As of 2025, the VA loan limit for Washoe County (Reno/Sparks area) is $806,500 for a single-family home. This is the conforming loan limit for high-cost areas. However, if you have full VA entitlement remaining, you can technically borrow above this limit with no down payment – the lender just takes on more risk above the limit.

Veterans with partial entitlement or those using their benefit for a second time may need a down payment on amounts above $806,500. Contact us to discuss your specific entitlement situation and buying power in the Reno market.

Our average VA loan closing time in Reno is 21-25 days from accepted offer to keys in hand. This is faster than the national VA loan average of 30-35 days.

Timeline breakdown:

• Pre-approval: Same day to 24 hours
• Home search & offer: Varies (we stay pre-approved throughout)
• Contract to clear-to-close: 14-18 days
• Closing day: 1-2 hours to sign

Get pre-approved before house hunting to expedite the process. Reno's competitive market moves fast – pre-approval gives you an edge.

Yes, but the condo complex must be VA-approved. The VA maintains a list of approved condominiums that meet their safety and financial standards. Many Reno and Sparks condos are VA-approved, particularly newer developments.

Popular VA-approved condo areas in Reno include:

• Downtown Reno condos (several buildings are approved)
• Damonte Ranch area condos
• South Meadows newer developments

If you find a condo you love that's not VA-approved, we can sometimes work with the HOA to get it approved, though this adds 4-8 weeks to the timeline. Ask us to check the VA condo approval list before making an offer.

The VA itself has no minimum credit score requirement, but most lenders (including us) require a minimum 580-600 credit score for VA loans in Nevada. With a 620+ score, you'll have access to the best rates and easiest approval.

Credit score tiers for VA loans:

• 740+: Best rates, easiest approval
• 660-739: Standard rates, smooth process
• 620-659: Slightly higher rate, may need compensating factors
• 580-619: Requires manual underwriting, strong compensating factors

If your credit score is below 620, we can still explore options. Factors like stable income, low debt, and cash reserves can offset lower credit. We specialize in helping veterans improve credit and qualify.

Yes! VA loans are widely accepted in Reno, especially since Nevada has a large military and veteran population (with NAS Fallon nearby and many veterans choosing to retire here). Most Reno sellers understand VA loans and welcome them.

Tips to make your VA offer competitive:

• Get fully pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) before making offers
• Include a strong pre-approval letter from us explaining VA loan benefits to sellers
• Offer to cover minor repairs if inspection reveals small issues (VA does require certain safety standards)
• Write a personal letter to the seller mentioning your service – many appreciate selling to veterans
• Be flexible on closing date to match seller's needs

In Reno's market, VA buyers compete successfully every day. We'll coach you on making your offer stand out while leveraging your zero-down advantage.

The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that helps sustain the VA loan program for future veterans. For first-time VA loan use with 0% down, the fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. On a $575,000 Reno home, that's $12,363 – but it's rolled into your loan, so you don't pay it out of pocket at closing.

Good news: The funding fee is completely waived if you:

• Receive VA disability compensation (any percentage rated by VA)
• Are eligible for VA disability but receive military retirement pay
• Are a surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or from service-connected disability

The fee is also lower if you make a down payment:

• 5-9.99% down: 1.50% funding fee
• 10%+ down: 1.25% funding fee

If you have a VA disability rating (even 0% or 10%), make sure we document this to waive the fee entirely. We'll help you get the VA disability documentation needed if you're eligible.