Military Mortgage Options: What Every Service Member Should Know

Lee Botelho • May 13, 2025

Military Mortgage Options: What Every Service Member Should Know

When iFor active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible military families, buying a home comes with unique benefits—especially when it comes to financing. I understand the challenges and sacrifices of military life, and I am here to help you navigate the home-buying process with confidence. Whether you’re PCS-ing across the country or settling down after retirement, here’s a guide to the top military mortgage options available to you.

1. VA Home Loans: The Cornerstone of Military Mortgages

The VA loan—backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs—is one of the most powerful mortgage options available to military buyers. Here’s why it stands out:

No down payment required (in most cases)
No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Competitive interest rates
Lenient credit requirements
Limited closing costs

Who’s Eligible?
VA loans are available to:

Active-duty service members (after 90 days of continuous service)
Veterans with qualifying service
National Guard and Reserve members (with sufficient service)
Certain surviving spouses

You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply, but a VA-savvy lender can usually help you obtain it quickly.

2. VA Jumbo Loans for High-Cost Areas

If you’re buying in a high-cost area or seeking a more expensive home, a VA Jumbo Loan might be the right fit. These allow eligible buyers to finance homes above the standard VA loan limit without a large down payment. The process is similar to a standard VA loan, though some lenders may require a higher credit score or additional documentation.

3. Military Housing Assistance Programs

There are also various nonprofit and government-backed programs designed to assist military homebuyers:

State-specific veteran housing benefits (some states offer additional tax exemptions or down payment assistance)
Military Housing Assistance Fund (MHAF) – helps cover closing costs for eligible buyers
Homes for Heroes – provides savings and rebates for military personnel buying or selling a home

Check with me to see which programs may be available in your area.

4. Tips for a Smooth Military Home Purchase

Work with a professional – Agents, like myself, understand PCS timelines and VA loan intricacies.
Get pre-approved early – This helps you move quickly in a competitive market. I can help with this by connecting you with a few of our preferred lenders.
Understand your entitlements – Some buyers can reuse their VA loan benefit or have multiple VA loans under certain conditions.
Be ready for PCS flexibility – Look into options that allow you to rent or refinance if you’re reassigned.

Buying a home as a service member or veteran doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you have the right agent on your side. I proudly support my military customers and work with trusted lenders to ensure a smooth, affordable path to homeownership.

Ready to explore your military mortgage options? Contact me today to connect with a VA loan expert and start your home search with confidence.

Lee Botelho, REALTOR®
LeeBotelho@REMIRealty.com

#FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LeeBotelhoRealtor

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Get to Know Your Agent: More Than Just a Friendly Face

By Linda Taylor • May 5, 2025

Get to Know Your Agent: More Than Just a Friendly Face When it comes to choosing a real estate agent, it’s not just about market knowledge or negotiation skills—it’s also about connection, trust, and knowing the person who’s guiding you through one of life’s biggest decisions. So, let me take a moment to share a little more about myself, beyond the listings and open houses. A Bit About Me… I’m a proud mom of two wonderful children (2 years old and 2 months old) who keep life full of laughter, energy, and the occasional mess of Legos underfoot. Our home is lively—we share it with a sweet Great Dane and four curious kitties. Growing up with animals in Austria, I’ve always felt that a house truly becomes a home when it's filled with furry friends. Speaking of Austria, that’s where I’m originally from, and yes, German is my native language. I love bringing a bit of my heritage into everything I do, whether it’s baking something traditional or sharing stories of my alpine upbringing. My dad is an architect in Austria, which gave me an early appreciation for beautiful spaces and thoughtful design—something that naturally flows into my work in real estate. When I was young, he would take me to work with him and I would sit off to the side and build my dream home! My path to real estate wasn’t a straight one. Before this, I worked in healthcare, and even before that, I worked with children. Helping people has always been at the core of what I do, and I bring that same compassion and patience to every client interaction. Life as a military spouse has brought its own unique experiences and insights—my husband proudly serves in the military, and we understand the challenges (and strengths) of moving, relocating, and building new roots. Why It Matters These aren’t just fun facts—they’re part of what shapes how I approach my work. Whether it’s finding the perfect pet-friendly home, understanding the needs of a growing family, or navigating the complexities of a relocation, I bring real-life experience, empathy, and dedication to the table. I believe that every customer deserves not only a knowledgeable agent but also someone who listens, cares, and truly gets what home means to them. Let’s find your perfect place—together. 🏡 Linda Taylor, REALTOR® LindaTaylor@REMIRealty.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LindaTaylorRealtor

