1019 ET - A 0% down Veterans Affairs home loan can help first-time veteran buyers move in 4.4 years sooner than with a typical conventional loan, according to Realtor.com and the National Association of Realtors. NAR found that 74% of first-time VA loan users put 0% down, compared with a 12% median down payment for conventional first-time buyers. With a VA loan, borrowers only need to cover standard closing costs, which are similar for both types of loans. On a typical $430,000 home, a conventional buyer would need roughly $51,600 upfront that a VA loan buyer wouldn't need. For a first-time buyer saving 15% of a median $78,700 annual gross income, it would take about 4.4 years to accumulate that amount. In short, a 0% down VA loan lets buyers enter the market and start building equity years sooner. (chris.wack@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

November 10, 2025 10:19 ET (15:19 GMT)

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