I’m Michael DiVita — DRE #01372066 | NMLS #241655, DiVita Home Finance (DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700), Tiburon, CA. I’ve been in California mortgage lending since 2000 and founded DiVita Home Finance in 2007. Helping California’s veterans use their VA benefit is one of the most rewarding parts of this work. Call (800) 239-1103 — I answer 7 days a week.

California has more active-duty military, veterans, and surviving spouses than any other state — and DiVita Home Finance has specialized in VA loans in California since 2007. If you’ve served, you deserve the best mortgage benefit available: zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2026 VA Loan Limits in California

In 2026, there is no VA loan limit for veterans with full entitlement. You can borrow as much as a lender will approve with zero down. Veterans with remaining entitlement are subject to county conforming loan limits:

County Type	2026 Limit	Key Counties
Highest-cost (SF/Marin/San Mateo)	$1,249,125	San Francisco, Marin, San Mateo
High-cost	$1,209,750	LA, San Diego, Orange, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sonoma, Napa, Ventura
Baseline	$832,750	Riverside, San Bernardino, Sacramento, Fresno, Kern, Tulare

VA Loan Benefits in California

Zero down payment on any loan amount with full entitlement
No private mortgage insurance (PMI) — saves $200–$800/month vs. conventional
Competitive rates — typically 0.25%–0.50% below conventional
No prepayment penalty
Streamline refinance (IRRRL) with minimal paperwork
VA cash-out refinance up to 100% of home value
Assumable loan — buyer can assume your rate when you sell
Lifetime benefit — use it multiple times

VA Loan Eligibility

You may be eligible if you meet one of these service requirements:

90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime
181 days of active duty during peacetime
6 years in the National Guard or Reserves
Surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from a service-connected disability

You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — we pull this electronically as part of pre-approval at no cost.

VA vs. Conventional Loan Comparison

Requirement	VA Loan	Conventional
Down Payment	0%	3%–20%
Min. Credit Score	580+	620+
PMI	None	Required if <20% down
Max DTI	Up to 60% with residual income	Up to 50%
Mortgage Insurance	One-time funding fee (waived if disabled)	Ongoing PMI until 20% equity

VA Funding Fee 2026

First use, 0% down: 2.15% of loan amount
First use, 5%+ down: 1.50%
First use, 10%+ down: 1.25%
Subsequent use, 0% down: 3.30%
Completely waived for veterans with service-connected disability rating of 10%+

California Military Bases We Serve

Camp Pendleton — Marine Corps, San Diego County
Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) — Port Hueneme & Point Mugu
Travis AFB — Solano County
Edwards AFB — Kern County
29 Palms Marine Corps Base — San Bernardino County
LA Air Force Base — Los Angeles County
March Air Reserve Base — Riverside County
Fort Irwin — High Desert / San Bernardino County

VA Loan FAQs — California

Can I use a VA loan to buy in California with no down payment?

Yes. Veterans with full VA entitlement can purchase a home in California with zero down payment at any loan amount — including homes above $1,249,125 in high-cost counties. There is no VA loan limit for veterans with full entitlement in 2026.

What credit score do I need for a VA loan in California?

The VA itself has no minimum credit score. DiVita Home Finance approves VA loans with scores as low as 580. Most lenders require 620+. A score of 680+ helps you qualify for the lowest available rates.

How long does a VA loan take to close in California?

VA loans in California typically close in 30–45 days. The VA appraisal adds 5–10 business days in most markets. DiVita Home Finance issues pre-approvals within 24 hours and has closed VA loans in as few as 21 days.

Is the VA funding fee waived for disabled veterans?

Yes. The VA funding fee is completely waived for veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher, surviving spouses receiving DIC benefits, and active-duty service members who have received a Purple Heart.

Can I use a VA loan to buy a condo in California?

Yes, but the condo project must be VA-approved. Not all California condo complexes qualify. DiVita Home Finance checks VA approval status instantly and can help initiate approval for projects that meet VA guidelines.

Apply for a VA Loan in California Today

DiVita Home Finance has helped hundreds of California veterans and active-duty service members close VA loans from San Diego to the Bay Area. We handle your COE, guide you through the VA appraisal, and close on time.

Apply online now or call (800) 239-1103 — we answer seven days a week.

Related Resources

Official Sources & References

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Home Loans: Official VA loan eligibility, benefit, and COE information
VA Funding Fee Tables: Current VA funding fee rates by down payment and loan use
Federal Housing Finance Agency — Conforming Loan Limits: 2026 California county loan limits
CFPB — Mortgage Resources: Independent consumer guidance on mortgage options and rights
CalVet Home Loans: California veteran-specific mortgage programs and property tax exemptions

DiVita Home Finance makes reasonable efforts to keep this information current. Verify official requirements with the VA and relevant agencies before making financing decisions. DRE #01818285 | NMLS #323700.

VA Loans California 2026 | Zero Down for Veterans | DiVita Home Finance