Get to Know Your Agent: Lisa Bain

By Lisa Bain • May 3, 2025

Get to Know Your Agent: Lisa Bain Hi there! I’m so glad you stopped by. Whether you're here looking to buy your dream home, sell your current one, or just browsing, I thought I’d take a moment to introduce myself—not just as your real estate agent, but as a real person who has recently taken a major leap of faith and reinvented her life. A Sagittarian Soul on a Journey Born in December under the ever-adventurous Sagittarius sign, I’ve always had a fire for creativity, connection, and chasing new experiences. After more than 35 years as a graphic designer, I took a bold step in 2024: I earned my real estate license, said goodbye to my 9-5 life, and dove headfirst into a brand-new chapter. From City Lights to Country Nights After living in the city for 17 years, I made another major move—literally! I sold my longtime home, packed up, and relocated to Macclenny, where I now live with my wonderful boyfriend. Let’s just say this city girl is learning the ropes of country living... and loving it more than I expected. Planting Roots—Literally Six years ago, I found peace and passion in gardening. Getting my hands in the dirt has become a powerful way to connect with nature and ground myself through all of life’s changes. From flowers to vegetables, there’s just something magical about watching something grow because you cared for it. Family First, Always I’m a proud mom of two amazing daughters—Julia (26), a stay-at-home mom, and Olivia (19), a thriving student at the University of Florida. And if that weren’t enough to fill my heart, I’m also “Grandma” to Kensley (6) and Dominick (1)—both born on December 12th (how’s that for a cosmic coincidence?!). Flipping the Script… and Some Homes! Along with diving into real estate, I’ve also embarked on a new business adventure: house flipping! My boyfriend and I bought our first investment property in December, and we’ve been all in—hammer, paintbrush, and vision board in hand. But for us, this is more than just business. It’s a creative outlet, a passion project, and a way to breathe new life into homes that have seen better days. That’s why we launched Second Chances of N. FL LLC. Our mission is rooted in transformation—giving not only homes a second chance, but also the families connected to them. We aim to help one family move on to their next chapter while preparing the space with care and intention for the next family to create beautiful memories. Unlike flippers who just cover up the flaws, we believe in fixing things the right way—addressing root problems and making thoughtful improvements that will last. Every nail, every coat of paint, every design decision is made with love and longevity in mind. At the heart of it all is my love for “second chances”—and that love is poured into every home we touch, so the next family can feel it the moment they walk through the door. Reinvention is the New Routine 2024 has been the year of reinvention—and honestly, I’ve never felt more aligned with who I am becoming. Real estate isn’t just a career change for me—it’s a calling. Helping people find their home, invest in their future, or move forward is something I’m deeply passionate about. So whether you’re looking for a savvy agent, a little inspiration, or just someone who knows what it means to start over—you’re in the right place. I’d love to connect, share a coffee (or garden tips!), and help you plant the seeds for your next chapter. Thanks for getting to know me — I can’t wait to get to know you. Lisa Bain, REALTOR® LisaBainRealtor@gmail.com #FloridaRealEstate #SunshineState #LoveFL #NAR #Realtors #TheRealFloridaRealtors #FLRealEstate #RealTalkWithREMI #REMIRealty #LisaBainRealtor