FAQs
First-Time & VA Buyer FAQs
First-Time Buyers
How much cash do I need to buy a home as a first-time buyer?
Down payment requirements vary by loan (3%–5% for many conventional options, 3.5% for FHA). You’ll also want to budget ~2%–4% of the purchase price for closing costs. We’ll show you strategies for down payment assitance, seller credits, and seller concessions to reduce cash-to-close.
What’s the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported info. A pre-approval verifies income, assets, and credit with documentation. We recommend a full underwritten pre-approval before you shop to strengthen your offer.
What credit score do I need?
Typical minimums start around the mid-600s for conventional and 520 for many FHA programs, but lender overlays vary. Higher scores can lower your rate and mortgage insurance. We’ll connect you with lenders who can roadmap improvements if needed.
What’s the timeline from offer to keys?
Most financed purchases close in ~25–35 days. New construction and certain loan types can vary. We coordinate inspections, appraisal, title, and underwriting to keep you on track.
Inspection vs. appraisal—what’s the difference?
An inspection evaluates condition and safety for your knowledge; an appraisal determines market value for the lender. We recommend both—and we’ll help you interpret results and negotiate repairs.
Ready to Secure Your Spot? Get Your FREE Ultimate Home Buyers Guide When You Attend This Seminar!
Join us Thursday, November 6th at 6:30 PM CST for our First-Time & Veteran Home Buyer Zoom Seminar.
Seats are limited — reserve your free spot today!
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🎟️ Click HERE to Register on Zoom
VA Buyers
Do VA loans really require $0 down?
Yes—eligible Veterans can purchase with no down payment up to their entitlement limits. You’ll still have funding fee and closing costs, but we often structure seller credits to reduce them. There’s no monthly PMI on VA loans. Veterans with service connected disability rating pay no funding fee!
How do I prove eligibility (COE) and entitlement?
Our lender can retrieve your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) electronically in minutes in most cases. You may need your DD-214 (separated) or a Statement of Service (active duty). We’ll help your lender secure it early.
What is the VA Funding Fee—and can it be waived?
The VA Funding Fee is a one-time cost that can be financed. It’s waived for many Veterans with a qualifying disability rating (and some other cases, e.g., surviving spouses). We’ll confirm your status with the lender.
Are VA appraisals harder to pass?
VA appraisals check value and basic Minimum Property Requirements (safety, sanitation, structural soundness). We screen properties for likely issues and negotiate solutions if repairs are needed.
Can I buy while PCSing to JBSA?
Absolutely. We routinely help active-duty families time closings around PCS dates with power-of-attorney options, remote signings, and on-site inspections we attend on your behalf.
Ready to Secure Your Spot? Get Your FREE Ultimate Home Buyers Guide When You Attend This Seminar!
Need answers specific to your situation? 📅 Book a 1:1 Buyer Consultation
MORTGAGE CALCULATOR
Use our home loan calculator to estimate your total mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance. Simply enter the price of the home, your down payment, and details about the home loan, to calculate your mortgage payment, schedule, and more.
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What Our Clients Say
Ethan Corriere
We had such a great experience working with Keith and Sheila. From the very beginning, Keith never pressured us and always made sure we felt comfortable every step of the way. He guided us with patience, honesty, and clear communication, which made the entire process so much less stressful.
What really stood out was the personal touch — Sheila was incredible at keeping our kids busy while we focused on looking at homes. That extra effort meant so much to us as a family. We truly felt supported the whole way through, and it’s clear they both genuinely care about their clients.
We would highly recommend Keith and Sheila to anyone looking for realtors who go above and beyond.
Santos Mosqueda
Mr and Mrs Campbell aka Keith and Sheila are the perfect example of a good realtor. They are very nice, humble and they will treat you like family. Thank you very much for helping me get our new home. My daughter and I are very happy on how you treated us. May God bless you and your family like we were blessed.
Tim Carnell
Keith & Sheila were absolutely amazing to work with. They were very informative and were always ready to answer any questions I had along the way.