How VA Loans Are Powering a Comeback for Service Members and Veterans

For decades, VA loans have been one of the most valuable benefits available to those who’ve served our country. Now, after several years of intense housing competition, veterans are finally seeing a real shift , and the numbers prove it.
According to recent reporting from Newsweek, the share of homes purchased using VA loans has grown to its highest level in years. In August alone, VA loans accounted for 7.3% of all mortgaged home sales, a jump from 6.5% just one year ago. At the same time, conventional loan purchases dropped nearly 9%.
That’s a clear sign: veterans are reclaiming their place in the housing market.

The Market Is Finally Leveling for Veterans
During the pandemic and post-pandemic bidding wars, many veteran buyers found themselves on the sidelines. Sellers preferred cash offers or large down payments , and VA loans, with their government-backed structure and longer appraisal timelines, were often overlooked.
But that’s changing. As competition cools and inventory rises, sellers are more open to VA-financed buyers. In other words, the playing field is finally becoming fair again.
In strong military markets like Virginia Beach and Jacksonville, nearly one in five home sales now use VA financing. That trend is starting to ripple across the country and the Portland-Vancouver area is no exception.

Why VA Loans Offer a Real Advantage
If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, you’re eligible for one of the most flexible and cost-effective home loans on the market. Here’s what makes it such a powerful tool:
• Zero Down Payment – Buy with no money down in most cases.
• No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) – Save hundreds every month compared to conventional loans.
• Competitive Interest Rates – Backed by the VA, lenders offer lower rates and better terms.
• Flexible Credit Requirements – VA guidelines are designed to support veterans, not penalize them.
• Lifetime Benefit – You can use your VA loan more than once — even to refinance later.
With rising rents and more homes sitting on the market longer, there’s never been a better time to leverage these benefits.

What Portland-Area Veterans Should Know
Locally, we’re seeing more VA buyers successfully getting their offers accepted, especially when they’re well-prepared and represented by agents who understand the VA process.
At Northwest Realty Source, we help veterans:
• Get fully pre-approved with trusted local VA-experienced lenders.
• Structure offers that make sellers confident in VA financing.
• Identify homes that meet VA property standards and avoid costly surprises later.
• Navigate inspections, appraisals, and closing smoothly.
From Beaverton to Camas, Hillsboro to Lake Oswego, our team knows the local market and how to position VA buyers to win.

Steps to Get Started
1. Request Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the VA portal or your lender.
2. Connect with a VA-approved lender to determine your purchase power and benefits.
3. Work with a broker experienced in VA transactions (that’s us).
4. Start your home search — we’ll identify homes that fit your criteria and budget.
5. Make your offer with confidence. The market is balanced, and your VA loan is a strength, not a limitation.

Final Thoughts
If you’ve served, you’ve already earned the right to own a home on the best possible terms. The housing market is shifting in your favor , and the VA loan program is giving veterans the upper hand again.
At Northwest Realty Source, we’ve helped countless veterans and military families find  their homes here in the Portland-Vancouver region. We know how to make your VA benefit work for you, step by step.

You served our country. Now let us serve you!