VA Home Loans in Orlando, Florida
Serving Orlando's veteran community, military families, and defense professionals across Central Florida. Scott Carlin, 20-year Air Force veteran and VA loan specialist (NMLS# 2613509). Call 321-364-4461.
VA Loans for Veterans and Military Families in Orlando
Orlando is home to one of the largest veteran populations in Florida, with more than 200,000 veterans living in the greater Orlando metro area. While Orlando does not have a major active-duty military installation, its proximity to Patrick Space Force Base, multiple VA healthcare facilities, and a massive defense technology corridor makes it a top destination for veterans transitioning out of service and military retirees.
A VA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and surviving spouses. VA loans offer zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, competitive interest rates, and flexible credit requirements — benefits designed specifically to help those who have served.
Scott Carlin is a 20-year Air Force veteran, mortgage loan originator (NMLS# 2613509), and founder of TrueVet Mortgage. Scott helps veterans and military families throughout the Orlando metro area navigate the VA loan process from pre-approval to closing — typically in 21 to 30 days.
Why Veterans Choose Orlando
Orlando offers veterans a strong job market, affordable housing, and a high quality of life that makes it one of the most popular post-service destinations in the country.
Popular neighborhoods and communities for veterans include Lake Nona, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Clermont, Sanford, Oviedo, Winter Park, and St. Cloud. Lake Nona is one of the fastest-growing communities in Central Florida and is home to the VA Medical Center — Orlando, a state-of-the-art facility serving veterans across the region. Kissimmee and St. Cloud offer affordable housing and a strong military family presence. Winter Garden and Clermont attract families looking for newer construction and top-rated schools.
Orlando’s economy is driven by tourism, aerospace, defense technology, healthcare, and a rapidly growing tech sector. Major employers with defense and veteran connections include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris Technologies (headquartered nearby in Melbourne), Raytheon, the U.S. Army PEO STRI (Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation), and the Central Florida Research Park — one of the largest research parks in the country. The University of Central Florida, one of the nation’s largest universities, also has deep ties to defense research and veteran education programs.
Florida has no state income tax, and Orlando’s cost of living remains lower than many other major metros in the state, including Tampa and South Florida. Combined with year-round warm weather and access to world-class amenities, Orlando is an ideal place for veterans to put down roots.
VA Loan Benefits for Orlando Homebuyers
VA loans give Orlando military homebuyers advantages that conventional loans simply cannot match. Key benefits include:
Zero down payment — buy a home in Orlando with nothing down, keeping your savings intact for moving costs, furniture, or emergencies.
No monthly mortgage insurance — unlike conventional or FHA loans, VA loans never charge monthly mortgage insurance, saving you hundreds of dollars each month.
Competitive interest rates — VA loan rates are typically lower than conventional rates because the VA guaranty reduces lender risk.
Flexible credit requirements — VA loans are more forgiving of past credit challenges than most loan programs, making homeownership accessible to more veterans.
Assumable loans — if you sell your Orlando home, the buyer may be able to assume your VA loan at your original interest rate, which can be a major selling point in a high-rate market.
No prepayment penalty — pay off your VA loan early or make extra payments anytime without fees.
VA loans can be used for single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and multi-unit properties (up to four units) in Orlando and the surrounding Central Florida communities.
Who Qualifies for a VA Loan in Orlando?
VA loan eligibility in Orlando is based on your military service. You may qualify if you meet one of the following:
Active-duty service members who have served at least 90 continuous days.
Veterans who meet minimum active-duty service requirements based on when they served.
National Guard and Reserve members with at least six years of service or 90 days of active-duty service under federal orders.
Surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability, who have not remarried (or remarried after age 57).
To apply, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which Scott can help you obtain — often within minutes. You will also need to meet basic income and credit requirements set by the lender, though VA loans are more flexible than conventional programs.
Whether you are a veteran who has settled in the Orlando area, a retiree enjoying Central Florida, or a service member transitioning out of the military, TrueVet Mortgage can help you determine your eligibility and get pre-approved.
Why Work with TrueVet Mortgage for Your Orlando VA Loan?
TrueVet Mortgage was built by a veteran, for veterans. Scott Carlin spent 20 years in the Air Force before founding TrueVet Mortgage to give fellow service members the kind of mortgage experience they deserve — honest, informed, and built around the unique needs of military families.
Scott understands the challenges veterans face when buying a home — whether it is navigating post-service finances, using your VA loan benefit for the first time, or finding the right home in a competitive Orlando market. He has walked the same path and knows what matters.
TrueVet Mortgage is licensed through Xpert Home Lending, Inc. (NMLS# 2179191) and serves veterans and military families across Florida and Texas. Scott handles every loan personally — no hand-offs, no call centers, and no surprises.
Call Scott Carlin at 321-364-4461 or visit our Schedule a Call page to get started with your Orlando VA loan.
Frequently Asked Questions About VA Loans in Orlando
Can I use a VA loan to buy a home in Orlando?
Yes. VA loans can be used to purchase a home anywhere in the Orlando metro area, including Lake Nona, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Clermont, Sanford, Oviedo, Winter Park, and St. Cloud. The home must be your primary residence.
Do I need a down payment for a VA loan in Orlando?
No. VA loans require zero down payment regardless of the purchase price in Orlando. This is one of the biggest advantages of the VA loan program.
How long does it take to close on a VA loan in Orlando?
Most VA loans close in 21 to 30 days. Scott Carlin works closely with you throughout the process to keep everything on track and avoid delays.
I am a veteran living in Orlando. Can I still use my VA loan benefit?
Yes. You do not need to be active-duty or live near a military base to use your VA loan benefit. Any eligible veteran living in Orlando can use a VA loan to purchase a primary residence. Scott can help you obtain your Certificate of Eligibility and get pre-approved.
Can I use my VA disability income to qualify for a VA loan in Orlando?
Yes. VA disability compensation counts as qualifying income for a VA loan. Because VA disability income is tax-free, lenders can gross it up by 25%, increasing your buying power. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher are also exempt from the VA funding fee.
Can I buy a home in Lake Nona or Kissimmee with a VA loan?
Yes. VA loans work anywhere in the Orlando metro area, including Lake Nona, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Clermont, St. Cloud, Sanford, and Oviedo. There are no geographic restrictions within the United States.
What if I have used my VA loan benefit before?
You can use your VA loan benefit more than once. If your previous VA loan has been paid off and you have restored your entitlement, you can use it again with zero down payment. Scott can help you check your remaining entitlement.
TrueVet Mortgage also serves veterans across Florida, including the Panhandle, Tampa, Palm Bay, Jacksonville, Orlando and Miami.
Visit our VA Loan FAQ for answers to common questions
Look up your 2026 BAH rate for any Florida military installation with our free BAH Calculator.
Ready to Buy a Home in Orlando? Call Scott Carlin at 321-364-4461 or visit our Schedule a Call page. As a 20-year Air Force veteran and VA loan specialist, Scott will guide you through every step of the process — from pre-approval to closing.
