VA Loan Kansas City | 2027 Zero-Down Homebuying Guide
VA Loan Kansas City: Zero Down Home Buying for Veterans in 2027
By Jason DeLong, Kansas City real estate agent with Heartland Homes KC at eXp Realty
Zero down. No private mortgage insurance. And you can use it again. In my view, the VA loan is the strongest mortgage option on the market for many eligible buyers. I’d like to see more Kansas City buyers ask about it before they start shopping.
I’ve spent more than 25 years in real estate, including building and renovating homes. I want buyers to leave closing with enough cash to handle the move and whatever the house needs next. The VA loan can help you keep that money in reserve. If you’re planning a 2027 move on either side of the state line, schedule a call with Heartland Homes KC.
VA Loan Requirements for 2027
A VA-backed purchase loan comes from a private lender. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees part of the loan. Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and some surviving spouses may qualify. Start with the VA home loan eligibility rules.
Here’s what you’ll need to buy a home with the benefit.
A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE. You can request it through the VA or ask your lender to pull it.
Lender approval based on your credit, income and debts. The VA sets no minimum credit score, but individual lenders can set their own.
A home you intend to occupy as your primary residence. You can also buy a duplex or another property with up to four units if you’ll live in one of them.
A VA appraisal that establishes the home’s value and checks basic property standards.
With full entitlement, there’s no VA county loan limit. Your lender still determines how much you qualify to borrow. Zero down generally works when you qualify for the loan, have enough entitlement and the home appraises at or above the purchase price. Your lender can help you check all three. See how VA entitlement and loan limits work.
VA Funding Fee Explained
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that helps support the loan program. The VA bases it on your loan amount. For a VA-backed purchase, here’s the current fee schedule for borrowers who pay the fee.
Less than 5% down on your first use: 2.15%.
Less than 5% down on a later use: 3.30%.
At least 5% down but less than 10%: 1.50%.
At least 10% down: 1.25%.
On a $350,000 purchase with zero down, that’s $7,525 on a first use or $11,550 on a later use. You can pay the fee at closing or roll it into the loan. Financing it increases the balance you pay interest on. Some borrowers qualify for an exemption, including veterans receiving VA compensation for a service-connected disability. Ask your lender to confirm your exemption status before you compare quotes. Review the VA funding fee chart and exemptions.
What Will You Need to Bring to Closing?
Even with a $0 down payment, budget for the appraisal, title fees, prepaid taxes and homeowners insurance. You may also pay for an inspection before closing. Ask your lender for a written Loan Estimate so you can see the projected cash to close alongside the monthly payment.
A seller or builder can agree to cover eligible closing costs. The VA separately limits seller concessions, such as covering your VA funding fee, to 4% of the home’s VA-determined reasonable value. That distinction matters when you’re deciding how much to request in an offer. Read the VA’s closing cost and seller credit rules.
Can You Use a VA Loan Twice?
Yes. The VA home loan is a reusable benefit. If you sell the home and pay off the previous VA loan, you can request restoration of the entitlement you used. If you’ve paid off the loan and still own the home, the VA also offers a one-time restoration option.
You may be able to keep an existing VA loan and use your remaining entitlement to buy another primary residence. In that case, the lender checks your remaining entitlement against the county loan limit where you’re buying. You may need a down payment. Get that calculation before you decide whether to keep or sell your current home. Read the VA’s rules for reusing your benefit.
Using a VA Loan Near Fort Leavenworth or Whiteman AFB
Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
If you’re reporting to Fort Leavenworth, start with Leavenworth and Lansing. Then expand your search if the commute works. Check the drive to the gate you’ll use at the time you’ll actually report. A Saturday showing gives you a feel for the house. A weekday drive gives you a feel for the routine. Check Fort Leavenworth’s installation information.
Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri
For a move to Whiteman, start with Knob Noster and Warrensburg. Add Sedalia if an east-side commute suits your household. If one person needs to get to the base and another works in the Kansas City metro, map both drives before narrowing your search. See Whiteman’s local housing resources.
The best neighborhoods in Kansas City depend on your commute, budget and daily routine. Compare property taxes, insurance and drive times by address as you explore Kansas City neighborhoods on both sides of the state line. If you’re new to the metro, start with our Kansas City relocation guide.
How to Write a Strong VA Offer in Kansas City
Get preapproved early. Ask your lender to verify your COE, entitlement and estimated cash to close. If you’re relocating on military orders, share your expected arrival and move-in dates.
Look past fresh paint. My building and renovation background makes me pay attention to drainage, roof condition and signs of movement. The VA appraisal checks value and basic property standards. A separate home inspection gives you a closer look at the home’s condition. See the VA’s homebuying steps.
Work out what to ask for. If you need help with closing costs, compare the effect of a seller credit with the effect of a lower price. If you’re looking at new construction, ask your lender how any builder incentives work with your VA loan. Read our guide to builder incentives and mortgage buydowns.
Check the contract for the VA escape clause. If the VA’s reasonable value comes in below the contract price, the clause gives you the option to walk away without forfeiting your earnest money. You can also try to renegotiate. Read how the VA escape clause works.
Buying With a VA Loan While Selling Your Current Home
If your old home has a VA loan, start with the lender’s entitlement calculation. Then estimate what you’d actually walk away with after the payoff and selling costs. Start with your Kansas City home value, then use our Kansas City seller closing costs guide to see what goes into that net figure.
If timing is tight and you’re comparing cash home buyers in Kansas City, request cash offers for your current home. Compare the net proceeds and closing dates against a listed sale. If you have room to list, see the Heartland Homes KC 100+ Point Marketing Plan. If you’re thinking about handling the sale yourself, read our Kansas City For Sale by Owner guide.
Plan Your Kansas City VA Home Purchase
If you’re buying your first home, moving on orders or using your VA benefit again, Jana and I can help you narrow the search and build an offer around your budget and move date. Bring your target monthly payment, reporting date if you have one, and any questions about selling your current home. Schedule a call with Heartland Homes KC.
