VA loans in Kansas & Missouri
Thank you for your service. VA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offer eligible veterans and service members 100% financing with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. Jim helps veterans and active-duty members navigate the home buying process and make full use of the benefits they have earned.
Who Qualifies for a VA Loan?
Veterans — Who meet VA service requirements.
Active-duty service members — Currently serving in the U.S. military.
Reservists and National Guard members — Who have served or currently serve on active duty.
Benefits of a VA Loan
100% Financing
Purchase or refinance with no down payment required for eligible borrowers.
No Monthly Mortgage Insurance
VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance, lowering your payment.
Flexible Credit Guidelines
You may qualify for a VA loan with less-than-perfect credit.
Fixed or Adjustable Rates
Choose the loan structure that fits your plans.
How Much Can You Borrow With a VA Loan?
Veterans with full entitlement are not limited by VA loan limits. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, passed in 2019, removed the cap for borrowers with full entitlement. Veterans with partial entitlement can still purchase above the county limit with a small down payment, depending on eligibility. Larger loan sizes are also available in high-cost counties.
What Property Types Qualify for VA Loans?
1–4 unit residential properties — No down payment is required, although reserve requirements may apply.
VA-approved condominiums — The condo project must be approved by the VA.
Townhomes — Eligible as a primary residence.
Farm residences are not eligible for VA loans; however, there is no maximum acreage, and VA funds can be applied to home construction. With a larger down payment, a veteran may also obtain a VA loan with a non-spouse co-borrower.
Why Work With Jim Yarrington?
28+ years of mortgage experience — Jim has guided Kansas City homeowners through purchases, refinances, and equity decisions for nearly three decades.
In-house underwriting — First State Bank Mortgage has its own staff of underwriters who know the guidelines, providing more flexibility and faster answers.
Efficient closings — Our team can close VA loans in 30 to 35 days when the buyer stays engaged throughout the process.
Local to Kansas City — Jim has called the Kansas City area home for nearly three decades and serves clients on both sides of the state line.
How the VA Loan Process Works
Consultation — Review your eligibility, goals, and budget with Jim.
Certificate of Eligibility — We help obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
Pre-approval — Verify your credit, income, and assets.
Home search and offer — Find a home with your real estate agent and make an offer.
VA appraisal — The property is appraised and reviewed against VA standards.
Underwriting and closing — Our in-house underwriters approve your loan, and you close on your new home.
Common VA Loan Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming VA loans take longer to close — VA loans are straightforward to originate and close when documentation is ready.
Overlooking the funding fee — Most borrowers pay a VA funding fee, while veterans with qualifying service-connected disabilities are typically exempt.
Not checking your entitlement — Understanding your entitlement helps you know how much you can borrow without a down payment.
Areas We Serve
Based in Overland Park, Jim serves homeowners and buyers throughout the Kansas City metro, including Johnson County, Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Prairie Village, Lee's Summit, and Kansas City, Missouri. First State Bank Mortgage lends in all 50 states, so contact Jim if your property is outside the metro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do VA loans require a down payment?
Eligible borrowers can purchase with 100% financing and no down payment. Reserve requirements may apply to multi-unit properties.
Is there a VA loan limit?
Veterans with full entitlement are not subject to VA loan limits. Borrowers with partial entitlement may need a small down payment above the county limit.
Do VA loans take longer to close?
No. Our team can close VA loans in 30 to 35 days when the buyer stays engaged throughout the process.
Do VA loans have mortgage insurance?
VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance. Most borrowers pay a one-time funding fee unless exempt.
Can I use a VA loan to build a home?
Yes. VA funds can be applied to home construction, and there is no maximum acreage, although farm residences are not eligible.
Related Loan Programs
Ready to use your VA benefits? Call Jim directly at 913-513-2924 or send him a message to get started.