Between Two Doors

Collections Don’t Automatically Kill a VA Loan One of the biggest myths out there about VA loans is that having a collection account on your credit report automatically disqualifies you from getting approved. The truth is—it doesn’t. The VA loan program is designed to be flexible and Veteran-friendly. While lenders do take collections into account, the bigger focus is on your overall financial picture , including: Residual Income – After your mortgage payment and other debts, how much money do you have left each month for everyday living expenses? VA guidelines put a strong emphasis here because it shows whether you can realistically afford your home. Payment History & Risk – A collection in the past doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a high-risk borrower. Lenders look at whether your recent payment history shows stability, whether the collection was a one-time event, and whether you’ve recovered financially. Compensating Factors – Things like steady income, cash reserve...

  Did you know you don’t have to already have a VA loan in order to take advantage of VA refinancing? That’s right — if you currently have a Conventional or FHA loan , you may be able to refinance into a VA loan and enjoy the powerful benefits the VA program offers. Why Refinance Into a VA Loan? No Monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (NO PMI) FHA loans come with monthly mortgage insurance (MIP), and Conventional loans often require PMI if you put less than 20% down. VA loans have no monthly mortgage insurance , which can save you hundreds of dollars per month. Competitive Interest Rates VA loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which allows lenders to offer some of the most competitive rates in the market. Refinancing could lower your monthly payment or shorten your loan term. Cash-Out Options VA allows cash-out refinancing up to 100% of your home’s value in some cases (lender overlays may apply). This means you can consolidate debt, make home improv...

  This week’s headlines paint a picture of a housing market in motion—full of opportunity, disruption, and shifting consumer behavior. From forecasts of sub-6% mortgage rates to the rise of fixer-upper demand and a surge in new home sales , here’s what Realtors, homebuyers, and sellers need to know. Fannie Mae Eyes Sub-6% Mortgage Rates by 2026 Fannie Mae has adjusted its outlook and now predicts 30-year mortgage rates could dip below 6% by late 2026 , down from its earlier estimate of 6.4%. Why this matters: Buyers may see more affordability and purchasing power if rates hit that milestone. Sellers could benefit from increased buyer traffic, especially in mortgage-heavy markets. Agents should prepare lead-nurture strategies now—so when rates dip, they’re ready to capture the surge. Even with the forecast, affordability challenges and tight inventory remain obstacles. Still, if inflation trends down and GDP growth steadies at Fannie’s projected 1.5% in 2025 a...

  For many Veterans and Active Duty service members, the dream isn’t just buying a house—it’s building a brand-new one that fits their family’s needs. A common question is: Can VA loans be used for new construction homes? The short answer: Yes, VA loans can be used for new construction—but there are important rules, requirements, and lender limitations you need to understand first. VA Loans and New Construction: The Basics Eligible Use: VA loans can finance the construction of a new primary residence. Approved Builders Required: The builder must be VA-registered and provide warranties, proper licenses, and insurance. Lender Restrictions: Not all lenders offer VA construction loans. Some require you to use short-term (interim) financing during construction, then refinance into a VA loan when the home is complete. Occupancy Rule: The VA requires the borrower to occupy the property as their primary residence once construction is finished. Funding Fee & Enti...

  Sure can!  For many Veterans and Active Duty Service Members, a manufactured home can be a smart, affordable path to homeownership. The good news: VA Loans can be used to purchase manufactured homes —but there are some special rules and requirements to understand before moving forward. What Counts as a Manufactured Home? A manufactured home (sometimes called a mobile home) is built in a factory and transported to the site where it will be permanently installed. These homes are different from modular homes (which are also factory-built but must meet the same local building codes as site-built homes). To qualify under VA guidelines, the manufactured home must: Be classified as real property (not personal property). Be permanently affixed to a foundation. Meet HUD safety standards (the “HUD Code”). Be a primary residence for the Veteran. VA Loan Rules for Manufactured Homes VA financing is possible, but a few important things set manufactured home loans ap...

  VA Loans and Condos: What Veterans and Active Duty Need to Know Hey Veterans and Active Duty, did you know VA requires condos to be VA-approved before financing?  Buying a condo with a VA Loan can be an excellent choice—often offering lower maintenance, community amenities, and affordability compared to single-family homes. But there’s one key detail that sets condos apart: not every condo community is eligible for VA financing . Why VA Approval Matters The Department of Veterans Affairs wants to ensure that condo projects meet certain standards to protect Veterans and Active Duty buyers. These standards cover things like: Financial stability of the condo association – ensuring reserves and budgets are sound. Owner-occupancy ratios – too many investor-owned units can be a red flag. Legal requirements – making sure the condo association follows rules that protect residents. How to Check if a Condo is VA-Approved The VA maintains an official VA-approved ...

  Active duty and Veterans, Your VA Loan entitlement (that YOU EARNED!!!) is the wealth generating tool that every civilian investor wishes they had.  It's exclusive to you.  I'm going to lay out a strategy below that shows you how you can accumulate real wealth through real estate in 6 years. For a tailored plan built specific to you please call me.  I will build it for you.  I'm working this plan with multiple Veterans and Active Duty as well as my own real estate portfolio.  Below is a clear, numbers-first plan that shows how Active Duty and Veterans can legally buy a new primary residence each year , convert the prior one to a rental, and repeat —including exactly when you can move, how the entitlement math works, and what lenders usually count from your future rent .   Key Assumptions (used throughout) Purchase price per home: $250,000 (max) Down payment: $0 (Veteran is Funding Fee–Exempt ) Occupancy: Veteran lives in each home...