Everything You Need to Know About Using the VA Loan to Buy a Home in Thurston County

If you're an active-duty service member, veteran, or military family relocating to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), you've likely heard about the VA Loan—one of the most powerful tools available for purchasing a home. At PCS Home Group, our team of top realtors specializes in helping military buyers navigate the VA loan process and find their perfect home in Thurston County and surrounding areas.

Here’s a complete guide to using your VA home loan benefit with confidence.

What Is a VA Loan?

A VA Loan is a mortgage option backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and designed specifically for eligible military service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. It offers significant advantages, especially for first-time homebuyers or those relocating due to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders.

Key Benefits of the VA Loan:

Zero Down Payment – Buy a home with no money down

No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) – Save hundreds monthly

Competitive Interest Rates – Lower than many conventional loans

Lenient Credit Requirements – More forgiving than traditional loans

Reusable Benefit – You can use the VA loan multiple times

📦 PCS to JBLM? Why the VA Loan Makes Sense

Military families receiving PCS orders to Joint Base Lewis-McChord are often on tight timelines and budgets. The VA loan helps you move quickly without needing to save for a massive down payment. At PCS Home Group, we work with you and your lender to streamline the process—so you can get settled near JBLM fast.

Areas We Serve:

Lacey

Olympia

DuPont

Yelm

Tumwater

Thurston County and beyond

🏡 Finding the Right Home with PCS Home Group

Using a VA loan means your home must meet certain property condition standards. That’s where working with top realtors—like those at PCS Home Group—makes all the difference. We know what to look for to ensure your home will pass the VA appraisal and meet loan requirements.

We also help you:

Understand your VA loan eligibility

Connect with VA-experienced lenders

Coordinate showings and offers on VA-eligible properties

Negotiate seller-paid closing costs (yes, that’s allowed!)

🛠 VA Loan Requirements: What to Know

To qualify for a VA loan, you’ll need:

A valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

A minimum credit score (usually around 620)

Proof of steady income

A VA-approved home appraisal

Additionally, the home must be your primary residence (no investment properties), and you’ll need to work with a VA-approved lender—which we’re happy to refer.

💬 Common VA Loan Myths—Busted!

MYTH: VA loans take longer to close.
✅ FACT: With the right team (like PCS Home Group and VA-savvy lenders), they can close just as fast as conventional loans.

MYTH: You can only use the VA loan once.
✅ FACT: You can use it multiple times, even if you’ve owned a home before.

MYTH: Sellers don’t like VA loans.
✅ FACT: When structured properly, VA offers are just as strong—and often more attractive—than others.

📍 Why Buy in Thurston County?

Thurston County, including cities like Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater, is a fantastic place for military families. With top-rated schools, easy access to JBLM, and affordable housing options compared to the Seattle-Tacoma metro, it’s no wonder so many service members choose to buy here.

🎖 Work with PCS Home Group – Your VA Loan Experts

At PCS Home Group, we’re more than just realtors—we’re relocation experts who understand the unique challenges of military moves. We’ve helped hundreds of families use their VA loans to find the right home quickly, efficiently, and stress-free.

Whether you’re PCS-ing to JBLM or ready to settle down in Thurston County, we’re here to help you make the most of your VA loan benefit.

📲 Ready to start your VA home journey?
Contact PCS Home Group today or visit PCSHomeGroup.com to connect with a top realtor near JBLM.