Conventional (5% down) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | $0 | $30,625 (3.5%) | $43,750 (5%) |
| Upfront fee | $18,813 (funding fee, 2.15%) | $15,313 (MIP, 1.75%) | $0 |
| Monthly mortgage insurance | $0 | ~$387/mo (permanent) | ~$350/mo (drops at 20%) |
| Loan amount | $893,813 (fee financed) | $859,688 | $831,250 |
| Monthly P&I (at 6.1%) | ~$5,421 | ~$5,214 | ~$5,041 |
| Monthly savings vs FHA | $387/mo in MI alone | — | — |
Over 30 years, the VA borrower saves roughly $139,000 in mortgage insurance compared to FHA — even after paying the funding fee. That’s the math that makes VA loans powerful in expensive California markets.
See Your Numbers
Run the VA Mortgage Calculator → to compare VA vs. FHA vs. conventional at your target price point.
VA Entitlement: Full vs. Partial (Why It Matters in California)
This is the single most misunderstood part of VA loans — and in California, getting it wrong is expensive.
Full Entitlement = No Loan Limit
If you have full VA entitlement, there is no loan limit. You can buy a $500,000 home or a $2 million home with zero down payment. The VA will guarantee 25% of the loan regardless of size.
You have full entitlement if:
- You’ve never used your VA loan benefit before, OR
- You’ve used it before but fully restored it (sold the previous home and repaid the VA loan)
Partial Entitlement = County Limits Apply
If you still have a VA loan outstanding on another property (or lost money on a previous VA foreclosure), you have partial entitlement. In this case, the county’s conforming loan limit determines how much you can borrow at zero down.
The VA will guarantee 25% of the county loan limit minus your already-used entitlement. For the amount above that guarantee, you’ll need a down payment of 25% of the difference.
Partial Entitlement Example
- You have a $400,000 VA loan on a rental property
- You want to buy a second home in San Diego County (2026 limit: $1,104,000)
- Maximum guarantee: 25% × $1,104,000 = $276,000
- Entitlement used: 25% × $400,000 = $100,000
- Remaining guarantee: $176,000
- Maximum zero-down purchase: $176,000 × 4 = $704,000
- For a $900,000 home: 25% × ($900,000 – $704,000) = $49,000 down
This is where California’s county limits matter. Most states don’t need to think about this — but in California, where homes routinely exceed $800K, partial entitlement scenarios are common.
How to Check Your Entitlement
Request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through:
- eBenefits portal (va.gov) — instant for most veterans
- Your lender — most VA-approved lenders can pull it electronically
- VA Form 26-1880 — mail option (slower)
Your COE shows your total entitlement, any entitlement currently in use, and whether you’re exempt from the funding fee.
The VA Funding Fee: What You’ll Pay (and Who Pays Zero)
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that keeps the VA loan program running. It’s the trade-off for zero down payment and no PMI. The good news: it can be financed into your loan so you don’t pay it out of pocket at closing.
2026 Funding Fee Schedule
Since April 7, 2023, rates are identical for all service categories — active duty, Reserves, and National Guard pay the same.
Purchase and construction loans:
| Down Payment | First Use | Subsequent Use |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 5% | 2.15% | 3.3% |
| 5% to 9.99% | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| 10% or more | 1.25% | 1.25% |
Refinance loans:
- IRRRL (streamline refinance): 0.5% regardless of use count
- Cash-out refinance: 2.15% first use / 3.3% subsequent
- VA loan assumption: 0.5%
What This Costs at California Prices
On a home near California’s median (~$875,000) with zero down:
| Scenario | Fee Rate | Dollar Amount | Financed Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-use veteran | 2.15% | $18,813 | ~$114/mo |
| Subsequent use | 3.3% | $28,875 | ~$175/mo |
| First use, 5% down ($43,750) | 1.5% | $12,469 | ~$76/mo |
| First use, 10% down ($87,500) | 1.25% | $9,844 | ~$60/mo |
*Estimated at 6.1% interest over 30 years
A small down payment significantly reduces your funding fee. Putting down just 5% cuts the fee from $18,813 to $12,469 — saving $6,344 upfront and roughly $12,900 over 30 years when you include interest on the financed amount.
Calculate your exact funding fee and payment →
Five Groups Who Pay ZERO Funding Fee
You’re completely exempt if you:
- Receive VA disability compensation for any service-connected rating (even 10%)
- Are eligible for VA disability compensation but receive retirement or active-duty pay instead
- Receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) as a surviving spouse
- Have a proposed or memorandum disability rating before closing (pre-discharge claim)
- Are an active-duty Purple Heart recipient
Funding Fee Exemption Savings
- On an $875,000 home, the exemption saves you $18,813 cash
- If financed over 30 years, that’s $38,000+ in total savings
- If your disability rating is approved retroactively to a date before closing, you can claim a full refund
California’s 2026 VA Loan Limits by County
These limits matter only for veterans with partial entitlement. If you have full entitlement, skip this section — there’s no limit for you.
