Received PCS orders to Buckley Space Force Base? Your VA home loan benefits may allow you to purchase a Colorado home with zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and potentially very little cash out of pocket.
Relocating to Buckley Space Force Base in Aurora, Colorado, presents an opportunity to explore homeownership in the greater Denver metropolitan area.
Whether you’re transferring from another military installation, returning from overseas, or already stationed at Buckley, understanding your VA home loan benefits can help you make an informed homebuying decision.
At Front Range Mortgage, LLC, we specialize in Colorado VA mortgages and help active-duty military personnel and veterans purchase homes throughout the Denver metropolitan area.
We can also help you begin the mortgage process before you arrive in Colorado.
Can You Buy a Home Near Buckley Space Force Base with Zero Down Payment?
Yes. Eligible military borrowers with sufficient VA entitlement may purchase a qualifying primary residence with no down payment.
This is one of the most significant advantages of VA financing.
For many military families, saving a substantial down payment while managing the expenses of relocation can be challenging.
VA financing can eliminate that requirement.
Major VA Mortgage Benefits
- Zero down payment: Qualified borrowers may finance 100% of the purchase price.
- No monthly mortgage insurance: VA loans do not require monthly PMI.
- Competitive interest rates: VA loans often offer attractive rates compared with conventional financing.
- Seller-paid closing costs: VA guidelines permit sellers to pay allowable closing costs.
- Reusable VA benefits: Eligible borrowers may use VA financing more than once.
Example: Purchasing a $600,000 Home in Aurora
Consider the following hypothetical purchase:
| Purchase Details | VA Loan Example |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $600,000 |
| Down payment | $0 |
| Base VA mortgage | $600,000 |
| Monthly mortgage insurance | $0 |
This illustration assumes sufficient VA entitlement, acceptable property value, and lender approval. An applicable VA funding fee may increase the financed loan amount.
For qualified military buyers, zero-down financing can preserve substantial cash reserves during a PCS relocation.
Where Should You Buy a Home Near Buckley Space Force Base?
Buckley Space Force Base is located in Aurora, east of Denver.
Unlike military installations in Colorado Springs, Buckley offers access to a large metropolitan housing market with numerous communities to consider.
Your preferred location will depend on your budget, commuting preferences, and desired home features.
Aurora, Colorado
Aurora is the most obvious starting point for many military buyers assigned to Buckley.
The city offers a wide range of housing options, including established neighborhoods, newer developments, townhomes, and condominiums.
Because Aurora covers a large geographic area, commute times can vary considerably.
Centennial, Colorado
Centennial is located south and southwest of Buckley and offers additional residential neighborhoods and amenities.
Military families considering Centennial should evaluate their commuting routes and the associated travel times.
Parker, Colorado
Parker is located southeast of Denver and offers a mix of established neighborhoods, newer construction, and residential communities.
Some Buckley personnel may prefer Parker’s suburban environment, although commuting distances can be longer depending on the neighborhood.
Southeast Denver
Southeast Denver offers additional housing options, including established neighborhoods and access to metropolitan amenities.
Watkins and Eastern Aurora
Buyers looking east of Buckley may find additional residential options, including properties with larger lots.
However, homes with acreage, private wells, or septic systems may require additional mortgage and property review.
Important: Before purchasing, evaluate the actual driving route to your assigned Buckley installation gate during your expected commuting hours.
Can You Obtain VA Mortgage Preapproval Before Arriving in Colorado?
Yes. You can generally begin your VA mortgage application and obtain preapproval before arriving at Buckley Space Force Base.
You do not necessarily need to wait until your PCS move is complete.
For example, you may currently be stationed at:
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
- Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.
- Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
- Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado.
- Another domestic or overseas military installation.
If you’ve received orders to Buckley, you can begin exploring your Colorado mortgage options while still stationed elsewhere.
What Documentation Will You Need?
Your mortgage professional may request:
- PCS orders or assignment documentation.
- Recent military Leave and Earnings Statements.
- VA Certificate of Eligibility.
- Information about existing mortgages.
- Documentation of current monthly debts.
- Bank statements and other financial information.
Front Range Mortgage can review your initial qualifications remotely and help you estimate your purchasing power before you begin shopping for a home.
Can You Use Military BAH to Qualify for Your VA Mortgage?
Yes. Your Basic Allowance for Housing can generally be included as qualifying income for a VA mortgage when properly documented.
Military income commonly includes:
- Base pay.
- Basic Allowance for Housing.
- Basic Allowance for Subsistence.
- Other qualifying military compensation.
Because BAH and BAS are generally nontaxable, applicable underwriting guidelines may permit qualifying adjustments to certain nontaxable income.
Your lender must verify the income and its expected continuance.
What If Your BAH Changes When You Transfer to Buckley?
Your BAH may change based on your new duty station, rank, and dependent status.
If you’re purchasing before arriving in Colorado, your mortgage professional should review the income applicable to your new assignment.
This can affect your qualifying purchase price and estimated monthly housing budget.
Can You Keep Your Existing VA Mortgage and Purchase Another Home in Aurora?
Yes. Depending on your remaining VA entitlement and financial qualifications, you may be able to retain an existing VA-financed property and purchase another primary residence in Colorado.
This is particularly important for military personnel who have previously purchased homes near other duty stations.
For example, suppose you purchased a home using VA financing while stationed in Washington.
You subsequently receive PCS orders to Buckley.
Rather than selling your existing home, you may prefer to retain it as a rental property.
In certain circumstances, you can use remaining VA entitlement to purchase another primary residence in Colorado.
