VA assumption rules are federal, so they work the same in Pennsylvania. Locally, what matters is how many Pennsylvania homes carry VA loans — markets near installations like Carlisle Barracks tend to have more assumable VA listings — and Pennsylvania transfer, title and recording costs at closing.
Ask listing agents, or check the listing for “assumable”. The seller’s servicer handles the assumption.
Read the video script
If you’re a veteran or service member in Pennsylvania looking at a VA Assumable Loan, this one’s for you. I’m Shirley Mueller — I’ve been doing VA loans since 2003.
VA assumption rules are federal, so they work the same in Pennsylvania. Locally, what matters is how many Pennsylvania homes carry VA loans — markets near installations like Carlisle Barracks tend to have more assumable VA listings — and Pennsylvania transfer, title and recording costs at closing.
1. Find an assumable VA loan. 2. Cover the equity gap. 3. Apply with the servicer. 4. Entitlement decision. 5. Release of liability. 6. Close.
One Pennsylvania-specific thing to know: Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, who meet financial-need and wartime-service rules, can have their home fully exempted from property tax.
Whether you’re near Carlisle Barracks or anywhere else in Pennsylvania, call me and I’ll walk you through your real numbers.
Pennsylvania VA loan facts
| VA residual-income region | Northeast |
|---|---|
| Loan limit with full entitlement | None — no VA cap on how much you can borrow with $0 down |
| 2026 county limit (partial entitlement only) | $832,750 in most Pennsylvania counties; higher in any designated high-cost county |
| Community-property state | No |
| State income tax on wages | Yes — factored into your residual income |
| Major military installations | Carlisle Barracks · Fort Indiantown Gap · Letterkenny Army Depot |
Disabled-veteran property tax relief in Pennsylvania
Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, who meet financial-need and wartime-service rules, can have their home fully exempted from property tax. Property taxes are part of your VA mortgage payment, so this benefit directly lowers what you pay each month and can increase what you qualify for. Rules and amounts change — confirm current details with your Pennsylvania county tax office or appraisal district.
VA residual income required in Pennsylvania
VA requires a minimum amount of money left over each month after your housing payment, debts and taxes. For loans of $80,000 or more in the Northeast region:
| Family size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum residual | $450 | $755 | $909 | $1,025 | $1,062 |
Add $80 for each family member beyond five. Meeting residual income by 20% or more can offset a debt-to-income ratio above 41%.
How a VA Assumable Loan works
Say a home sells for $400,000 and the seller owes $300,000 at 3%. You assume the $300,000 at 3% — but you still need to cover the $100,000 gap between the price and the loan. That can come from cash, or from a closed-end second mortgage at today’s rates. Even with a second loan, the blended rate can be far lower than a new loan at market rates. The assumption funding fee is 0.5% of the assumed balance.
Read the complete VA Assumable Loan guide →
What veterans say about working with Shirley
4.9 95 Google reviews“We have had the pleasure of working with Shirley on several home purchases and refinances, and she has consistently proven to be the best professional we've ever partnered with. Shirley's honesty and ability to present the best scenarios tailored to our needs has surpassed our expectations each time. She consistently goes above and beyond in customer service, giving us complete peace of mind about the final outcomes. We cannot recommend Shirley highly enough and she will always be our first choice when considering mortgage companies.”
October 2024 · Google review
“I recently worked with Shirley Mueller and her team, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. After shopping around with five different lenders, Shirley not only offered me the lowest rate but also provided exceptional service. She was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process, answering all my questions promptly and ensuring that everything went smoothly. I highly recommend Shirley and her team for anyone looking for the best rates and top-notch customer service!”
August 2024 · Google review
“Veterans looking for a mortgage look no further!! I was absolutely thrilled when I received my pre approval the same day. Shirley called me, and told me that I could start looking at homes. I already had one home in particular that I was sure I wanted. I went to view it the following day,and went under contract. I want to say to any of my fellow veterans who may be discouraged about applying for your VA home loan benefit, or read negative feedback about how difficult it is to aquire that is not true. The process was so easy!! I'm so excited to be a homeowner, and cannot thank the entire team @ Cross Country Mortgage enough!! I would recommend Shirley Mueller over any other VA lender out there. She kept me motivated, and dedicated to securing a home at the best rate in record time.”
August 2024 · Google review
Real Google reviews of VALoansTexas.com, shown word for word. Team members named in reviews were part of Shirley’s team at the time. Read more reviews →
VA Assumable Loan questions from Pennsylvania veterans
Can I get a VA Assumable Loan in Pennsylvania?
Yes. VA loan programs are federal and available in every state, including Pennsylvania. VA assumption rules are federal, so they work the same in Pennsylvania. Locally, what matters is how many Pennsylvania homes carry VA loans — markets near installations like Carlisle Barracks tend to have more assumable VA listings — and Pennsylvania transfer, title and recording costs at closing.
What is the VA loan limit in Pennsylvania for 2026?
There is no VA loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement. If you have partial entitlement, the 2026 county conforming limit applies — $832,750 in most Pennsylvania counties.
Do disabled veterans get a property tax break in Pennsylvania?
Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, who meet financial-need and wartime-service rules, can have their home fully exempted from property tax.
How much residual income do I need for a VA loan in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is in VA’s Northeast region. For loans of $80,000 or more, the minimum is $450 for a one-person household, $1,025 for a family of four, and $1,062 for five, plus $80 per additional member.
Other VA loans in Pennsylvania
VA Construction Loan in Pennsylvania
One application, one closing, zero down — from bare lot to move-in.
Read →VA Renovation Loan in Pennsylvania
Buy the fixer-upper — and finance the repairs — with one VA loan.
Read →VA Purchase Loan in Pennsylvania
The most powerful home-buying benefit in America — explained plainly.
Read →VA Refinance in Pennsylvania
Two VA refinances, two very different jobs. Pick the right one.
Read →VA IRRRL in Pennsylvania
Lower your VA rate with less paperwork — if the math works.
Read →VA Cash-Out Refinance in Pennsylvania
Refinance any loan into VA — and turn equity into cash.
Read →