California’s 58 counties span a wide range:
Tier 1: Maximum Ceiling — $1,249,125
Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz
SoCal: Los Angeles, Orange
Central Coast: San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara
Tier 2: High-Cost — $1,017,750 to $1,149,825
San Diego ($1,104,000), Ventura ($1,017,750), Napa ($1,006,250), Sonoma ($877,450), Sacramento ($806,500–level varies)
Tier 3: Baseline — $832,750
Most inland and rural counties: Fresno, Kern, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, and many more.
Key Insight
The limit gap between coastal and inland California is over $416,000. A veteran with partial entitlement who can’t afford Bay Area or LA prices may find significantly more buying power in Sacramento, Riverside, or San Joaquin counties — where the limit still covers most available homes.
The CalVet Home Loan: California’s State-Run Alternative
Here’s something most California veterans don’t know: the state runs its own separate lending program through the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet). It’s not a federal VA loan with a different name — it’s a fundamentally different system.
How CalVet Works
CalVet issues tax-exempt bonds to raise capital, then lends directly to veterans. The critical structural difference: CalVet purchases the property and holds legal title, then sells it to the veteran through a Contract of Sale (land contract). You hold equitable title — meaning all rights of ownership, tax benefits, and use — but CalVet’s name stays on the deed until the loan is paid off.
CalVet vs. Federal VA Loan
| Feature | CalVet | Federal VA Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Funded by | California state bonds | Private lenders (VA guarantee) |
| Title structure | CalVet holds title (land contract) | You hold title |
| Insurance | Bundled fire, earthquake, flood at group rates | You arrange your own |
| Loan servicing | CalVet services forever (never sold) | Lender may sell servicing |
| Down payment | 0% with full VA entitlement | 0% with full VA entitlement |
| PMI | None | None |
| Origination fee | 1% | Varies by lender |
| Processing time | Often longer (state bureaucracy) | Typically faster |
| Reuse | Can use again after payoff | Can use again after payoff |
When CalVet Beats Federal VA
Wildfire zones. CalVet’s bundled insurance program is increasingly valuable as private insurers exit California fire-prone areas. CalVet’s group-rate coverage includes fire, earthquake, and flood protection at premiums often well below market rates. And critically: CalVet won’t cancel your policy after a natural disaster — unlike many private insurers that non-renew after claims.
If you’re buying in:
- East Bay hills, Santa Rosa/Napa fire zones
- San Diego backcountry (Alpine, Ramona, Julian)
- Sierra foothills (El Dorado, Placer, Nevada counties)
- Southern California wildland-urban interface (San Bernardino mountains, Malibu, etc.)
…CalVet’s insurance alone may make it the better financial choice.
When Federal VA Beats CalVet
Speed and simplicity. Federal VA loans close faster, and the standard deed-of-trust structure is more familiar to sellers, real estate agents, and title companies. The land contract structure can confuse sellers and slow transactions.
Refinancing flexibility. With a federal VA loan, you can do an IRRRL (streamline refinance) quickly. CalVet refinancing follows a different process.
Choose CalVet If…
- You’re buying in a wildfire-prone area
- You want bundled disaster insurance at group rates
- You prefer your loan to never be sold to another servicer
Choose Federal VA If…
- You want a faster, simpler closing process
- You may want to do an IRRRL streamline refinance later
- You’re in a competitive market where sellers prefer familiar loan structures
CalVet Eligibility
- 90 days of active duty (honorable or under honorable conditions)
- Reserves/Guard who were called to active duty qualify
- No prior California residency required — just buying a primary residence in CA
- Unremarried surviving spouses of veterans who died from service-connected causes
Apply: calvet.ca.gov/HomeLoans or call 866-653-2510
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption (The Benefit Most Veterans Miss)
California offers one of the most generous disabled veteran property tax exemptions in the country. Yet thousands of eligible veterans don’t claim it.
