This valuable piece of paper empowers you to buy a house with no money down. VA interest rates are typically 1% or so higher than a conventional loan, but that’s a small price to pay for not having to provide a large amount of cash up front.

Complete VA Form 26-1880 “Request for a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits”. If you have received a certificate in the past, it’s a good idea to have a current one in your files, as the amount of benefits change regularly. Even if you don’t plan to purchase a home in the foreseeable future, it’ll be easier to complete the form while you’re transitioning and have all your military data readily available.

This is a huge benefit to you for having served. Please take advantage of it!