VA Loan Eligibility & Credit Requirements in Bremerton, WA

Kitsap County is home to thousands of veterans and active-duty families stationed at Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor, and the Bremerton shipyard. With a strong military community, VA loans are a natural fit.

Key VA Loan Benefits:

• $0 Down Payment with full entitlement.
• No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), saving buyers hundreds monthly.
• Flexible Credit Requirements, often lower than conventional loans.
• Competitive Interest Rates, keeping monthly payments manageable.

Learn more on our VA Loan page.

VA Loan Eligibility Requirements in Bremerton

• Service Requirements: To qualify, you must meet minimum service requirements (90 days wartime, 181 days peacetime, 6 years Guard/Reserves, or be a surviving spouse).
• Property Requirements: VA loans are for primary residences only. Eligible homes include single-family, VA-approved condos, and manufactured homes with permanent foundations.
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Confirms entitlement. It can be obtained through VA.gov, or we can help request it. Without a COE, you can’t move forward as it is needed to confirm your pre-approval. To take steps towards an official pre-approval, apply here.

VA Loan Credit Requirements in Bremerton

• Minimum Credit Score: VA doesn’t set a hard minimum. Most lenders want 580–620+. Sammamish Mortgage can often approve 580+.
• Credit History Factors: Occasional late payments won’t automatically disqualify you. Collections or bankruptcies reviewed case by case. VA loans can be forgiving.
• Debt-to-Income (DTI): VA suggests 41% DTI but higher is allowed given VA’s unique income calculation related to residual income.

Example: A Bremerton home at a $450,000 loan amount, no down payment, 5.5% rate, ~$450/mo. taxes + insurance = a monthly payment of $3,005.05. To remain at or below the 41% DTI recommendation, you would need a monthly qualifying income of $7,329.39 assuming no other debt obligations. It’s always recommended to talk with a local loan officer, like Clint Edwards, to determine your unique qualifications. 

VA Loan Limits & Entitlement in Kitsap County (2025 Update)

For 2025, the VA loan limit in Kitsap County is $806,500. Keep an eye out for the upcoming 2026 VA loan limits as they normally publish before the end of the year.

• Full Entitlement: No down payment up to limit.
• Partial Entitlement: If another VA loan is currently outstanding, down payment may be required. We can assist in calculating your partial entitlement and provide your maximum loan amount without the need of a down payment and then compare that to your maximum purchase price if you did provide a down payment.

Median prices: Silverdale ~$599,000, Port Orchard ~$607,000. Both fit comfortably under the current 2025 limits.

Tips for Strengthening Your VA Loan Application

Preparing ahead can make your approval process faster and easier. To boost your chances:

• Pay down existing credit card balances to improve your debt profile.

• Hold off on opening new credit accounts or inquiries before applying.

• Gather and organize your income documents (LES, W-2s, and tax returns) in advance.

• Partner with a local VA loan expert like Clint Edwards, who understands the unique needs of military families.

The VA Loan Process for Bremerton Buyers

1. Obtain COE (we’ll help).
2. Get pre-approved with Clint Edwards.
3. Shop homes in Kitsap County.
4. VA appraisal & underwriting.
5. Close with $0 down.

Why Work With Clint Edwards & Sammamish Mortgage

With years of experience serving veterans and military families, Clint Edwards provides clear guidance and trusted local expertise. Our team will:

• Accurately calculate your VA loan entitlement.

• Assist with your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and credit approval.

• Streamline the process to ensure a smooth, stress-free closing.

Ready to start? Contact us today.

FAQ: VA Loan Eligibility & Credit in Bremerton

What credit score is needed for a VA loan in Bremerton?

Most lenders require 580–620+. Clint Edwards Mortgage can often approve scores starting at 580.

Can I get a VA loan with bad credit?

Yes. VA loans are flexible — lenders evaluate your entire financial profile, not just your credit score.

Do VA loans require a down payment in Kitsap County?

Not with full entitlement, up to $806,500 in 2025.

What documents do I need?

COE, proof of service, income documentation (LES, W2’s), and ID. Other items may be needed based on your unique situation.

How long does VA loan approval take?

Typically, 30 days, similar to conventional loans.