10/28/2026
🇺🇸 Did you know National Guard and Reserve members may qualify for a VA home loan without serving six years?
Many National Guard and Reserve members believe they must complete six years of military service before they can purchase a home using their VA benefits.
That's not always true!
Depending on the type of military service performed, you could qualify for a VA home loan with as little as 90 days of qualifying active-duty service.
🏡 How long must a National Guard or Reserve member serve to qualify for a VA home loan?
There are three primary eligibility pathways:
✅ 6 creditable years in the Selected Reserve
You may qualify after completing six creditable years of service in the Selected Reserve, provided you meet the applicable continued-service or discharge requirements.
✅ 90 continuous days of qualifying active-duty service
Certain National Guard and Reserve members may qualify after serving at least 90 continuous days on qualifying federal active-duty orders, subject to applicable service-period requirements.
✅ 90 cumulative days of qualifying Title 32 National Guard service
Certain National Guard members may qualify with at least 90 cumulative days of qualifying Title 32 service, including at least 30 consecutive days.
⚠️ Important: Not all military service counts toward the 90-day requirement.
Weekend drills, annual training, and certain types of activation generally do not satisfy the qualifying active-duty requirement.
📋 What documents do National Guard and Reserve members need for a VA home loan?
Depending on your service history, you may need:
📄 NGB Form 22 – National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service
📄 NGB Form 23 – Retirement Points Accounting Statement
📄 DD214 – If you completed qualifying active-duty service
📄 Activation orders – If applicable
📄 Statement of Service – If currently serving
📄 VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Your specific documentation requirements depend on whether you served in the National Guard, Reserves, or qualifying active-duty status.
💳 Does the VA require a minimum credit score?
No! The Department of Veterans Affairs does not establish a minimum credit score for VA home loans.
Eligible borrowers may also benefit from:
🏠 No down payment required in most situations
🏠 No monthly mortgage insurance
🏠 Competitive interest rates
🏠 Opportunities to purchase, build, or refinance a home
🇺🇸 Here's what I want every National Guard and Reserve member to understand:
You don't necessarily have to wait six years to become a homeowner!
If you've been activated, deployed, or completed qualifying military service, you may already be eligible for a VA home loan.
The first step is reviewing your service history and obtaining your VA Certificate of Eligibility.
📍 Are you serving in the National Guard or Reserves near Fort Hood, Killeen, Harker Heights, Temple, Belton, Copperas Cove, or elsewhere in Central Texas?
As a retired Combat Veteran and mortgage loan officer with Veteran MortgageOne, I help military families understand their VA home loan eligibility and navigate the homebuying process.
📞 Call Julian Barrientos at 254-285-1432
🌐 Apply online: Apply4VALoan.com
💬 Not sure whether your military service qualifies? Contact me, and let's review your eligibility before you assume you have to wait.
🇺🇸 You've earned your benefits through service. Let's find out when you can put them to work!
