VA Loan News & Updates

Real changes to VA home loan rules, fees, and housing costs — in plain English. Every update links to its official source and to the calculator it affects.

VA News

VA funding fees are now tax-deductible for eligible borrowers

VA announced that starting this tax year, Veterans, service members, and surviving spouses can deduct the VA funding fee paid on a home purchased with a VA-guaranteed loan. The fee is still charged the same way at closing.

Why it matters

The funding fee is usually the largest one-time cost on a zero-down VA purchase, so a deduction lowers what the loan really costs you after taxes. Ask your tax preparer how it applies to your return.

VA Funding Fee CalculatorVA Mortgage CalculatorVA Funding Fee Chart
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FHFA

2026 conforming loan limit rises to $832,750

FHFA set the 2026 baseline conforming loan limit for one-unit homes at $832,750, a 3.26% increase over 2025. High-cost counties get higher values.

Why it matters

Most veterans with full entitlement have no VA loan limit at all. This figure only matters if your entitlement is partial — for example you already have a VA loan open — because lenders use it to set how much VA will guarantee.

VA Loan LimitsVA Loan Entitlement
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VA Circular 26-24-14

Veterans can pay their own buyer-agent commission

VA allows VA-loan borrowers to pay reasonable and customary buyer-broker fees where those fees can no longer be set by the listing side. The charges cannot be added to the loan amount, and lenders must count them toward your cash to close.

Why it matters

You can hire your own agent without waiting for the seller to cover the fee — but plan for it in the cash you bring to closing, since it can't be financed.

VA Affordability CalculatorVA Loan Closing Costs
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