Top 5 Mistakes Veterans Make Using Their VA Loan
The VA loan is one of the most powerful benefit available to U.S. Veterans and active-duty service members. Yet, despite its advantages — no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance — many veterans unknowingly make mistakes that can cost them time, money, and even their eligibility.
I’m GG Sfreddo, a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) and Certified AI Agent with over 20 years of experience helping veterans buy and sell homes in Northern Virginia. Through my platform, MoveMeInVA, I’ve worked with hundreds of military families to successfully navigate PCS moves, VA assumptions, tax exemptions, and home ownership transitions.
Here are the top 5 mistakes I see veterans make with their VA loan — and what you can do to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Understanding VA Loan Entitlement and Restoration
Entitlement is the amount the VA guarantees on your behalf. Many veterans don’t fully understand how this works, especially when buying a second home, using their benefit after a prior VA loan, or selling a home with an assumed loan still active.
What Happens:
You may not have full entitlement available for your next purchase.
You could be blocked from using your VA loan again unless restoration is completed.
Solution:
Always confirm your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before house hunting.
If you’ve previously used your VA loan, file for entitlement restoration after your loan is paid in full.
PRO TIP: If you’re selling your home and allowing a buyer to assume your VA loan, make sure your entitlement is restored — or you won’t be able to reuse your benefit.
Mistake #2: Overestimating the “No Down Payment” Advantage
While the VA loan does not require a down payment, that doesn’t mean it’s always the best idea to put zero money down.
What Happens:
You may start off with little to no equity in your home.
In a competitive market like Northern Virginia, sellers may favor offers with skin in the game.
Solution:
Consider putting 5–10% down if you can afford it — this can reduce your VA funding fee and improve offer strength.
Work with a Realtor (like myself) who knows how to position VA offers to be competitive, even with zero down.
Mistake #3: Assuming All Lenders Know the VA Loan Process
Not all lenders are experienced with VA loans. Some don’t understand the unique underwriting process, assumptions, or required documentation.
What Happens:
Delays in closing due to lender errors.
Missed opportunities on assumptions, exemptions, or rate locks.
Solution:
Work with a lender who regularly handles VA loans and knows military buyers.
Ask if they’re familiar with VA loan assumptions and county tax exemption coordination.
Why This Matters: I work exclusively with VA loan-savvy lenders and personally coordinate with county offices to ensure tax exemptions are reflected in underwriting and closing statements — maximizing your benefit.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Property Tax Exemptions
Many veterans, especially those with service-connected disabilities, are eligible for property tax exemptions — but never claim them in time.
What Happens:
Your mortgage payment may be higher than necessary.
Your exemption might not be applied in time for underwriting or escrow.
Solution:
Screen for eligibility early with your Realtor.
File the exemption paperwork before closing and confirm the lender applies the adjusted tax rate.
How I Help: At MoveMeInVA.com, we screen you for exemptions upfront, coordinate with lenders and county offices, and ensure your property tax savings are accurately reflected in your monthly payment estimate and final documents.
Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Neighborhood or Timing for a PCS Move
Real estate is local — and for military families, timing and location are everything.
What Happens:
You buy in a neighborhood that doesn’t suit your family or PCS timeline.
You sell too late or too early, losing equity or rental potential.
Solution:
Research schools, commute times, and resale value before buying.
Consult with a military relocation expert (like myself) to align your move with PCS dates.
Popular Veteran-Friendly Neighborhoods in Northern VA Include:
Kingstowne – near Fort Belvoir, great amenities
Lorton – suburban feel, family-friendly, VRE access
Springfield – centrally located, balanced price point
Visual Guide: Common Mistakes vs. Expert Solutions
Final Thoughts
As a Veteran or active-duty service member, your VA loan is a tool of opportunity — but only if you understand how to use it. Don’t let misinformation, poor timing, or inexperienced professionals cost you thousands.
Having been born on an Air Force Base, you could say Gayle “GG” Sfreddo started life on the move. Relocation quickly became a way of life, giving her firsthand insight into the emotional and logistical stress military families face during PCS moves and home transitions. That experience now fuels her veteran-first approach to real estate.
As a longtime Northern Virginia resident and a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), GG combines deep local knowledge with over 20 years of real estate experience helping Veterans and military families successfully buy and sell homes using their VA loan benefits. A tough negotiator, a compassionate mother, and a consummate professional, she is uniquely positioned to guide you through a stress-free, strategic home transaction.
Her platform, MoveMeInVA, is more than a real estate service — it’s a mission-driven hub for veterans, offering eligibility screening, VA loan coordination, property tax exemption support, and personalized PCS relocation strategies to help you reach your goals with confidence.
VA eligibility screening
Tax exemption guidance
Assumption coordination
Cash offer and listing support
Neighborhood consulting
Let’s turn your benefits into real wealth, real freedom, and real homeownership.
Download my FREE VA Loan Readiness Checklist at www.MoveMeInVA.com Or DM me “VA READY” and I’ll personally help you get started.
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