2026 Exemption Amounts (Lien Date January 1, 2026)
| Tier | Assessed Value Exempted | Income Limit | Annual Filing Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $180,671 | None | No — one-time filing |
| Low-Income | $271,009 | Household income ≤$81,131 | Yes — annually by Feb 15 |
What This Saves You
At a typical California property tax rate of 1.0–1.25%:
| Tier | Tax Savings Per Year |
|---|---|
| Basic ($180,671 exemption) | $1,807–$2,258 |
| Low-Income ($271,009 exemption) | $2,710–$3,388 |
Over 10 years of homeownership, that’s $18,000–$34,000 in savings. Over 30 years: $54,000–$101,000+ (with annual inflation adjustments increasing the exemption each year).
Who Qualifies
- 100% service-connected disability rating, OR
- Compensated at 100% due to Individual Unemployability (IU), OR
- Blind in both eyes or lost use of 2+ limbs due to service
- Unmarried surviving spouses of qualifying veterans
Pro Tip: San Diego leads the state with 17,778 disabled veterans claiming the exemption — more than any other California county. If you’re in SD and haven’t filed, you’re leaving money on the table.
How to Claim
- Get your VA disability rating letter and DD-214
- File BOE-261-G with your county assessor
- Basic: one-time filing. Low-income: file annually by February 15
- If filing late, you can still receive 85% of the exemption — and file retroactively up to 8 years
California-Specific Challenges for VA Borrowers
Community Property Law
California is one of 9 community property states. This affects your VA loan in a way most national guides ignore:
Community Property Warning
Your spouse’s debts count toward your DTI ratio — even if your spouse is NOT on the loan.
If your spouse has $800/month in student loans, car payments, or credit card minimums, those debts get added to your qualification ratio. This can reduce your buying power by $100,000–$200,000 in California’s expensive markets.
Workarounds:
- Pay down your spouse’s debts before applying
- Factor spouse debts into your affordability calculation from the start
- Talk to your lender early — some structures may help
- Use our DTI Calculator to see the impact — remember to include your spouse’s debts
Mello-Roos and VA Appraisals
Mello-Roos (Community Facilities District) taxes are special assessments in newer California developments. They can add $3,000–$8,000+/year to your property tax bill.
VA appraisers must account for Mello-Roos when determining a property’s value and whether it meets VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). High Mello-Roos districts can sometimes create appraisal issues — especially if the appraiser determines the tax burden makes the property uncompetitive with comparable homes without Mello-Roos.
Mello-Roos Hot Spots
- Otay Ranch / Chula Vista
- 4S Ranch, Pacific Highlands Ranch
- Roseville / Rocklin
- Many Central Valley master-planned communities
What to do: Ask your lender and real estate agent specifically about Mello-Roos before making offers on homes in newer master-planned communities.
The Wildfire Insurance Crisis
California’s homeowners insurance market is in crisis. Major insurers (State Farm, Allstate, others) have restricted new policies in fire-prone areas. This affects VA borrowers because:
- VA loans require homeowners insurance
- If you can’t get private insurance, you may need the California FAIR Plan (last resort, expensive, limited coverage)
- CalVet’s bundled insurance program can bypass this problem entirely
If you’re buying in any area with a fire hazard severity zone designation, get insurance quotes before making an offer. No insurance = no loan closing.
NorCal vs. SoCal Closing Cost Customs
Northern California: Buyer typically pays for title insurance (owner’s policy). Seller pays transfer tax. Costs can be higher for buyers.
Southern California: Seller typically pays for title insurance. Buyer pays transfer tax (though this is negotiable).
These customs interact with VA fee rules. The VA limits which fees veterans can pay (the “non-allowable” fee list). Your lender should navigate this, but knowing the regional customs helps you negotiate effectively.
Pro Tip: VA seller concessions limit: Sellers can contribute up to 4% of the home’s reasonable value toward the veteran’s closing costs. On an $875,000 home, that’s up to $35,000 — often enough to cover all closing costs.
VA Loan by Military Base: What You Can Afford
California has major military installations across the state. Here’s a realistic picture of what VA borrowers can afford near each base:
| Base / Installation | County | 2026 Limit | Median Home Price (Area) | Buy Median w/ VA? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Pendleton | San Diego | $1,104,000 | $700K–$950K | ✔ Yes |
| Naval Base San Diego | San Diego | $1,104,000 | $650K–$1M | ✔ Yes |
| MCAS Miramar | San Diego | $1,104,000 | $800K–$1.1M | ✔ Yes |
| Naval Base Coronado | San Diego | $1,104,000 | $1.5M+ | ⚠ Expensive |
| Travis AFB | Solano | $832,750 | $500K–$650K | ✔ Comfortably |
| Beale AFB | Yuba | $832,750 | $350K–$500K | ✔ Very affordable |
| Edwards AFB | Kern/LA | $832,750 | $300K–$450K | ✔ Very affordable |
| Fort Irwin | San Bernardino | $832,750 | $350K–$500K | ✔ Very affordable |
| Vandenberg SFB | Santa Barbara | $1,249,125 | $600K–$900K | ✔ Yes |
| Naval Base Ventura County | Ventura | $1,017,750 | $700K–$900K | ✔ Yes |
The Big Takeaway
In most California military base areas, a VA loan with full entitlement can purchase the median-priced home with zero down. The main exceptions are ultra-premium areas like Coronado, La Jolla, and parts of the Bay Area.
