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Step 1 of your FHA loan journey

Get Your FHA pre-approval

Your FHA pre-approval proves to lenders that you qualify for a FHA loan. There are three ways to get it — the fastest takes minutes. Here is everything you need to know.

3 METHODS

How to Get Your FHA Case

You do NOT need to get your FHA pre-approval yourself. Your lender can pull it instantly. But here are all three options:

Through Your Lender
Fastest — Minutes

Valley West pulls your FHA pre-approval electronically through the FHA’s online system. Takes minutes, costs nothing. This is how 90%+ of buyers get their FHA pre-approval.

FHA eBenefits Portal
Self-service — Same day

Log into eBenefits.va.gov, navigate to “Apply for FHA pre-approval” and download your FHA pre-approval. Requires a DS Logon or ID.me account.

Mail FHA Form 26-1880
Slowest — 4-6 weeks

Complete FHA Form 26-1880 and mail it to your FHA Regional Loan Center with supporting documents. This is the slowest method and rarely needed.

WHAT IT SHOWS

What Your FHA pre-approval Tells Lenders

Key Information on Your pre-approval
FHA loan eligibility status

Confirms you meet service requirements

Available eligibility amount

Shows how much guaranty you have remaining

Previous FHA loan usage

Whether eligibility is full or partially used

Upfront MIP exemption status

Shows if you are exempt due to disability

Common Entitlement Codes
Code
Meaning
01
Buyer — active wartime service
05
Active duty homebuyer
06
National Guard (6+ years)
07
Reservist (6+ years)
09
Surviving spouse
TROUBLESHOOTING

Common FHA pre-approval Issues & Fixes

Pre-approval shows wrong info

Service dates or status incorrect

Fix

Submit corrected DD-214 or Statement of Service to your FHA Regional Loan Center. Your lender can help expedite this process and request a manual FHA pre-approval update.

Entitlement tied up

Previous FHA loan still active

Fix

You may still have enough remaining eligibility for a second FHA loan. Or you can request a one-time eligibility restoration if you have sold the previous home and paid off that FHA loan.

Not showing eligible

System says not eligible

Fix

This often happens with Guard/Reserve members or those with complex service histories. Provide your NGB-22 (Guard) or discharge papers directly to the FHA. Your lender can request a manual review.

DOCUMENTS

What You Need for Your pre-approval

Buyers (Separated)
DD-214 (Member Copy 4)
Government photo ID
Active Duty
Statement of Service (signed by commander)
Government ID
Guard & Reserve
NGB-22 or NGB-23 (Guard)
Points statement showing 6+ years
Proof of honorable service
Surviving Spouses
Buyer's DD-214
Marriage certificate
Buyer's death certificate
FAQ

COE Questions

Through your lender (like Valley West), it takes minutes. The lender pulls it electronically through the FHA portal. Through eBenefits, you can download it the same day. By mail (Form 26-1880), it takes 4-6 weeks. We strongly recommend letting your lender pull it for you.
No. Requesting a FHA pre-approval has zero impact on your credit score. It is simply a verification of your home buying eligibility for the FHA loan program.
Generally no. FHA loan eligibility requires a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. However, some types of less-than-honorable discharges may still qualify depending on the circumstances. Contact the FHA directly for a character of service determination.
You can request a replacement DD-214 from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at eVetRecs.archives.gov. Your lender may also be able to pull your FHA pre-approval using alternative service records. This is common and does not prevent you from getting a FHA loan.
Your FHA pre-approval is typically pulled fresh each time you apply for a FHA loan, because it shows your current eligibility status. Your lender handles this automatically as part of the loan process.
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Related Resources

FHA EligibilityFHA PurchaseFHA MIPFHA Loan Guide
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