YOU SERVED. NOW LET'S GET YOU A HOME.
VA Home Loans in Tampa — Made Simple
I'm Barrett Henry, a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) with REMAX Collective, and I help Tampa Bay veterans and service members navigate VA home loans from start to finish. My goal is simple: get you into a home with $0 down, no private mortgage insurance, and the lowest rate your lender can offer. If you qualify for a VA loan, you may be able to achieve homeownership sooner than you think. I know the Tampa market, I understand military timelines, and I've guided hundreds of families through the VA loan process — from COE to closing day.
Response within 2 hours — guaranteed. No call centers.
Broker Associate, REMAX Collective
Why Veterans Choose VA Loans
Your military service earned you one of the most powerful home-buying benefits in the country. Here's what makes VA loans different.
$0 Down Payment
The VA loan is one of the only mortgage programs left that allows qualified veterans to buy with zero down payment.
No PMI — Ever
Unlike conventional loans, VA loans never require private mortgage insurance, saving you hundreds per month.
Lower Interest Rates
VA loans consistently offer some of the lowest mortgage interest rates available because they're backed by the government.
How Does the VA Home Loan Process Work?
The VA home loan process starts with determining your eligibility as a veteran or active-duty service member. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, eligible borrowers may purchase a home with no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance (PMI), and competitive interest rates. These favorable terms may save you hundreds per month compared to conventional financing options.
Once you have your Certificate of Eligibility, you can apply with a VA-approved lender in the Tampa Bay area who understands military income, BAH allowances, and VA-specific mortgage underwriting requirements. The lender handles your pre-approval, which tells you exactly how much property you can afford to purchase based on your credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio.
From there, Barrett helps you find VA-friendly homes across Tampa Bay, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you through the VA appraisal process and closing. The entire process typically takes 30–45 days from contract to keys. VA loans may also offer more flexible terms than conventional mortgages, including lower interest rates and no prepayment penalties. Whether you need help understanding your financing options or want a side-by-side comparison, Barrett is here to make the process simple.
VA Loan Education — Everything You Need to Know
Understand your benefit before you use it. These guides cover every aspect of VA home loans, written in plain English.
VA Loan Eligibility
Who qualifies and what you need
Certificate of Eligibility
How to get your COE
Funding Fee Explained
Rates, exemptions, and how to pay
$0 Down VA Loans
Buy with nothing out of pocket
VA vs Conventional
Side-by-side comparison
Credit Requirements
What lenders actually look for
Appraisal Process
MPRs, Tidewater, and timelines
Closing Costs
What you pay and what sellers can
How It Works — 3 Simple Steps
No long applications, no automated phone trees. Just a straightforward path from "I want to use my VA benefit" to keys in hand.
Tell Us About Your Situation
Answer a few quick questions about your service, timeline, and what you're looking for. Takes about 60 seconds.
Get Matched with Barrett
Barrett Henry (MRP) reviews your info and reaches out personally — usually within 2 hours. No call centers, no runaround.
Start Your VA Home Journey
Barrett connects you with VA-friendly lenders, finds homes that meet your criteria, and guides you through closing.
VA-Friendly Communities Across Tampa Bay
Barrett serves veterans and service members buying homes across 7 Tampa Bay counties, from the MacDill corridor to the Gulf beaches. Each community offers different options for military families looking to purchase their next home.
Federal HMDA Data Analysis
21,439 VA loans originated in Tampa Bay (2023–2024)
We analyzed every VA loan origination across 8 counties. See which ZIP codes veterans are buying in — and why.
See the Top 25 VA Loan ZIP Codes →Homes Across Tampa Bay
From waterfront properties to family-friendly suburbs, Tampa Bay has a neighborhood for every lifestyle and budget.
What Veterans Say
Real Feedback from Military Families Barrett Has Helped
“Barrett made our PCS move from Fort Bragg to MacDill seamless. He knew exactly which neighborhoods worked for our BAH and had us under contract before we even arrived in Tampa. The VA process can be confusing but Barrett handled everything.”
James & Sarah M.
Active Duty, MacDill AFB → Riverview
“After 22 years in the Army, I wanted to use my VA benefit for the first time. Barrett walked me through the entire process — COE, pre-approval, house hunting, closing. Zero down, no PMI. Wish I had done this sooner.”
Robert T.
Retired Army, Brandon
“We were nervous about the VA appraisal killing our deal. Barrett prepped us for what the appraiser would look for and negotiated repairs with the seller before it became an issue. Closed on time with no surprises.”
