Buying in Alabama with a VA loan follows the same federal rules as everywhere else — what changes are the numbers around the loan: Alabama’s property taxes and homeowners insurance (which go into your payment), the VA residual-income region (South), and county loan limits if you have partial entitlement.
Your Certificate of Eligibility proves your VA entitlement. Your lender can usually pull it in minutes.
Read the video script
If you’re a veteran or service member in Alabama looking at a VA Purchase Loan, this one’s for you. I’m Shirley Mueller — I’ve been doing VA loans since 2003.
Buying in Alabama with a VA loan follows the same federal rules as everywhere else — what changes are the numbers around the loan: Alabama’s property taxes and homeowners insurance (which go into your payment), the VA residual-income region (South), and county loan limits if you have partial entitlement.
1. Get your COE. 2. Get pre-approved. 3. Find the home. 4. VA appraisal. 5. Underwriting. 6. Close and move in.
One Alabama-specific thing to know: Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled can have their homestead exempted from ad valorem property taxes.
Whether you’re near Fort Novosel or anywhere else in Alabama, call me and I’ll walk you through your real numbers.
Alabama VA loan facts
| VA residual-income region | South |
|---|---|
| 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 Alabama 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 | Fort Novosel · Redstone Arsenal · Maxwell AFB |
Disabled-veteran property tax relief in Alabama
Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled can have their homestead exempted from ad valorem property taxes. 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 Alabama county tax office or appraisal district.
VA residual income required in Alabama
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 South region:
| Family size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum residual | $441 | $738 | $889 | $1,003 | $1,039 |
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 Purchase Loan works
Most veterans with 90 consecutive days of active wartime service or 181 days of peacetime service qualify, as do active-duty members after 90 days, and Guard/Reserve members with six years of service or 90 days of qualifying active-duty orders. Certain surviving spouses of service members who died in service or from a service-connected disability are also eligible. A discharge other than dishonorable is generally required. See the full eligibility guide →
Read the complete VA Purchase Loan guide →
VA funding fee calculator (2026)
Down payment only affects purchase and construction loans. Estimate only — your Loan Estimate is the final word.
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 Purchase Loan questions from Alabama veterans
Can I get a VA Purchase Loan in Alabama?
Yes. VA loan programs are federal and available in every state, including Alabama. Buying in Alabama with a VA loan follows the same federal rules as everywhere else — what changes are the numbers around the loan: Alabama’s property taxes and homeowners insurance (which go into your payment), the VA residual-income region (South), and county loan limits if you have partial entitlement.
What is the VA loan limit in Alabama 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 Alabama counties.
Do disabled veterans get a property tax break in Alabama?
Veterans rated 100% permanently and totally disabled can have their homestead exempted from ad valorem property taxes.
How much residual income do I need for a VA loan in Alabama?
Alabama is in VA’s South region. For loans of $80,000 or more, the minimum is $441 for a one-person household, $1,003 for a family of four, and $1,039 for five, plus $80 per additional member.
Other VA loans in Alabama
VA Construction Loan in Alabama
One application, one closing, zero down — from bare lot to move-in.
Read →VA Renovation Loan in Alabama
Buy the fixer-upper — and finance the repairs — with one VA loan.
Read →VA Refinance in Alabama
Two VA refinances, two very different jobs. Pick the right one.
Read →VA IRRRL in Alabama
Lower your VA rate with less paperwork — if the math works.
Read →VA Cash-Out Refinance in Alabama
Refinance any loan into VA — and turn equity into cash.
Read →VA Assumable Loan in Alabama
Keep the seller’s rate. Here is how assumptions really work.
Read →