VA loans are one of the strongest benefits available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses — often with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. This calculator estimates your VA funding fee and monthly payment, and shows what the same home would cost with a traditional 20%-down conventional loan for comparison.

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How the VA funding fee works

Most VA borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, usually financed into the loan rather than paid in cash. The fee depends on your down payment and whether this is your first time using your VA loan benefit — a first-time $0-down purchase runs 2.15%, while a subsequent-use $0-down purchase runs 3.3%. Putting down at least 10% brings the fee to 1.25% either way.

Veterans receiving VA disability compensation are exempt from the funding fee entirely.

Why the comparison matters

A lot of eligible veterans don't realize how much cash a VA loan can save them at closing compared to a conventional loan with 20% down — sometimes tens of thousands of dollars, with no PMI either way.

Winner Realty works with veteran and military buyers across Louisville and the surrounding communities. Get pre-approved to confirm your specific eligibility and rate.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to put $0 down on a VA loan?

No — a down payment is never required on a VA loan, but you're free to put money down if you want to, which also lowers your funding fee tier and your monthly payment.

Are there loan limits on VA loans?

Since 2020, eligible veterans with full entitlement generally don't have a VA loan limit at all — your borrowing power is set by what you and your lender determine you can afford, not a fixed county cap.