Unlocking the Door to Your Dream Home with VA Loans: A Guide for Veterans and Military Families

Liz Gibbs • February 14, 2024

At Eagle Mortgage, we're not just in the business of offering loans; we're in the business of making dreams come true. The journey to homeownership might seem daunting for the brave souls who've served our country. But it doesn't have to be. VA loans are designed to honor your service and make the path clearer and more accessible. The start is just the start: zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and lenient credit score requirements. So, if you're a veteran, an active-duty service member, or a surviving spouse, let's explore how VA loans can unlock the door to your dream home.


Eligibility for VA Loans


The first step on this journey is determining eligibility. VA loans are a privilege for:


  • Veterans
  • Active-duty service members
  • National Guard members
  • Reserve members
  • Some surviving spouses


You'll need to have served a minimum period and meet the service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is your ticket here, and at Eagle Mortgage, we can help you navigate this process smoothly.


Benefits of VA Loans


VA loans come with a suite of benefits designed to make homeownership more attainable:


  • No Down Payment: One of the most significant hurdles to homeownership is the down payment. VA loans often require none, making it easier to take the leap.
  • No PMI: Unlike conventional loans, VA loans don't require you to pay private mortgage insurance, even if your down payment is below 20%.
  • Competitive Interest Rates: The VA backs these loans, leading to lower interest rates compared to many conventional loans.
  • Lenient Credit Requirements: VA loans are more forgiving regarding credit scores, making them accessible to more people.


The Application Process


Applying for a VA loan with Eagle Mortgage is a journey we walk together:


  1. Pre-Qualification: We'll discuss your financial situation and what you're looking for in a home to get an idea of your loan amount.
  2. COE: You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, which we can help you obtain.
  3. Loan Application: We'll guide you through the application, helping you gather and submit the necessary documents.
  4. Property Appraisal: The VA requires an appraisal to assess the value of the home you're interested in.
  5. Closing: Once everything is in order, we'll close the loan, and you'll get the keys to your new home.


Success Stories


A Navy veteran, John dreamed of a home where his family could grow roots. He bought a spacious four-bedroom house with a VA loan through Eagle Mortgage without draining his savings on a down payment. Maria, a single mother and Army reservist, thought homeownership was out of reach until she explored VA loans with us. Now, she's a proud homeowner, providing stability for her children.


VA loans are a bridge to homeownership for many who've served our country. With no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates, they're an excellent pathway to owning your dream home. Eagle Mortgage is here to guide you every step of the way, from exploring your eligibility to handing you the keys. Your service deserves honor, and your dreams of homeownership deserve to be realized. Let's make those dreams come true together.

