VA First-Time Homebuyers: Trends, Insights, and Opportunities in the 2025 Market
The VA loan remains one of the most powerful benefits available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses. For first-time homebuyers (FTHBs), it can make the dream of homeownership achievable with no down payment and no mortgage insurance — a combination that’s hard to beat.
In 2021, one in two VA borrowers was a first-time homebuyer, showing just how essential
How to Rate Shop for a VA Loan (Even with an Employment Gap)
A recent post in the Vetted VA Facebook Group outlined a question that many veterans share:
“If I have an employment gap, and I’m shopping for a VA loan, how do I find a lender who will work with my situation without tanking my credit score?”
It’s a fair question — and the answer involves understanding both VA income rules
VA Manual Underwriting: Your Second Chance at Home Loan Approval
Sometimes, a VA borrower does everything right — good credit, stable income, strong eligibility — and still hears:
“Sorry, we can’t get you approved.”
But as Vetted VA professional Scott Schang reminds veterans, that denial may say more about the lender’s limitations than your qualifications.
If your lender isn’t experienced with manual underwriting, they might stop at
Refinancing or Buying a Home After Forbearance: What Veterans Should Know
In the wake of COVID-19, many homeowners — including veterans — entered mortgage forbearance to manage financial hardship. For months, one major question lingered: When will I be able to refinance or buy again?
On May 19, 2020, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac issued temporary guidance clarifying those rules. These policies helped reopen the door for responsible
Mortgage Forbearance Fears: What Veterans Need to Know Before Pausing Payments
When the CARES Act was signed into law in March 2020, it brought welcome relief to millions of homeowners affected by COVID-19 — including veterans and service members with VA-backed mortgages.
But with that relief came confusion. Terms like forbearance and payment deferral began circulating online, often without full explanations or context.
As Vetted VA professional Scott Schang
VA IRRRL After Forbearance: What Veterans Need to Know to Refinance Safely
The COVID-19 pandemic created financial challenges for millions of Americans — and veterans were no exception. As businesses shut down, many homeowners turned to mortgage forbearance under the CARES Act to pause payments and stabilize their finances.
For veterans with VA-backed home loans, this raised a new question: Can I still refinance after
