Myth #1: The VA Has a Strict Acreage Limit

The Reality: There is no official limit on how many acres you can buy with a VA loan. While most suburban homes sit on a fraction of an acre, the VA cares more about the residential nature of the property than the size of the lot.

If you find 20 acres in Weatherford with a home on it, you can use your VA loan as long as:

• The property is primarily used as your primary residence.
• The acreage is “typical” for the area (appraisers use comparable properties to prove this).
• The land isn’t being used for a full-scale commercial farming operation.

Myth #2: You Can’t Buy Raw Land to Build Later

The Reality: This is partially true for standard VA loans, but with a major “Texas-sized” exception. Standard VA home loans require a home to be on the property at closing. However, Texas Veterans have a secret weapon: the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB).

• The VLB Land Loan program allows Texas Veterans to borrow up to $150,000 for tracts of one acre or more.
• You only need a 5% down payment.
• This is the perfect way to “land bank” your future home site while you plan your build.

Myth #3: VA Appraisals on Acreage Are “Deal Killers”

The Reality: VA appraisals aren’t “harder”; they are just more thorough regarding Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). For acreage, the appraiser focuses on safety, sanitation, and structural integrity.

Key focus areas include:

• Access: The property must have year-round legal access via public or private roads.
• Utilities: Safe water (wells are okay but need testing) and functional sewage (septic systems must be inspected).
• Safety: No major hazards like sinkholes or environmental contamination.

As your Broker and a Marine Veteran, I’ve got your six. We know how to navigate these “red flags” before they even reach the underwriter’s desk.