VA Loan Checklist (San Antonio Buyers)

VA loans are one of the strongest home financing options available — but they still require proper documentation and preparation.

A clean VA file means:

• Faster underwriting
• Fewer appraisal issues
• Stronger offers
• On-time closings

This checklist walks through exactly what to prepare before starting your VA loan application.

Before anything else, we confirm eligibility.

You’ll need:

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  (We can usually pull this for you.)
• DD-214 (for separated service members)
• Statement of Service (for active duty)

If you’ve used VA before, we’ll verify:

• Remaining entitlement
• Restoration options (if applicable)

W2 Borrowers

• Last 30 days of pay stubs
• Last 2 years of W-2s
• Last 2 years of tax returns (if needed)

Active Duty

• LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
• BAS/BAH breakdown
• Command letter if ETS is approaching

Retired/Disabled Veterans

• VA disability award letter
• Retirement income documentation

Consistency matters more than complexity.

To verify funds for:

• Earnest money
• Closing costs
• Reserves (if required)

You’ll need:

• Last 2 months of bank statements (all pages)

Important:

Avoid large unexplained deposits.

If receiving gift funds, document them properly.

We will review:

• Credit score
• Payment history
• Current monthly debts
• Deferred student loans

VA loans are flexible — but clarity upfront prevents surprises.

VA appraisals have specific property standards.

Common issues:

• Peeling paint (especially older homes)
• Roof condition
• Broken windows
• Safety hazards
• Missing handrails

Before submitting an offer, it helps to:

• Discuss potential property concerns
• Set expectations with your agent

Preventable appraisal issues are one of the biggest VA delays.

Most VA borrowers pay a VA funding fee unless exempt.

The amount depends on:

• First-time vs subsequent use
• Down payment percentage
• Disability status

We’ll calculate this upfront so there are no surprises.

Changing Jobs During escrow

VA loans allow job changes — but timing matters.

Always discuss changes before making them.

New debt can affect DTI and approval.

Wait until after closing.

Not all condo projects qualify.

We must confirm VA approval status before submitting an offer.

Before writing a VA offer, confirm:

• COE verified
• Disability status confirmed (if applicable)
• Income fully reviewed
• Funds verified
• Property reviewed for potential VA appraisal issues

Clean VA files close smoothly.

San Antonio has one of the largest military communities in the country.

VA loans offer:

• $0 down options
• No monthly mortgage insurance
• Competitive interest rates
• Flexible credit guidelines

When structured properly, they are one of the strongest offer types available.

If you're considering using your VA benefit, we can review eligibility and structure a clean pre-approval quickly.

⭐ Read our Google reviews

Tyler Krug
Mortgage Broker | 210 Mortgage
San Antonio, Texas

📞 210-204-8249
🌐 www.210mortgage.com

VA Loans San Antonio 

Pre-Approval Checklist

Offer Package Checklist

VA Appraisal Guidelines