Dan Ardis  |  NMLS #1412272
Veterans & Military

VA Home Loans in Bakersfield: Zero Down Payment for Veterans

Earned through your service. The VA home loan benefit gives eligible veterans and military families access to highly competitive mortgage terms: $0 down, no PMI, competitive rates.

Thank You for Your Service

Dan Ardis proudly serves veterans in Bakersfield and across the USA. The VA loan benefit is one of the most powerful financial tools available, and you've earned it. Let us help you use it.

What is a VA Loan?

VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Because the VA backs a portion of the loan, lenders take on less risk, which means they can offer better terms to qualifying borrowers, including zero down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

For veterans and active duty service members buying in Bakersfield, or anywhere in the USA, VA loans often provide among the most competitive monthly payments and overall lifetime cost of any mortgage option available.

Key Features

0%
Down Payment
No money down required
Never
PMI Required
Save $100s/month vs FHA
620+
Credit Score
Flexible guidelines
2.15%
VA Funding Fee
Waived for disabled vets
A Personal Commitment

Serving Those Who Have Served

Dan comes from a family of veterans and has a heart to serve those who have served. He understands firsthand the sacrifices military families make, and he takes pride in making sure every eligible veteran gets the full benefit they've earned.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, refinancing, or buying your next home, Dan will walk you through every step of the VA loan process, clearly, honestly, and with the respect your service deserves.

Grandpa Frank

Grandpa Frank

Army · WWII

Medic · South Pacific · Purple Heart Recipient

Grandpa Rudy

Grandpa Rudy

Navy · WWII

Merchant Marine · European Theatre

Uncle Johnny

Uncle Johnny

Army · Vietnam

Father Dwayne

Father Dwayne

Air Force · 1972–1977

Aircraft Mechanic · Edwards AFB

Brother Jimmy

Brother Jimmy

Navy · 2011–2017

Optometrist · Yokosuka & San Diego

VA Loan Pros & Cons

Pros

  • $0 down payment required
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Competitive interest rates
  • Flexible credit requirements
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Assumable by another eligible veteran
  • Can be used multiple times

Cons

  • VA funding fee (waived for disabled veterans)
  • Primary residence only
  • VA property condition requirements
  • Requires Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Some sellers unfamiliar with VA offers

VA Loan FAQs

Why Veterans Choose Dan Ardis for Their VA Loan

1

Shops 100+ VA Lenders

Dan is an independent broker with access to over 100 wholesale lenders, including VA-specialized lenders you won't find at a retail bank. More options means better rates and terms.

2

COE Assistance

Getting your Certificate of Eligibility can be confusing. Dan handles the COE process on your behalf and knows how to work through eligibility questions for Guard, Reserve, and surviving spouses.

3

20+ Years VA Experience

Dan has been originating VA loans in Kern County for over two decades. He knows VA appraisal requirements, Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), and how to get deals closed efficiently.

4

Responds Within 1 Hour

Military buyers often work on tight timelines — PCS orders, limited leave windows, competitive Bakersfield real estate. Dan's fast response time keeps your transaction on schedule.

“We cannot thank Dan Ardis enough for the incredible job he did guiding us through the home-buying process! Dan's professionalism, expertise, and unwavering support made what could have been a stressful experience feel seamless and straightforward. We felt like a top priority throughout the entire process.”
Eric H.
Bakersfield, CA · Home Purchase
See all 55+ verified reviews →
Resources

VA Loan Questions, Local Pages & Comparisons

Q&AHow does VA residual income work?The income test most VA borrowers don't know about, and how it affects approvalQ&AWhat is the minimum down payment in Bakersfield?VA, FHA, USDA, and conventional options side by sideQ&AWhat credit score do I need in Bakersfield?VA has no minimum, but lenders do. Here's what mattersLocalKern County Mortgage BrokerDan's full service area, loan types, and why Bakersfield-area veterans choose an independent brokerLocalDown Payment Assistance Kern CountyFor non-veterans: DPA programs that get you to zero downCompareFHA vs VA Loan, Side-by-SideWhy VA wins for eligible borrowers on almost every metricGuideMortgage Expertise GuidesDeep-dive guides on income types, underwriting mechanics, and moreGuideFull FAQ Hub53 mortgage questions answered in one placeProgramVA IRRRL Refinance, BakersfieldLower your VA rate with minimal paperwork and no out-of-pocket costs in most casesGuideVA Loan Entitlement GuideUsing your benefit a second time, partial entitlement, and multi-loan scenariosGuideUsing VA Disability Income to QualifyHow tax-free disability pay is grossed up, what counts, and what doesn'tScenarioDisabled Veteran VA Loan, Borrower ScenarioHow Dan used VA disability income and funding fee exemption to structure a $0-down purchaseReviewFree Mortgage Second OpinionAlready have a quote from another lender? Dan reviews it free. No credit pull, no pressure.GlossaryGlossary: VA LoanZero down, no PMI, competitive rates: the full definition of what the VA benefit actually providesGlossaryGlossary: Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)Why VA loans skip PMI entirely and what that saves you monthly vs conventionalGlossaryGlossary: Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)How LTV applies to VA bonus entitlement and second-tier loan scenariosArticleVA Funding Fee: Who Pays, Who Gets It WaivedComplete guide to the fee structure, disability exemptions, and how it compares to FHA MIPArticleUsing Your VA Benefit More Than OnceEntitlement restoration, two VA loans at once, and the one-time exception explainedArticleVA vs FHA in Bakersfield: Which Is Actually Better?Side-by-side real numbers for eligible veterans: lifetime cost, funding fee vs MIP, and rate differences
Get Started

You've Earned This Benefit. Let's Use It.

Apply for a VA loan in Bakersfield or call Dan for a free VA loan consultation.