By Liz Gibbs July 23, 2025
Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 20 minutes 10 minutes 30 minutes Ingredients 3 oz prosciutto ⅓ cup pine nuts Salad ingredients 3 yellow peaches (medium-size) 8 oz fresh Mozzarella cheese (large balls) 2 oz fresh basil shredded Dressing ⅓ cup balsamic glaze or reduction (see note below) US Customary - Metric Instructions Cook prosciutto - Preheat the oven to 350 F. - Spread Prosciutto in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. - Toast for about 10 minutes or more until crispy. Remove from oven. - Toast pine nuts - Toast pine nuts on a separate baking sheet for about 5 minutes in the preheated oven at 350 F. Watch the nuts carefully to make sure they don't burn. How to prepare peaches and slice them into rounds - Wash peaches really well with warm running water to remove any dirt or debris. You don't need to peel the peaches. - Hold the peach down on a counter (not in the air) and use a small knife to cut down into the flesh until it hits the pit (starting at the top of the stem where the natural indent is). Continue to cut all the way around until it reaches the other side. Set aside the knife. - Hold each half of the peach with your hands and move each half away from each other gently, twisting, until the 2 halves are separated. One of the halves will have a pit attached to its center - remove it with your fingers, using small motions. This is why you want peaches that are somewhat soft. Peaches are soft, so you don't need a super sharp knife. Be careful and don't cut yourself. Don't cut peaches while holding them in the air. Hold them down steady on a counter with one hand, and use the knife in the other hand. Be aware of your fingers and don't' cut yourself. Once you have 2 pitted peach halves, slice each half into rounds. Some rounds will have a hole in the middle. Prepare Mozzarella Slice fresh Mozzarella cheese into rounds or slice them into squares to fit the peach slices. Assembly - Layer rounds of peaches on a large plate or on several small serving plates. - Top with rounds or squares of sliced fresh Mozzarella cheese. - Top with shredded fresh basil on top of the Mozzarella and around the peaches. - Layer crispy prosciutto around the peaches. - Sprinkle with the balsamic glaze or reduction. - Top with toasted pine nuts. Notes Note about yellow peaches. Make sure to purchase yellow peaches (not white) as they make a beautiful presentation. Choose peaches that have a soft texture (but not mushy) - peaches should be soft and have some give to them. If peaches are too hard, they will be difficult to slice. Wash peaches really well with warm running water to remove any dirt or debris. Grill peach halves if you like for more flavor and a beautiful presentation! Homemade balsamic glaze. Make the balsamic glaze by cooking down the balsamic vinegar together with a small amount of honey or brown sugar until the mixture reduces by about half. For example, combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar + ¼ cup of honey or brown sugar and cook it down. Consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon but should not be overly thick. Use store-purchased balsamic glaze. It is sold in the same aisle as regular balsamic vinegar and/or olive oil. Drizzle with a very high-quality aged balsamic vinegar made in Italy. Aged balsamic vinegar is often sold in specialized stores or sections of foreign foods at some grocery stores. It has a thick, syrupy consistency, different from regular balsamic vinegar. Just use it as is. And, you don't need to use much. Or, use your favorite balsamic vinaigrette-based salad dressing.
By Liz Gibbs June 27, 2025
Prep Time: 30 Min | Inactive Time: 2 hour | Total Time : 2 hours and 30 minutes Ingredients 2 - 12 oz bakery pound cakes, cut into one inch cubes 1 - recipe homemade glaze (recipe below) or 2 - cups store bought strawberry glaze 1 - 16 oz container fresh strawberries, chopped and separated 1/2 - pint fresh blueberries 1/2 - pint raspberries Homemade Strawberry Glaze 2 - cups sugar 2 - cups water 6 - tablespoons cornstarch 6 - tablespoons strawberry gelatin (Jell-O) Cream Filling 4 - ounces cream cheese, softened 1 - 16 oz container heavy whipping cream 1 - teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 - cup powdered sugar Instructions: If using homemade strawberry glaze, prepare the glaze first so it has sufficient time to cool. If using store bought glaze omit this step (I used homemade glaze). 1) Cut the pound cake into one inch cubes and arrange in a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. 2) Add the strawberry glaze over the pound cake and spread evenly. Sprinkle about 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries over the glaze. 3) Prepare the whipped cream filling, by whipping the heavy cream slowly until the cream is lightly thickened and soft peaks start to form. 4) In a seperate bowl, add the softened cream cheese and whip until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar and mix to combine. 5) Add the cream cheese mixture to the heavy whipping cream, and continue whipping until the cream forms semi stiff peaks. 6) Drop the whipped cream mixture by dollops over the strawberry glaze and spread evenly to cover the glaze completely. 7) Add the fresh blueberries, raspberries and remaining chopped strawberries. 8) Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers. To make the Homemade Strawberry Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cornstarch. Cook over medium high heat until it boils and thickens. You will know the mixture is thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove glaze from heat, add gelatin, and mix to combine using a wire whisk. Cool glaze before using. To cool the glaze quickly I place the whole pot into a bowl of ice water and whisk until it cools down and thickens.
By Liz Gibbs June 4, 2025
Prep Time: Total Time: Servings: 15 mins 15 mins 8 Ingredients: - 1 cup mayonnaise - ¼ cup white sugar or to taste - 4 teaspoons white wine vinegar - ½ teaspoon dried dill weed - ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or to taste - 4 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced Directions: Stir mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, dill, and seasoned salt together in a large bowl until sugar has dissolved. Stir in cucumber slices, tossing to coat. Nutrition Facts (per serving) 237 22g 11g 1g Calories Fat Carbs Protein
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