Who Qualifies for a VA Loan

You may be eligible if you’ve served:

• 90 consecutive days of active duty during wartime, or
• 181 days during peacetime, or
• 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves, or
• You’re the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-related cause.

Even if your service path looks a little different, don’t assume you’re not eligible. Many Utah buyers qualify without realizing it — especially Guard members or veterans who’ve had breaks in service.

How to Prove Your Eligibility

You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document confirms your service record and tells your lender you meet VA requirements. You can request it online through the VA, or your lender can often pull it instantly through the VA portal.

Utah-Specific Advantages

Utah veterans have access to several state and county perks. Some counties offer property-tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and Utah’s stable housing market makes the VA loan’s no-down-payment benefit even more valuable. Combined with no monthly mortgage insurance, this program keeps homeownership affordable in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah Counties alike.

Ready to Check Your Eligibility?

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we can confirm your status in minutes. Houzd Mortgage helps Utah veterans get pre-approved, find their COE, and move from service to homeownership with clarity and confidence.

Written by Anthony VanDyke, Utah Mortgage Broker — NMLS #247102 — President at Houzd Mortgage in Draper, Utah.

A mortgage broker since 2006, Anthony has helped thousands of Utah families build a stronger financial future, one home at a time. He believes a mortgage isn’t just a loan — it’s a long-term financial strategy that can shape a family’s wealth and peace of mind.

See what you qualify for with Anthony’s Purchase Qualifier Tool.

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