I am in the process of looking and narrowing down houses, all within my projected payment range. I have already sent off for my certificate of eligibility, so I should be getting that in a few weeks. I would like to know how the process all works out though, since I would be a first time buyer Here is what I do know:

1) It isn't a loan, it'* a guarantee on a loan, and only up to a certain amount.
2) Unless I get hitched with Karen, they cannot count her income.
3) I am 50% service connected disabled, so I am sure most of the fees that would normally pay with a VA loan are waived (like closing costs) and/or capped.

I am finding out that buying a home is an overwhelming experience, esp. if it is a first-time deal. And though I don't have a bad paying job, it still isn't enough to help with building a savings account, so the VA loan looks good in that aspect as well. I am basically asking how long it took, from start to finish, using a VA loan...what all is involved, etc.

I drove to Portland (an hour away) and got my certificate in an hour. It'* a guarantee. Basically makes a bank or loan company more likely to finance you.

I had to send off for mine...gotta go through Winston-Salem, and I heard they take their sweet-a$$ time from somewhere. Just to help it along a bit, I overnighted it and not only included my DD214, but also the disability award letter.

Bill, how strict was the inspection for the home?