Buying a home using VA loan?

As a Texas veteran, your primary financial advantage when using a VA loan for a $320,000 home is the exemption from the VA funding fee if you receive VA disability compensation (38 CFR 3.400(o)(1)); this alone saves thousands. Your closing costs will include standard items like title insurance, recording fees, lender fees, and an initial escrow deposit for taxes and insurance, but you cannot be charged for certain prohibited fees (e.g., attorney fees for the lender) per VA rules. Critically, Texas offers a 100% property tax exemption on the total appraised value of your primary residence if you are rated 100% disabled (or meet other criteria per Texas Tax Code § 11.22), a massive ongoing savings. For actionable steps: first, obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to confirm your entitlement and funding fee exemption. Next, shop for a VA-approved lender experienced with Texas veterans to get a Loan Estimate detailing all costs. You may also explore housing grants like the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant if you have specific service-connected disabilities (38 U.S.C. § 2101) for adaptations. Remember, you can negotiate for the seller to pay a portion of your closing costs (up to 4% of the loan in some cases) to further reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

**Disclaimer:** This information is for educational purposes regarding VA benefits and is not intended as legal, financial, or medical advice. For definitive guidance, consult the VA, a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent, and a qualified mortgage professional.