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 rent out the others for income.
Whether you were there or missed it, this post walks through the same step-by-step process we covered in the seminar and invites you to join us for the next one.
🏠 Introduction to Homebuying for Veterans in South Florida
For many veterans and active-duty families, the idea of homeownership feels out of reach—especially in today’s fast-moving market. But the VA loan is a unique, powerful benefit that allows you to purchase a home with no down payment, no PMI, and favorable terms.
What many don’t realize is that you can use this same loan to buy a multifamily property (up to 4 units), so long as you live in one of the units for the first year. In a place like South Florida, where rental demand is incredibly high, this creates an opportunity not just to own—but to build wealth.
This isn’t just about homeownership—it’s about using your VA entitlement as a launchpad to financial independence.
💳 Credit Checks, Pre-Approval & Knowing Your Price Range
At Wednesday’s seminar, Bryan Landman explained the first step in the process: getting pre-approved with a VA-experienced lender. He discussed how your credit score, income, and entitlement level are all factors that help determine how much you qualify for—and how soft credit pulls can give you insight without hurting your score.
Most VA lenders prefer a score of 580 or higher, but strong income or low debt can help offset a lower score. The key takeaway: Don’t disqualify yourself—talk to a lender first.
💡 Knowing your pre-approved range helps you shop smart and confidently when it's time to submit an offer.
👥 Finding the Right Real Estate Agent (That’s Where We Come In!)
Navigating the VA loan process—especially for multifamily homes—isn’t something just any real estate agent can do.
That’s why I created this seminar and why my work is centered around helping veterans succeed in real estate. From understanding VA occupancy rules to structuring winning offers and navigating appraisals, I bring experience and insight designed specifically for military buyers.
I also work closely with my teammate Rosa, who’s an essential part of making sure our buyers feel supported and informed every step of the way.
🤝 With us, you don’t just get an agent—you get a mission-ready team.
✍️ Making an Offer & Negotiating the Deal
One of the most popular segments at our seminar was how to write strong offers as a VA buyer. We broke down how to include:
The required occupancy certification
Requests for seller concessions (up to 4%) to help with closing costs
Clauses that make your offer competitive—without violating VA guidelines
We also discussed how to position VA financing as a strength in negotiations, even in competitive areas like Doral, Kendall, or Pembroke Pines.
📈 VA offers are powerful when you have the right team helping you craft them.
🔍 Inspections & VA Appraisals: What to Expect
Once your offer is accepted, the property needs to pass two evaluations: a home inspection and a VA appraisal.
The inspection is optional but strongly recommended—especially for multifamily homes, which may have older systems or deferred maintenance. The VA appraisal, on the other hand, is mandatory. It verifies the value and checks for Minimum Property Requirements like:
Safe and sound structure
Working utilities
No safety hazards
If repairs are needed, we’ll help guide you through the renegotiation or repair credit process so you stay on track.
🛠️ You’re never alone in this—we’ll walk you through every step.
🖋️ Closing the Deal
Once everything is approved, we head to closing—where you sign documents, fund the loan, and become the official owner of your multifamily property.
Because VA loans require you to occupy one of the units, you must move in within 60 days and occupy for at least one year. After that, you’re not just a homeowner—you’re an investor, too.
🧾 We also guide you through Florida’s Homestead Exemption to reduce your property taxes on your primary residence.
🚚 Moving In & Building Your Future
This is where the real journey begins. When you use your VA loan to purchase a multifamily property, you’re not just securing a home—you’re investing in a source of monthly cash flow, building equity, and laying the foundation for long-term financial security.
Whether this is your forever home or your first step into real estate investing, you’re setting yourself up for a stronger future.
🎖️ Real estate is your new mission—and we’re honored to help guide you every step of the way.
📣 Help Us Grow This Movement!
Our first seminar was just the beginning. We’re committed to helping more veterans and military families across South Florida take advantage of the benefits they’ve earned.
If you attended—thank you.
If you missed it—join us next time.
If you know someone who could benefit—share this blog and help us spread the word.
📍Join Us for the Next Seminar:
🧠 Topic: VA Homefront: Cracking the Condo Code
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
🕓 Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Shoma Bazaar | 9420 NW 41st St, Doral, FL
✅ RSVP Now: https://forms.gle/stc17yMeecMo2EgSA
🔗 Connect With Us
📲 Text “Multifamily” to 305.965.1882
📧 Email celia@morethanthesale.com
Let’s keep building this community—one veteran homeowner at a time.
#VALoan #VeteranHomebuyers #MultifamilyWithVA #SouthFloridaRealEstate #DoralSeminar #ShomaBazaarEvents #CompassMilitaryDivision #BryanLandman #FederalSavingsBank #CeliaRuizRealEstate #VARealEstateExperts #HouseHacking #VeteransBuildingWealth #RealEstateForHeroes
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