VA Loans Near Fort Campbell & Clarksville 2026 — A Buyer's Guide

Reviewed by Michael Hernandez, Loan Originator · NMLS #192103, on June 17, 2026

3 min readLast updated June 17, 2026Share

Key takeaways

VA loans help eligible service members, veterans, and surviving spouses buy a home — often with no required down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. Around Fort Campbell and Clarksville, where many buyers are active-duty or recently separated, VA loans are common. You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility, and most buyers pay a one-time VA funding fee unless exempt.

VA loans can allow eligible buyers to purchase with no required down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
You need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to use your VA entitlement.
Most buyers pay a one-time VA funding fee; some — including many with a service-connected disability rating — are exempt.
PCS timing matters near Fort Campbell — planning your file around orders keeps closing on track.

VA funding fee — purchase loans (first vs. subsequent use)

VA funding fee — purchase loans (first vs. subsequent use)
Down payment	First use	After first use
Less than 5%	2.15%	3.30%
5% to less than 10%	1.50%	1.50%
10% or more	1.25%	1.25%

Source: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs — VA funding fee

Why VA loans are common around Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell straddles the Tennessee–Kentucky line, and Clarksville (Montgomery County) is the largest Tennessee city next to the post. A large share of buyers here are active-duty soldiers, veterans, and military spouses, which makes the VA loan a frequently used program in this market.

The VA loan is a real benefit earned through service. It isn't a giveaway or a guaranteed approval — your file still goes through underwriting like any other loan.

Eligibility and the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

To use a VA loan you need a Certificate of Eligibility, which confirms you've met service requirements and shows your entitlement. Active-duty members, many veterans, National Guard and Reserve members with qualifying service, and some surviving spouses may be eligible.

We can help you request your COE and review whether your entitlement is full or partial before you shop, so there are no surprises mid-transaction.

The VA funding fee

Most VA buyers pay a one-time funding fee that helps keep the program running. The fee is set by the VA as a percentage of the loan amount and depends on your down payment and whether it's your first use of the benefit. Veterans receiving compensation for a service-connected disability are generally exempt — an important point for many buyers in this community.

The table below shows the published statutory funding-fee percentages for purchase loans. These are VA-set fees, not a rate quote.

Planning a VA purchase around a PCS

If you're PCSing to or from Fort Campbell, timing is everything. Starting the COE and pre-qualification early — before orders force a rush — gives you room to shop and close without stress. A licensed loan officer who knows the Clarksville market can sequence the file around your report date.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a VA loan more than once?

Yes. VA entitlement can be restored or used more than once. After your first use, the funding fee percentage is typically higher unless you're exempt, and your remaining entitlement is reviewed individually.

Do I really need zero down with a VA loan?

Many eligible buyers can purchase with no required down payment, but it depends on entitlement, the purchase price, and the appraisal. We confirm your specifics during pre-qualification.

Am I exempt from the VA funding fee?

Veterans receiving compensation for a service-connected disability are generally exempt, and some surviving spouses qualify. Your COE indicates exemption status.

Can my spouse be on a VA loan with me?

A spouse can typically be a co-borrower. Whether a non-veteran co-borrower's income and credit help depends on the file, which we review together.

Keep reading — more on this from Pacific Bay Lending.

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Guide

Va Funding Fee

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Reviewed by Michael Hernandez, Loan Originator · NMLS #192103

Michael Hernandez is a licensed mortgage loan originator with Pacific Bay Lending (Pacific Bay Lending Corp, NMLS #192103), a direct lender serving Tennessee. This guide is general education — not financial advice, a rate offer, or a commitment to lend. Your situation is reviewed individually when you get pre-qualified.

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Michael Hernandez, Branch Manager · Pacific Bay Lending Corp NMLS #192103 · Equal Housing Lender. Homes shown are public listings for illustration of what's available in this range — not an offer to make a loan on, or sell, a specific property. This is not a commitment to lend; all loans subject to credit approval, program guidelines, and underwriting.