not activated, a copy of their latest annual retirement points and proof of their honorable service. Active duty service members and activated National Guard or Reserve Members will need to provide a statement of service signed by their commander with their full name, social security number, date of birth, date they entered duty, duration of any lost time, and the name of the commander providing the information. Surviving spouses will need to provide their veteran’s DD214, and if they are receiving Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC), they will need to fill out VA form 26-1817, Request for Determination of Loan Guaranty Eligibility—Unmarried Surviving Spouses. If they are not receiving DIC, they will need to apply and provide a copy of their marriage license and the veteran’s death certificate. Once you have all your documents, you can apply for your Certificate of Eligibility either online on the VA website, or request an application by mail from the VA. In some instances, veterans can get their COE through their lender by using the VA’s Web LGY system. Once you have your COE, you will need to look over your finances and monthly budget to determine how much you can afford to spend. Then, you will want to shop for a lender. Be sure to look for one that is familiar with and has made VA-backed loans. You may want to get pre-qualified with the lender before you begin shopping for your new home. Then, choose your real estate agent, and begin shopping for your new home. Once you find the home you want to buy, you will need to have a VA-approved appraiser appraise the home to make sure it meets property condition requirements and determine the appraised value of the home. This will help determine how much you can
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