VA loans are one of the most powerful benefits military families earn – yet they’re still surrounded by outdated myths that cause unnecessary stress, hesitation, and missed opportunities.

I hear these concerns all the time:

• “Sellers won’t accept VA loans.”
• “VA appraisals always kill deals.”
• “VA loans take forever to close.”

The truth?
Most of these beliefs are rooted in old market conditions or experiences in markets where VA loans are uncommon.

San Antonio is different.

As one of the most veteran-dense cities in the country, VA loans are not the exception here – they’re part of the norm. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

---

Why VA Loan Myths Still Exist

Many VA loan myths come from:

• Advice passed down from older PCS moves
• Experiences in markets with little military presence
• Inexperienced agents or lenders unfamiliar with VA guidelines

In a city like San Antonio – where military buyers make up a significant portion of the market – VA loans are widely understood by sellers, agents, and lenders alike.

Context matters.

---

Myth #1: “Sellers Won’t Accept VA Loans”

Reality: In San Antonio, VA loans are widely accepted and competitive.

The San Antonio-New Braunfels metro consistently ranks among the top VA loan purchase markets in the U.S. Nearly one in eight homebuyers here has military ties.

Because of that:

• Sellers are familiar with VA financing
• Listing agents understand the process
• VA offers are not automatically seen as “risky”

What sellers actually care about isn’t the loan type – it’s:

• A clean offer structure
• A strong, VA-experienced lender
• Realistic timelines

In this market, a well-written VA offer competes just fine.

---

Myth #2: “VA Appraisals Are Deal Killers”

Reality: VA appraisals are predictable when handled correctly.

VA appraisals focus on three things:

• Safety
• Soundness
• Sanitation

The most common issues I see flagged are:

• Wood rot
• Wood-to-ground contact (especially decks or trim)
• Foliage touching the home

These aren’t surprises if you know what to look for.

A big part of my strategy is addressing potential VA appraisal issues during the option period, either by:

• Identifying them early
• Pre-negotiating repairs
• Or advising on cost-effective fixes

This proactive approach often saves buyers thousands of dollars and avoids last-minute friction.

VA appraisals don’t derail deals, lack of preparation does.

---

Myth #3: “VA Loans Take Longer to Close”

Reality: VA loans typically close on standard timelines.

In today’s market, VA loans often close in 30 days, similar to conventional financing.

When delays happen, it’s usually due to:

• Missing documentation
• Inexperienced lenders
• Poor communication between parties

That’s not a VA issue – it’s a team issue.

Working with a lender and agent who understand military timelines makes all the difference.

---

Myth #4: “VA Buyers Are Riskier Buyers”

Reality: VA buyers are often some of the most stable borrowers.

VA loans require:

• Verified income
• Stable employment
• Strong residual income requirements

Historically, VA loans have low default rates, which is why the benefit exists in the first place.

VA buyers aren’t risky – they’re well-qualified and well-vetted.

---

Myth #5: “You Can Only Use a VA Loan Once”

Reality: VA loan benefits are reusable and flexible.

Depending on your situation:

• Entitlement can be restored after selling
• Partial entitlement can be used more than once
• Dual VA entitlement may be possible for military couples

This is where guidance matters. Incorrect assumptions about entitlement can lead buyers to unnecessarily avoid using a benefit they’ve earned.

---

Why These Myths Still Hurt Buyers

Believing VA loan myths can cause military buyers to:

• Avoid using their VA benefit
• Accept worse loan terms
• Lose confidence when making offers

The real differentiator isn’t the VA loan itself – it’s:

• The strategy
• The local market knowledge
• The experience of your team

---

San Antonio Is a VA-Friendly Market

San Antonio’s military presence changes the conversation entirely.

High VA loan usage means:

• More experienced agents and lenders
• Sellers who are familiar with VA transactions
• Fewer misconceptions overall

Advice that applies in markets with minimal military populations doesn’t always apply here.

That’s why local context matters.

---

The Bottom Line

VA loans are not weak, slow, or risky – they’re sometimes misunderstood.

In a VA-friendly market like San Antonio, a well-structured VA offer can be every bit as competitive as any other financing option.

Military families shouldn’t feel like they need to justify using a benefit they’ve earned.

---

If you’re planning to use a VA loan in San Antonio and want to separate fact from fiction, a buyer consultation can help you move forward with confidence and a clear strategy.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Are VA loans harder for sellers?

In San Antonio, no. VA loans are common, and most sellers are familiar with them. Offer strength and structure matter far more than loan type.

Do VA appraisals always require repairs?

No. VA appraisals only flag issues related to safety, soundness, and sanitation – many of which are minor and easily addressed.

Can VA loans compete in multiple-offer situations?

Yes. Strong terms, solid lenders, and realistic timelines make VA offers competitive in this market.

Do VA loans take longer to close?

Not typically. Most close within standard timelines when handled by experienced professionals.

Does San Antonio treat VA loans differently than other markets?

Yes – because VA loans are so common here, misconceptions tend to carry far less weight than in non-military markets.

---

Jennifer Anderson is a San Antonio Realtor and military spouse who focuses on educating VA buyers and military families about using VA loans successfully – particularly in far west San Antonio neighborhoods. She combines local market knowledge with clear, practical guidance to help VA buyers make confident decisions.