How to Use the VA Mortgage Calculator
Our VA Mortgage Calculator is built specifically for VA loan scenarios. Here’s how to use it:
Example: Active-Duty E-7 Buying Near Camp Pendleton
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Home price | $750,000 (Oceanside area) |
| Down payment | $0 |
| VA funding fee | 2.15% first use = $16,125 (financed) |
| Total loan | $766,125 |
| Interest rate | 5.75% (VA rates often run 0.25% below conventional) |
| Property tax | 1.15% |
| Homeowners insurance | $1,800/year |
| Mello-Roos | $0 (older neighborhood, no CFD) |
Estimated monthly payment:
| Component | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Principal & Interest | $4,472 |
| Property taxes | $719 |
| Homeowners insurance | $150 |
| Total | $5,341 |
Compare to FHA on the Same Home
- Down payment: $26,250 (3.5%)
- Loan: $723,750 + $12,666 MIP = $736,416
- Monthly MIP: ~$332/mo (permanent)
- Total: ~$5,290 + $332 MIP = ~$5,622
VA vs. FHA Comparison
- The VA borrower pays $281/month less with ZERO down
- The gap never closes because FHA MIP is permanent
- Over 30 years, that’s roughly $101,000 saved
9 Myths About VA Loans in California
Myth 1: “VA loans have a purchase price limit.”
Truth: With full entitlement, there is no limit. You can buy a $3 million home with zero down if you qualify on income. County limits only apply with partial entitlement.
Myth 2: “You can only use a VA loan once.”
Truth: VA entitlement is reusable. Sell the home, pay off the loan, and your entitlement restores fully. You can also use VA loans on two properties simultaneously (concurrent use) if you have enough remaining entitlement.
Myth 3: “Sellers don’t accept VA offers.”
Truth: This was more common during the bidding war frenzy of 2021–2022. In today’s more balanced market, VA offers are competitive — especially since VA appraisals protect both buyer and lender from overpaying.
Myth 4: “VA loans take forever to close.”
Truth: The national average VA loan closing time is 45–50 days — comparable to conventional loans. Experienced VA lenders in military-heavy areas (San Diego, Sacramento) often close in 30–35 days.
Myth 5: “The VA funding fee makes VA loans expensive.”
Truth: Even with the 2.15% funding fee financed, VA borrowers pay less monthly than FHA borrowers because of zero PMI. And if you have ANY disability rating, the funding fee is waived entirely.
Myth 6: “CalVet and VA loans are the same thing.”
Truth: CalVet is California’s state-run program with a completely different structure (land contract, bundled insurance, state servicing). Federal VA loans use private lenders with a VA guarantee. They serve the same population but work very differently.
Myth 7: “My spouse’s credit doesn’t matter.”
Truth: In California (community property state), your spouse’s debts affect your DTI calculation even if your spouse isn’t on the loan. Their credit score doesn’t factor in — but their debt obligations do.
Myth 8: “VA loans can’t be used for condos.”
Truth: VA loans can finance condos, but the condo project must be VA-approved. Check the VA’s approved condo list before making offers. Some California HOAs haven’t applied for approval — the process can be initiated by the buyer’s lender.
Myth 9: “I have to use my VA benefit at my duty station.”
Truth: You can use a VA loan anywhere in the US. Buying in a lower-cost California market (or out of state) while stationed at an expensive base is a valid strategy many service members use to build wealth.
How This Fits With Your Other Financial Decisions
- Comparing rent vs. buy near your base? Use our Rent vs Buy Calculator — factor in BAH to see the true comparison
- Already own with a VA loan and want to pay it off faster? Our Mortgage Payoff Calculator shows how extra payments (even $100/month) save big at CA prices
- Considering a conventional refinance later? Our Refinance Calculator helps you evaluate the IRRRL vs. conventional refi tradeoff
- Checking your qualification? Use our DTI Calculator — and remember to include your spouse’s debts if you’re in California
Frequently Asked Questions
Do VA loans have a limit in California?
