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VA loans remain one of the most underused benefits available to eligible buyers — many veterans either don’t realize they still qualify after their first home purchase, or assume the process is more complicated than it actually is. With Veterans Day this month, here’s a real, practical breakdown of what a VA loan actually offers Maryland buyers in 2026.
The Core Benefit: Zero Down Payment
Most VA-eligible borrowers with full entitlement can purchase a home with no down payment at all — a meaningfully different starting point than a conventional loan.1 You’ll still need cash for closing costs and prepaid items like taxes and insurance (see our full closing costs in Maryland guide for what that typically looks like), but the down payment barrier that stops many buyers simply doesn’t apply.
2026 Loan Limits in Maryland
The 2026 conforming loan limit is $832,750 across most Maryland counties, including Howard County.1 That said, if you have full VA entitlement, there technically isn’t a VA-imposed cap on how much you can borrow — your lender’s underwriting determines the actual amount based on your income, debts, and credit, not a fixed VA ceiling.1
Understanding the VA Funding Fee
Most VA loans carry a one-time funding fee instead of monthly mortgage insurance. For a first-time VA loan use with no down payment, that fee is 2.15% of the loan amount — on a $400,000 loan, that’s $8,600, which most borrowers roll into the loan rather than pay upfront.1 Several groups are exempt from this fee entirely: veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher, Purple Heart recipients, and certain surviving spouses.1
No VA-Set Minimum Credit Score
The VA itself doesn’t set a minimum credit score requirement — that’s set by individual lenders, and most use around 620 as an internal benchmark.1 You’ll still want a full pre-approval and your Certificate of Eligibility in hand before you start touring homes, the same as with any loan type.
Maryland-Specific Veteran Benefits Worth Knowing About
- Property tax exemption: Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, those rated permanently unemployable, and certain surviving spouses may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence in Maryland — applied for through your county’s assessment office.1
- Maryland Mortgage Program veteran exception: MMP’s down payment assistance products generally require first-time buyer status, but veterans get a one-time exemption from that requirement (a copy of your DD-214 is required) — meaning a veteran who’s owned a home before can still potentially access MMP’s down payment assistance. We cover MMP’s specific down payment programs in more detail in our guide to how much house you can afford in Maryland.
- Department of Veterans and Military Families (DVMF): provides state-level referrals for housing, education, and employment support beyond just the loan itself.1
Condos and Multi-Unit Properties
If you’re considering a condo, it needs to be VA-approved or pass a project review before your loan can close — not every condo building in Howard County will already carry that approval, so confirm this early rather than after you’ve fallen in love with a unit.1 VA loans also allow up to four units if you occupy one as your primary residence, which opens the door to house-hacking strategies some veteran buyers aren’t aware they qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a down payment for a VA loan in Maryland?
Most borrowers with full VA entitlement can buy with zero down payment. You’ll still need funds for closing costs and prepaid escrow items.
What is the VA funding fee and can it be avoided?
It’s a one-time fee (2.15% of the loan amount for a first-time, zero-down use) that replaces ongoing mortgage insurance. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher, Purple Heart recipients, and certain surviving spouses are exempt.
Is there a VA loan limit in Howard County, Maryland?
The 2026 conforming limit is $832,750, but borrowers with full entitlement aren’t subject to a hard VA-imposed cap — your actual borrowing amount depends on lender underwriting.
Can a veteran who already owns a home still get Maryland down payment assistance?
Often yes — the Maryland Mortgage Program’s down payment assistance typically requires first-time buyer status, but veterans get a one-time exemption from that rule with a DD-214 on file.
Does Executive Home Group work with veteran and military buyers?
Yes — Ryan Byrd and Rebeca Garcia work with VA loan buyers regularly and can help connect you with a VA-experienced lender if you don’t already have one.
Ready to put your VA benefit to work in Howard County or central Maryland? Schedule a consultation with Ryan or Rebeca — we’ll help you understand exactly what your benefit covers before you start touring homes.
Source:
1. VA Loan Network, Maryland VA Loans 2026: Limits, Rates & State Guide — accessed November 2026
