Thank you for your service.
Now let's get you home.

My story, short version

After completing requirements for promotion as a Warrant Officer, I was a flight school shoe-in. Then life threw some unexpected turns, and I chose to leave the Army and focus on my family. Coming home after my second deployment took real rebuilding, and a lot of growth came out of it.

Now, as a REALTOR®, helping Veterans into homes they own is some of the most meaningful work I do. The VA loan is one of the best benefits you've earned. Most people just need someone to walk them through it without the jargon.

Step one: confirm your VA eligibility

Errors in VA loan eligibility aren't rare, so check early. You should qualify if any of these fit:

• 90 consecutive days of active service during wartime
• 181 days of active service during peacetime
• 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves
• You're the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-related disability

Don't meet any of those, or your certificate came back negative? You may still qualify. We just dig a little deeper.

Step two: talk to a lender early

Don't wait until you're "ready" to talk to a lender; that causes the delays everyone dreads. A good lender helps you understand exactly where you stand and how to set up the best qualification and rate. And a fun fact most people get wrong: the VA itself sets NO minimum credit score. Each lender sets their own, so a no from one lender can be a yes from another.

VA loan quirks worth knowing

• Termite inspection is required (not optional). It's a nominal cost, and any active infestation gets treated before closing.
• Bedroom windows with bars need a quick-release or an alternate exit.
• Minimum Property Requirements: the home must be livable and in good repair, with functional utilities and climate control. Nearly everything on the MLS qualifies.
• CAIVRS: a little-known federal registry. A defaulted federal loan (including student loans) blocks a VA loan until cleared, even if it's off your credit report.