Surviving Spouses and VA Home Loans: An Overlooked Benefit

 

When we talk about VA home loans, most people think of Veterans and Active Duty service members. But here’s something that’s often overlooked: surviving spouses may also qualify for VA home loan benefits. This is a powerful way the VA honors the sacrifices of Gold Star families, helping them achieve homeownership with the same advantages available to their loved ones.

Who Qualifies?

The VA has outlined specific situations where a surviving spouse may be eligible:

  • Spouses of Veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability

  • Spouses of service members who are missing in action (MIA) or prisoners of war (POW)

  • Un-remarried spouses of Veterans who died from service-related causes

  • Surviving spouses who remarried after age 57 (and after December 16, 2003)

Why This Matters

VA home loans come with unique benefits that make a huge difference for families navigating life after loss:

  • No down payment in most cases

  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

  • Competitive interest rates

  • Easier qualifying guidelines compared to conventional loans

These advantages can ease the financial burden of purchasing or refinancing a home—something that’s especially meaningful for surviving families building stability after tragedy.

A Real Example

Imagine a surviving spouse who wants to purchase a home in Texas to be closer to family. With a VA loan, they may be able to buy without needing a large down payment and avoid costly monthly PMI, keeping more of their income available for day-to-day living.

Final Thoughts

Too often, surviving spouses don’t realize they may be eligible for this benefit. Realtors, lenders, and community leaders can play an important role by sharing this information and ensuring Gold Star families know they have options.

If you know someone who could benefit from this program, please encourage them to reach out and explore their eligibility.

About Between Two Doors
Between Two Doors is a podcast where I talk with Realtors about their journey, aiming to connect home buyers and sellers with agents on a more personal level. I ask "right brain" questions that go beyond transactions, focusing on the experiences, values, and passions that make these professionals great at what they do.

Listen to more episodes at: https://www.betweentwodoors.com

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