Heroes
You’ve done the prep work—got pre-approved, checked your credit, and know what you can afford. Now it’s time for one of the most exciting parts of the VA homebuying journey: finding the perfect home. But here’s the catch—not every home is eligible for VA financing.In this post, we’ll help you understand what types of properties qualify for a VA loan, how to find a VA-approved condo or townhome, and what to watch out for in South Florida’s competitive real estate market.What Types of Homes Qualify for a VA Loan?The VA has specific standards when it comes to the properties it...
On Wednesday, something truly impactful happened in Doral. I had the honor of hosting our very first VA Homefront Seminar at the vibrant Shoma Bazaar, and the experience exceeded every expectation. We welcomed veterans, active-duty service members, and military families from all over Miami Dade County for a powerful session focused on homeownership, financial freedom, and building wealth through VA multifamily purchases.Together with Bryan Landman from The Federal Savings Bank and my incredible teammate Rosa, we walked attendees through the complete process of using a VA loan to buy a 2–4 unit multifamily home—where you live in one unit and...
This morning at the Port of Miami, under a gray sky and steady rain, I had the honor of attending a send-off that reminded me why I do what I do. Invited by Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), I joined fellow guests to witness the departure of the U.S. Naval Ship Comfort as it set sail on its Continuing Promise mission — a powerful humanitarian initiative that transcends borders, politics, and oceans.The ship may be heading out to care for others, but the impact of this mission was already felt here at home.As a...
By Celia Ruiz, Regional Director – Compass Military Division As a mom, a military spouse, and someone proudly serving the military community through the Compass Military Division, I work every day to help families just like yours navigate VA benefits — from homeownership to education.But this year, it got personal.👉 My daughter is starting college this fall.And even with everything I know about VA benefits, I still bought this book. Because why not?When it comes to setting your child (or yourself!) up for educational success, you don’t want to leave anything on the table — especially...
By Celia Ruiz, Regional Director – South Florida, Compass Military Division Last Thursday, May 29, the community at U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Doral, Florida came together for an unforgettable day of food, fun, and connection at the Roast & Reel: Pig Roast & Fishing Competition 🎣🔥. I had the honor of sponsoring this amazing event on behalf of the Compass Military Division and my amazing collie Rosa E Napolitano, and let me tell you—it was more than just a cookout and casting lines. Held just outside the Fitness Center and West Pond, the event was packed...
📸✨ Photos by the talented Roxanne Jeffrey! Happy Birthday, Roxanne! 🎉🥳 We’re so grateful for your incredible work capturing the spirit of this unforgettable event. You can find all her amazing photography at roxannethephotographer.com 📷💫 On May 22, 2025, before the sun even fully rose over Doral, I had the incredible honor of sponsoring and participating in an event that reminded me exactly why I do what I do. The LT Michael P. Murphy Challenge, held at the USAG-Miami Fitness Center, brought together our military families, active-duty service...
If the word “credit” makes you nervous—don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news? VA loans are known for having some of the most flexible and forgiving credit guidelines in the mortgage industry. Whether you have excellent credit or some past bumps in the road, understanding VA credit standards is key to knowing where you stand.In this post, we’ll simplify how VA lenders look at credit scores, debt history, and what you can do to prepare for a successful loan approval.Is There a Minimum Credit Score for a VA Loan?The VA itself does not set a minimum credit score. However,...
Once you've confirmed your eligibility and understand your VA entitlement, the next step is getting pre-approved. This isn’t just a formality—it’s your passport to a confident and competitive home search. A solid pre-approval letter shows sellers you’re serious, qualified, and ready to buy. In this post, we’ll walk you through what pre-approval means, how to get it, and why it’s such a critical step in your VA homebuying journey in South Florida. What Is a VA Loan Pre-Approval? Pre-approval is a lender’s conditional commitment to lend you a specific amount of money....
Once you know you're eligible for a VA loan, the next big question is: how much can you actually borrow? The answer lies in understanding your VA entitlement. It’s one of the most misunderstood parts of the VA loan process, but it’s critical to knowing your purchasing power—and making the most of your benefits. In this post, we’ll break down what VA entitlement means, how it affects your loan amount, and how to use it effectively. What Is VA Entitlement? Entitlement is the amount the Department of Veterans Affairs will guarantee on...