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How to Apply for a VA Loan in Madison, WI: Step-by-Step Guide for Local Veterans

  • John Reuter
  • Mar 19
  • 3 min read

Family with child and soldier holding flags in a sunny park. Text: How to Get Started using your VA Home Loan Benefits.

For veterans in Madison, Sun Prairie, and Dane County, VA loans offer an incredible opportunity to buy a home with zero down payment, competitive interest rates, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).


But how do you apply for a VA loan in Madison, WI? What are the requirements, local lender options, and common mistakes to avoid?


We spoke with Mike Schroeder, a Senior VA Loan Specialist in Madison, to walk through the VA loan application process step-by-step so local veterans can buy a home with confidence.

 

Step 1: Determine Your VA Loan Eligibility

Before applying, you must verify VA loan eligibility.


You qualify if:

✅ You are an active-duty service member, veteran, or National Guard/Reserve member

✅ You have sufficient credit and income

✅ You plan to use the loan for a primary residence or investment property (you must occupy one of the 4 units)


📌 How to Get Your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE):

  • Request it through the VA eBenefits portal

  • Ask your VA-approved lender to obtain it for you

  • Mail VA Form 26-1880 to the VA

  • Just make the lender do it for you :-)


📢 Mike Schroeder’s Advice:

“Many veterans don’t realize how easy it is to get their Certificate of Eligibility (COE). In most cases, we can pull it directly for you in minutes.”
 

Step 2: Find a VA-Approved Lender in Madison, WI

Not all lenders are VA loan specialists. Choosing a VA-approved lender in Madison ensures you get:

💰 Lower VA interest rates

🏡 A streamlined approval process

📋 Guidance on VA loan-specific requirements


📍 Top Local VA Lenders in Madison, WI:

📢 Why Work With a Local Lender?

“A local VA lender understands Madison’s housing market and can negotiate better terms for veterans.” – Tony Burns
 

Step 3: Get Pre-Approved for Your VA Loan

🏡 Pre-approval gives you buying power. It shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and helps you:

✔️ Know your budget before house-hunting

✔️ Speed up the closing process

✔️ Strengthen your offer in a competitive market

📌 What You’ll Need for Pre-Approval:

📂 COE (Certificate of Eligibility) - Most VA Lenders can do this for you!

📂 Tax returns & W-2s (Past Two Years)

📂 Recent pay stubs or LES (Last 2)

📂 Bank statements (Last 2 months)


📢 Mike Schroeder’s Advice:

“Getting pre-approved early prevents surprises. You’ll know exactly how much home you can afford in Madison’s competitive market.”
 

Step 4: Find Your Dream Home in Madison, WI

Now the fun begins! Start house hunting in Madison, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, or Middleton with a VA-experienced real estate agent (Like ME - John Reuter!).

 

Step 5: Submit Your VA Loan Application & Close on Your Home

Once you find a home and your offer is accepted:

📌 Lender orders the VA appraisal

📌 Final loan approval & underwriting

📌 Closing day! Sign paperwork and get the keys to your new home

🏡 Closing Costs: While VA loans have lower closing costs, you may still need to cover:

💰 VA funding fee (exempt if you have a service-connected disability)

💰 Appraisal & title fees

💰 Homeowners insurance & property taxes


📢 Mike Schroeder’s Advice:

“Veterans can ask for seller concessions to reduce out-of-pocket costs at closing. In Madison, this can save buyers thousands!”
 

Are You Ready to Apply for a VA Loan in Madison?


Buying a home with a VA loan in Madison, WI is easier when you have the right team behind you. With zero down payment, no PMI, and local VA loan specialists ready to help, there’s no better time to start your home-buying journey!


📞 Thinking of Buying or Selling?  Call John Reuter at 608-669-4226 to get started or e-mail📧 john@integrityhomeswi.com


🎙️ The Veteran Realtor Podcast | Helping Veterans Navigate Real Estate & VA Benefits

📍 Hosted by John Reuter – Air Force Veteran & Madison’s Trusted Realtor

🔗 Follow & Subscribe:

🌎 Website: theveteranrealtor.com

📸 Instagram: The Veteran Realtor

🎥 YouTube: The Veteran Realtor


🎖️ John Reuter

📩 For inquiries or guest requests:

📞 Call/Text: 608-669-4226


🎖️ Serving Those Who Served – Making Homeownership Easy for Veterans!

 
 
 

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