First-Time & Veteran Home Buyer’s Guide
Buying your first home — or buying with a VA loan — doesn’t have to feel complicated. Here’s the process and the key facts, in plain language, for Bullhead City, Fort Mohave, Kingman, and Lake Havasu City, AZ.
The Home-Buying Process, Step by Step
- Get pre-approved. Talk to a lender before you shop, so you know your real budget and can move fast when the right home comes up.
- Define what you need. Area, price range, bedrooms, and must-haves (garage, RV parking, pool, view) — this narrows the search fast.
- Tour homes & make an offer. I’ll help you price the offer using current, real comps — not guesswork.
- Inspection & appraisal. A licensed inspector checks the property’s condition; the lender orders an appraisal to confirm value.
- Closing. Sign the final paperwork, fund the loan, and get your keys.
Using a VA Loan? Here’s What to Know
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- $0 down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty service members, with no PMI (private mortgage insurance) — a real cost savings over most conventional loans.
- Funding fee: typically 2.15% of the loan amount on a first-time VA loan with no down payment, or 3.3% on a subsequent use — this can be rolled into the loan rather than paid out of pocket.
- Fee waived for veterans receiving VA disability compensation, Purple Heart recipients, and eligible surviving spouses.
- No cap on loan size for buyers with full entitlement — you’re not boxed in by an old-style loan limit.
- The home must meet VA minimum property requirements and generally be your primary residence.
- You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA — your lender can usually help you pull this.
General VA loan program terms as of September 2026, via Veterans United. Exact eligibility, fees, and exemptions are determined by the VA and your individual lender — confirm current details before you rely on them.
Free VA Home Buying 101 Workshop
I’m putting together free, no-pressure workshops for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families — how VA loans work, getting your Certificate of Eligibility, what the funding fee means for you, and how the buying process works here, start to finish. No dates are set yet — join the list and I’ll let you know when the next one is scheduled.
Part of a VFW post, American Legion, or other veterans group? Add it below and I’ll reach out about bringing the workshop to your members.
Other First-Time Buyer Options
Not using a VA loan? There are still low-down-payment conventional and FHA programs, and sometimes local or state first-time-buyer assistance. Terms and availability change, so the fastest way to know what actually fits your situation is a quick conversation.
Why Work With a Local Agent
I’m local, active in this market, and genuinely passionate about real estate education and financial literacy — especially helping veterans, first-time buyers, and young adults find their footing. You’ll get straight answers, not a sales pitch.
This guide is general information, not financial, legal, or lending advice. VA loan eligibility, fees, and exemptions are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and your lender, and program terms can change; confirm current details with a VA-approved lender before making a decision.