Will You Need a Down Payment?
That depends on:
- Your available VA entitlement.
- The entitlement charged to your existing VA mortgage.
- The applicable county loan limit used in the remaining-entitlement calculation.
- Your new purchase price.
- Your financial qualifications.
Some borrowers can purchase another home with zero down payment.
Others may need a partial down payment because of limited remaining entitlement.
Front Range Mortgage can calculate your remaining VA entitlement before you begin shopping for a home near Buckley.
Can the Seller Pay Your VA Closing Costs?
Yes. VA financing offers substantial flexibility regarding seller-paid closing costs.
This is particularly valuable for military families managing the expenses associated with relocation.
VA guidelines distinguish between ordinary closing costs and additional seller concessions.
Allowable ordinary closing costs generally do not count toward the separate 4% seller-concession limitation.
Certain other benefits, including payment of the VA funding fee or qualifying borrower debts, may count toward that limit.
Example: Seller-Paid Closing Costs
Consider an example of a $600,000 home purchase in Aurora.
Assume the transaction involves $15,000 in estimated allowable closing costs and prepaid expenses.
If the seller agrees to pay eligible expenses and the credits satisfy VA and lender requirements, the buyer’s cash required at closing can be reduced to $0!
The actual amount depends on the purchase contract, expense categories, and applicable financing rules (we can go over in detail).
A properly structured VA purchase contract can VA buyers to purchase with little money out of pocket.
Are VA Loans Available for Condominiums and Townhomes Near Buckley?
Yes. VA financing can be used for qualifying condominiums and townhomes.
However, there are important distinctions.
Townhomes
A townhome may qualify for VA financing under standard residential property guidelines, depending on its legal ownership structure and property characteristics.
Condominiums
Condominiums generally must be located in a VA-approved condominium project.
If a condominium project is not approved, additional steps may be required before VA financing is available.
Homeowners Association Fees
Many communities in Aurora, Centennial, Parker, and Denver have homeowners associations.
Monthly HOA dues are generally included in your mortgage qualification calculations.
Before purchasing, review:
- Monthly HOA dues.
- Special assessments.
- Association restrictions.
- Property maintenance responsibilities.
- Applicable condominium approval requirements.
Your mortgage professional can help determine whether a particular property is eligible for VA financing.
How Long Does It Take to Close a VA Mortgage in Colorado?
VA mortgages can often close within timelines comparable to conventional loans.
At Front Range Mortgage, we generally target purchase closings within approximately 25–30 days, depending on appraisal, underwriting, title, and other transaction requirements.
The typical process includes:
- Initial mortgage consultation.
- Military income and credit review.
- VA eligibility and entitlement verification.
- Mortgage preapproval.
- Home search and accepted purchase contract.
- VA appraisal and underwriting.
- Final approval and closing.
Many military buyers can begin the process remotely before reporting to Buckley.
Why Work with Front Range Mortgage for Your Buckley VA Home Loan?
Front Range Mortgage, LLC is a Colorado mortgage brokerage specializing in VA home loans.
We help active-duty military personnel and veterans throughout Colorado understand their financing options.
Our services include:
- VA home purchase loans with zero-down options.
- Military BAH qualification analysis.
- VA entitlement calculations.
- Second VA mortgage financing options.
- VA funding fee exemption reviews.
- Seller-paid closing-cost strategies.
- Remote mortgage preapproval for incoming PCS buyers.
- Personalized mortgage rate and fee comparisons.
We understand that military relocations involve unique challenges, including reporting dates, household moves, and existing housing obligations.
Our goal is to help you navigate those challenges while obtaining financing for your new Colorado home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buckley VA Home Loans
- Do I have to be stationed at Buckley to use a VA loan in Aurora?
- No. Eligible veterans and service members may use VA financing to purchase qualifying primary residences throughout Colorado.
- Can I purchase a home before arriving at Buckley?
- Yes, potentially. You can begin the application process remotely, subject to applicable occupancy and closing requirements.
- Can I buy a $600,000 home with zero down payment?
- Potentially, yes. Borrowers with sufficient VA entitlement may qualify for zero-down financing, subject to lender approval and property requirements.
- Can I use my VA loan benefits more than once?
- Yes. VA mortgage benefits are reusable, subject to entitlement and eligibility requirements.
- Can the seller pay all my closing costs?
- Potentially. Sellers may pay allowable closing costs, subject to VA guidelines, lender requirements, and negotiated contract terms.
- Can I buy a condominium with a VA loan?
- Yes, provided the condominium meets applicable VA approval and property requirements.
PCS Orders to Buckley? Start Your Colorado VA Mortgage Preapproval Today.
If you’re transferring to Buckley Space Force Base, you do not have to wait until you arrive in Colorado to explore your VA mortgage options.
Front Range Mortgage, LLC — Colorado VA Mortgage Specialists
We can help you determine:
- Your qualifying purchase price.
- Whether you qualify for zero down payment.
- Your estimated mortgage payment.
- Your available VA entitlement.
- Whether you can retain your existing home.
- Your estimated closing costs.
Contact Front Range Mortgage today for a personalized Colorado VA mortgage consultation.
In Denver call (303) 500-1900. In Colorado Springs call (719) 540-2020.
We look forward to helping you purchase your new Colorado home.
VA loan eligibility, approval, rates, and terms are subject to applicable VA requirements, lender underwriting, and borrower qualifications. Zero-down financing is not available in every circumstance. Examples are hypothetical and are not commitments to lend.
