Since it’s January 2026, I thought this was the perfect time to talk about how to use your VA entitlement to buy a house this year.

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions I hear is, “This is the year I’m finally going to buy a house.”
Perfect. That means we’re starting early, which is exactly what you want to do.

Before we get into the details, I want to say this right up front: there is no single straight path to homeownership, especially with VA loans. Everyone’s situation is different, and that’s okay. What matters is understanding your options and having someone you trust to walk through them with you.

And if at any point you’re reading this and thinking, “I don’t even know where to start,” just call us.
786-933-2077.

My team and I are licensed across the country, and we do this every single day.

Call a VA Lender Early (Even If You’re Not Ready)

One thing I hear all the time is, “I don’t want to waste your time. I’m not ready yet.”

Please hear me when I say this: you are not wasting our time.
This is literally what we do.

Sometimes people are ready to jump in immediately. Other times, they’re six months out… a year out… even longer. All of that is normal.

If buying a house is a goal for 2026, the smartest thing you can do is start the conversation early.

The VA Loan Application Process (What It Actually Looks Like)

If you are ready to jump in and see what you qualify for, the first step is completing an application.

You have two options:

• We can do the application over the phone together, or

• You can complete it online

Once we receive your application, a member of my team will reach out to go through it with you. And yes — we call you on purpose. We want to make sure everything is accurate.

After that, we request documentation and take your file to underwriting so we can issue a fully underwritten preapproval. That’s important because I want to give you a real number — not a vague estimate or some inflated online calculator result.

Once we have that, we spend time talking through:

• Rates

• Payments

• What you’re comfortable with monthly

• How this fits into your real-life budget

That conversation matters.

Budgeting Matters More Than Online Calculators

No matter who you work with this year, you must talk through payments and budgeting.

Online calculators are not accurate. There are too many variables.

And while lenders look at your income and debt, we are not analyzing your day-to-day spending habits. That’s why I strongly recommend doing your own budget ahead of time.

I want you to be able to say:

• “This payment fits comfortably,” or

• “I like the price, but this payment feels too high.”

That way, you’re making a financial decision — not an emotional one.

Why You Get Approved Before House Hunting

I cannot stress this enough: get approved before you find the house.

Once you fall in love with a home, emotions take over. And I’ve seen far too many people end up in bad situations because the financial side came second.

The right order is:

1. Financial clarity

2. Approval

3. Strategy

4. Then house shopping

When we do it this way, you’re confident, prepared, and protected.

Not Ready to Apply Yet? That’s Fine Too.

If you’re not ready to fill out an application yet and just have questions, that’s okay.

We have experienced, licensed loan officers on our team, people with decades of experience, who spend their days answering questions for free. Whether you end up working with us or not, I want you to have real, honest information.

And yes — you can call multiple times. We’re happy to help.

If you’d rather schedule a call, we have a calendar. Book 30 minutes. Use all of it or only part of it — whatever you need.

Buying a house is a big deal. This is your money, your future, and possibly your family’s stability. Feeling cautious is normal. Being informed is powerful.

Education Resources for VA Buyers

If you’re not ready to talk to anyone yet and just want to learn, I have a few resources for you:

• nostressa.com – a completely free, in-depth VA homebuying course

• 60minhomebuyer.com – a faster, condensed overview of the homebuying process

You don’t have to watch everything in order. Use these resources at your own pace.

You’re educating yourself early, and that puts you ahead of most people.

I’m excited for you. Truly.

We’re Here for You

If you have questions, need clarity, or want help mapping out your VA homebuying plan, reach out anytime.

Questions? Call or Text Me at (786) 933-2077
Or Book a Time here.

We’re here to help you make smart, confident decisions — every step of the way.