Michelle & David K.
Navy Veteran, Apollo Beach
Get Free VA Loan Guidance
Takes about 60 seconds. Barrett reaches out personally — usually within 2 hours.
No call centers. No runaround. Just straight answers.
What's your goal?
Barrett responds personally within 2 hours. No call centers, no pressure.
Why I Focus on VA Home Loans
I'm Barrett Henry — a Military Relocation Professional (MRP) and Broker Associate with REMAX Collective. I grew up as the son of a U.S. Air Force veteran, so I understand what PCS moves, VA timelines, and military life really mean for families trying to purchase a home. That's why I chose to specialize in VA home loans here in Tampa Bay.
With 23+ years of real estate experience and a REMAX Hall of Fame inductee (2024), I bring designations including MRP, e-PRO, and SRS to every transaction. My job is to help service members and veterans who qualify for VA loans navigate their financing options — whether that's purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage. I serve families across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Manatee, and Sarasota counties — the entire Tampa Bay region. I work with you personally, not a call center.
Most agents don't understand VA appraisals, VA contract addendums, or military timelines. I do. That's the MRP difference— and in my experience, it can make or break your home purchase. Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to refinance with a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan, or an eligible surviving spouse using your VA benefit, I'm here to help.
Learn more about me →Ready to Use Your VA Benefit?
Barrett Henry (MRP) helps Tampa Bay veterans navigate VA loans every day. Get honest, no-pressure guidance.
Official VA Home Loan Resources
These government and industry resources provide authoritative information about the VA home loan program, eligibility requirements, and financing options available to veterans and service members.
- VA.gov — Housing Assistance & Home Loans — Official VA home loan eligibility, benefits, and application process
- VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — How to apply for your COE online, by mail, or through your lender
- CFPB — Owning a Home Guide — Consumer Financial Protection Bureau tools for comparing loan options and monthly costs
- NAR — Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification — About the MRP designation and what it means for service members and veterans
- HUD — Buying a Home — U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development homebuyer resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a VA home loan in Tampa Bay?
Most veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserve members with qualifying service, and eligible surviving spouses may qualify for a VA home loan. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to verify your eligibility. There's no minimum credit score set by the VA itself, though most mortgage lenders require around 580-620. Income requirements vary by lender. If you meet the eligibility requirements, VA home loans offer a path to homeownership with $0 down and no private mortgage insurance. You can apply through any VA-approved lender.
How does the $0 down payment work with VA loans?
Unlike conventional mortgages that require 3-20% down, the VA home loan program allows eligible borrowers to finance 100% of the property's purchase price. This means you can buy your first home — or your next one — with no money down at all. It's one of the most significant benefits of VA financing, and it applies whether you're purchasing a single-family home, townhouse, or approved condo.
Do VA loans require private mortgage insurance (PMI)?
No. VA loans never require private mortgage insurance (PMI), regardless of your down payment amount. This saves most borrowers $100-300+ per month compared to conventional mortgage loans with less than 20% down. Over the life of a 30-year loan, that adds up to tens of thousands of dollars in savings.
What is the VA funding fee?
The VA funding fee is a one-time fee paid to the VA that helps fund the home loan program. For first-time users with $0 down, it's currently 2.15% of the loan amount. It can be rolled into your mortgage so you don't pay it out of pocket at closing. Veterans with service-connected disabilities are exempt from the funding fee entirely. The fee is lower if you make a down payment or if you've used the program before with an Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL).
Can I use a VA loan to buy a home near MacDill AFB?
Absolutely. MacDill AFB is in Tampa, and the surrounding communities — South Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Apollo Beach, Valrico — are all popular with active-duty families using VA loans. Barrett Henry (MRP) specializes in these neighborhoods and understands military timelines and BAH considerations.
Can I use a VA loan for refinancing my existing mortgage?
Yes. The VA offers two refinancing options: the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), also called a VA Streamline Refinance, which simplifies refinancing an existing VA loan into a new one with a lower rate; and the VA Cash-Out Refinance, which lets you refinance a conventional or VA mortgage and take cash out of your home equity. Refinancing with a VA loan may lower your monthly payment, reduce your interest rate, or help you access funds for home improvements.
What does MRP (Military Relocation Professional) mean?
MRP is a nationally recognized certification from the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) for agents who have completed specialized training in serving military families. According to NAR, fewer than 4% of REALTORS hold this designation. It means the agent understands PCS timelines, VA appraisal requirements, BAH, and the unique needs of veteran and active-duty homebuyers.