A Mortgage in Kent County: Step-by-Step Process for Veterans and Active Service Members

Buying a home is a major milestone, especially for veterans and active-duty service members. In Kent County, Michigan, VA-backed mortgages provide a pathway to homeownership with no down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). But many service members are unsure about how the process really works.

This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of getting a VA mortgage in Kent County, with practical numbers and insights to help you make the best decision in 2025.

Why VA Loans Matter in Kent County

Housing affordability continues to challenge many Americans, but VA loans offer unique advantages for veterans and active service members.

• Kent County median home price (2025): around $285,000 (Zillow data)
  
  
• National VA loan limit (2025): $766,550 (higher in some counties)
  
  
• Average VA mortgage rate (2025): ~6.2% for 30-year fixed
• Typical monthly payment on a $250,000 VA loan at 6.2%: about $1,530 (principal + interest)

With no down payment requirement, VA borrowers in Kent County can realistically afford homes close to the county median price without stretching their budgets.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

The first step is confirming whether you qualify for a VA loan. You may be eligible if you are:

• An active-duty service member with at least 90 continuous days of service
  
  
• A veteran who meets minimum service requirements
  
  
• A surviving spouse of a service member who died in service or due to a service-connected disability

Tip: Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the VA or ask your lender to obtain it for you.

Step 2: Get Pre-Approved

Pre-approval is essential for veterans and active service members looking to buy in Kent County’s competitive housing market.

A lender will review your:

• Credit score (VA does not set a minimum, but most lenders prefer 620 or higher)
  
  
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI), ideally 41% or lower
  
  
• Employment and income history

With pre-approval, you’ll know exactly how much home you can afford, which strengthens your offer when bidding on a property.

Step 3: Find the Right Home in Kent County

Kent County includes cities like Grand Rapids, Wyoming, and East Grand Rapids, each with its own housing trends.

• Grand Rapids: growing demand for starter homes, averaging $290,000
• Wyoming: more affordable options, median price $245,000
• East Grand Rapids: premium homes, often $400,000+

VA loan benefits apply across the county, giving you flexibility in choosing the right neighborhood.

Step 4: Make an Offer and Sign a Purchase Agreement

Once you’ve found a home, your realtor will help submit an offer. If accepted, you’ll sign a purchase agreement, which locks in your buying terms.

Good news for VA borrowers: Unlike conventional buyers, you don’t need to provide a 5–20% down payment. This allows you to save thousands upfront.

Step 5: VA Appraisal and Home Inspection

The VA requires a property appraisal to ensure the home meets Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) and is worth the purchase price.

• Average VA appraisal fee in Michigan: $600–$800
  
  
• Appraisal timeline: about 10 business days

While not required, a home inspection is highly recommended to uncover potential issues before finalizing the purchase.

Step 6: Underwriting and Loan Approval

During underwriting, the lender reviews all documents—income, credit, appraisal, and purchase agreement.

Common documents needed:

• Recent pay stubs and W-2s
  
  
• Bank statements (2–3 months)
  
  
• DD Form 214 (for veterans)

This stage ensures the loan meets both VA and lender requirements. Approval times vary but often take 30–45 days.

Step 7: Closing on Your VA Mortgage

Closing is the final step in securing your Kent County home.

Typical VA loan closing costs:

• 1–3% of loan amount
  
  
• VA funding fee: 2.15% for first-time borrowers without service-connected disability (waived if disabled)

Example: On a $250,000 loan, closing costs may be about $5,000–$7,500. Many costs can be negotiated or covered by seller credits.

Key Benefits for Veterans in 2025

• No down payment required – saves $10,000+ compared to conventional loans
  
  
• Competitive rates – VA rates often 0.25–0.5% lower than conventional
  
  
• No PMI – saving borrowers $200–$400 monthly
• Flexible credit standards – more forgiving than FHA or conventional loans

FAQs

1) What is the VA loan limit for Kent County in 2025?

The baseline VA loan limit is $766,550, which easily covers Kent County’s average home price of around $285,000, giving veterans plenty of buying power.

2) Do I need a down payment for a VA loan in Kent County?

No. VA loans do not require a down payment, even for homes priced above the county’s median value, making them ideal for first-time buyers.

3) How long does it take to close a VA loan in Michigan?

The average timeline is 30–45 days, depending on appraisal scheduling, underwriting, and how quickly documents are submitted.

4) Can I use a VA loan more than once?

Yes. Veterans can reuse their VA entitlement for multiple home purchases, provided they meet eligibility and entitlement requirements.

5) What are typical VA mortgage rates in 2025?

Rates for VA loans in 2025 average around 6.2% for 30-year fixed and 5.75% for 15-year fixed, offering lower monthly payments than many conventional mortgages.

Final Thoughts

For veterans and active service members, securing a mortgage in Kent County doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With rising VA loan limits, competitive rates, and no down payment requirements, 2025 offers an excellent time to buy a home.

At Midwest Mortgage, we specialize in guiding veterans through every step of the VA loan process, helping you achieve homeownership in Kent County with confidence.