VA Loan Myths Madison Homebuyers Should Ignore

John Reuter
May 19
3 min read

When it comes to using your VA loan in Madison, WI, misinformation can be just as dangerous as a bad credit score. The truth is, many veterans in Dane County are misled by outdated info, well-meaning friends, or even professionals who don’t fully understand VA loans.

We’re setting the record straight—with help from Mike Schroeder, a Senior VA Loan Officer with Guaranteed Rate here in Madison. Whether you’re stationed at Truax Field, recently separated, or relocating with a PCS, this article will help you avoid common traps and move forward with confidence.

🚫 MYTH #1: The VA Loan Process is Too Complicated

A lot of veterans assume VA loans are a bureaucratic nightmare. The truth? VA loans are no more difficult than other loans—if you're working with the right team. Mike Schroeder stresses that education and proactive guidance are key. You need people who specialize in VA loans, not just general lending.

“It’s all about education… being proactive, not reactive,” says Mike. “If you’ve got a team who knows VA loans, they’ll walk you through it step-by-step.” - Mike Schroeder, Senior Loan Officer, Guaranteed Rate

🏚️ MYTH #2: The VA Has Overly Strict Property Requirements

This is a big one—and it's where a lot of local veterans in Madison and Sun Prairie are being misinformed.

Recently, some home inspectors have been incorrectly claiming what’s a VA requirement and what’s not. That’s dangerous. As Mike points out in our interview, only VA-certified appraisers can determine VA compliance—not home inspectors.

🎥 [INSERT VIDEO HERE](Embed your YouTube video here with Mike Schroeder titled: “VA Loan Requirements in Madison, WI | What Home Inspectors Get Wrong!”)

“It’s honestly frustrating,” Mike says. “Inspectors start calling things out like they’re VA rules, and it causes panic that’s totally unnecessary.” - Mike Schroeder, Senior Loan Officer, Guaranteed Rate

So the next time an inspector makes a VA-related claim, ask them: “Are you a VA-approved appraiser?” Chances are… they’re not.

💰 MYTH #3: You Can Only Use the VA Loan Once

False. You can use your VA loan benefit as many times as you qualify for—and even hold more than one at a time in certain cases. This myth stops too many veterans in Dane County from taking full advantage of their benefits.

If you're buying your next home or relocating, your VA loan can still be an option. Don’t let misinformation slow you down.

💥 MYTH #4: You’ll Always Pay Higher Fees or Rates

Actually, VA loans often offer competitive interest rates and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). Combine that with $0 down, and it’s hard to beat the value of a VA-backed mortgage.

Mike and his team at Guaranteed Rate specialize in helping veterans find customized loan options that fit both their budget and timeline.

🎯 Bottom Line: You Need a Veteran-Focused Team

If you’re buying a home in Madison, Sun Prairie, or across Dane County, surround yourself with professionals who speak VA fluently.

As a veteran myself, I created The Veteran Realtor Podcast to help people just like you navigate the benefits and real estate opportunities you've earned. This isn’t just about selling homes—it’s about serving those who served.

💬 Let’s Talk VA Loans

Ready to buy, still exploring, or confused by what you’ve been told? Let’s connect. You’ve got questions—we’ve got answers (and the right local team to back you up).

📍 Madison-based. Veteran-owned. Service-focused.