Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #2103600 · Nationwide
VA Loans in Tampa, FL — Zero-Down Home Financing for Veterans
Tampa is home to MacDill Air Force Base and a large military community, and Vanessa Schlitt helps veterans and active-duty service members use their VA loan benefit to buy with no down payment and no PMI — in Tampa Bay or anywhere in the country.
What Is a VA Loan
A Benefit Earned Through Service
VA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain National Guard and Reserve members. Because the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, lenders can offer 0% down payment and skip private mortgage insurance entirely — a significant savings compared to conventional financing.
With MacDill Air Force Base anchoring South Tampa, Vanessa works regularly with service members relocating to or from the Tampa Bay area, as well as veterans settling into civilian life throughout Brandon, Westchase, and New Tampa.
Qualifying
What You'll Typically Need
- A valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA
- Minimum active-duty, Guard, or Reserve service requirements met
- Acceptable credit and debt-to-income profile
- Intent to occupy the property as your primary residence
- Funds to cover the VA funding fee, unless exempt due to disability rating
Common Questions
VA Loan FAQ
Who is eligible for a VA loan?
Veterans, active-duty service members, and certain National Guard and Reserve members who meet minimum service requirements and hold a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA. Some surviving spouses also qualify.
Do I need a down payment for a VA loan?
No. VA loans allow 0% down for eligible borrowers on qualifying loan amounts, and they don't require private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Can I use a VA loan near MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa?
Yes. Vanessa helps service members and veterans stationed at or near MacDill AFB finance homes throughout South Tampa, Westshore, and the greater Tampa Bay area using VA loan benefits.
How many times can I use my VA loan benefit?
VA loan benefits can typically be reused multiple times over your lifetime, as long as you have remaining entitlement and meet occupancy and eligibility requirements for each use.
Is there a funding fee for VA loans?
Most borrowers pay a VA funding fee, which can often be financed into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating are typically exempt from this fee.