New River Valley Buyer's Guide
VA Loans in the New River Valley
The New River Valley — Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, and the surrounding counties of Pulaski, Giles, and Floyd — is home to a large number of veterans and active-duty service members. VA loans are one of the most valuable tools available to them, but they come with a few quirks worth knowing before you start shopping.
The basics
Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses can purchase a primary residence with a VA loan and 0% down, without paying private mortgage insurance. Most borrowers pay a VA funding fee at closing, which can typically be financed into the loan; the fee amount depends on factors like down payment and whether it's your first time using the benefit, so it's best confirmed with your lender.
Appraisal & property requirements
VA loans use a specific appraisal process that checks not just value but also Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) — things like a safe roof, working systems, and no obvious safety hazards. Older homes in the area, which are common in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford, can sometimes need repairs identified during this process before closing. Knowing this upfront helps avoid surprises mid-contract.
Condo approval
If you're considering a condo, it needs to be on the VA's approved project list (or go through the approval process) before a VA loan can be used to purchase it. This is worth checking early, since not every condo community in the area is currently approved.
Using a VA loan locally
We work with veteran and military buyers across Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, and Pulaski, Giles, and Floyd counties, and can help you understand which properties are likely to move smoothly through VA underwriting and appraisal before you write an offer.
"A great help finding affordable homes and sharing his knowledge of VA loans. Highly recommend, especially for veterans."
— Greg Litton
Using a VA loan to buy here?
Reach out and we'll help you get started, from finding a VA-friendly lender to touring homes.