Not if you have full entitlement. With full entitlement, there is no purchase price or loan amount limit — you can buy any home you qualify for based on income. County conforming limits (ranging from $832,750 to $1,249,125 in 2026) only apply to veterans with partial entitlement who still have a previous VA loan outstanding.
What’s the VA funding fee in 2026?
For purchase loans: 2.15% of the loan amount for first-time users with less than 5% down, 3.3% for subsequent users. Putting 5%+ down reduces it to 1.5%, and 10%+ down reduces it to 1.25%. Five groups are fully exempt, including any veteran with a service-connected disability rating.
What’s the difference between CalVet and a VA loan?
CalVet is California’s state-run program funded by bonds, where CalVet holds legal title through a land contract. Federal VA loans use private lenders with a VA guarantee, and you hold the title. CalVet’s key advantage is bundled disaster insurance (fire, earthquake, flood) at group rates. Federal VA loans typically close faster and have a more familiar process.
Does my spouse’s debt affect my VA loan in California?
Yes. California is a community property state. Your spouse’s debts (student loans, car payments, credit cards) are included in your debt-to-income calculation even if your spouse isn’t on the loan application. This can reduce your buying power significantly.
What is the disabled veteran property tax exemption in California?
For the 2026 lien date: $180,671 basic exemption (no income limit, one-time filing) or $271,009 low-income exemption (household income ≤$81,131, annual filing required by February 15). You must be 100% disabled or compensated at 100% due to unemployability. File form BOE-261-G with your county assessor.
Can I use a VA loan to buy a condo in California?
Yes, but the condo project must be VA-approved. Check the VA’s approved condo list at va.gov. If the project isn’t approved, your lender may be able to initiate the approval process, though this adds time to closing.
What about Mello-Roos taxes and VA loans?
Mello-Roos taxes in newer California developments ($3,000–$8,000+/year) are factored into your total housing cost during qualification. VA appraisers also consider them when evaluating property value. High Mello-Roos can occasionally create appraisal challenges.
Can I use VA and CalVet together?
In a sense, yes. CalVet uses your federal VA entitlement guarantee to back its loan. You’re essentially getting CalVet’s state benefits (bundled insurance, direct servicing) while using your VA eligibility as the foundation. But you can’t have two separate loans — one CalVet and one federal VA — on the same property.
How do I restore my VA entitlement after selling?
When you sell the home and pay off the VA loan, request entitlement restoration through your lender or by filing VA Form 26-1880 with supporting documentation. Restoration is typically straightforward and allows you to use your benefit again with full entitlement.
Is the VA funding fee tax-deductible?
The funding fee may be deductible as prepaid mortgage interest. If you pay it in cash at closing, you may deduct the full amount that year. If you finance it into the loan, you deduct the portion paid through your monthly payments each year. Consult your tax advisor for your specific situation.
Your Next Steps
Ready to see what you can afford? Use the VA Mortgage Calculator → to plug in your target home price, funding fee scenario, and see your real monthly payment with taxes and insurance.
Your veteran homebuyer checklist:
- Request your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at va.gov/eBenefits
- Check your entitlement status — full or partial?
- If you have a disability rating, confirm you’re exempt from the funding fee
- Run your numbers in the VA Mortgage Calculator — include spouse debts in your DTI
- Compare federal VA vs. CalVet — especially if buying in a fire-prone area
- Get pre-approved with a VA-experienced lender (look for lenders near military bases who process high VA volume)
- File for the disabled veteran property tax exemption (BOE-261-G) as soon as you close
Related Calculators
Helpful Resources
- San Diego First-Time Homebuyer Guide — SD-specific programs, neighborhoods, and strategies for veterans near Camp Pendleton
- Los Angeles First-Time Homebuyer Guide — DPA programs up to $161K and LA neighborhood breakdowns
- Bay Area First-Time Homebuyer Guide — DALP up to $500K, 9-county market data
- California First-Time Homebuyer Programs — 100+ assistance programs with income limits
- California Property Tax Guide — Prop 13, Mello-Roos, and effective tax rates
- California Closing Costs Guide — NorCal vs. SoCal customs and what to budget
- True Cost of Buying a Home in 58 CA Counties — County-by-county cost breakdown
- Today’s Mortgage Rates — Daily rate updates from Federal Reserve data
About Jon Teera
Jon Teera is the Lead Developer and Founder of CalcLogix. He builds tools that help homebuyers navigate California’s complex housing market — because understanding the true cost of homeownership shouldn’t require a finance degree.
Read more about how we verify data →Data current as of February 2026. Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov), California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), California State Board of Equalization (BOE Letter LTA 2025/014), California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.).
Last updated: February 2026 | Next update planned: August 2026