Buying Your First Home? Start With the Right Foundation
At 1st United Mortgage, we’re proud to help veterans, active-duty service members, and military families navigate one of life’s most important milestones—buying their first home. And if you’re using a VA loan, you already have one of the most powerful home financing tools available.
VA loans offer zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), flexible credit requirements, and competitive interest rates. But even with all these advantages, first-time homebuyers can still run into avoidable setbacks.
We’ve helped thousands of veterans successfully purchase their first home, and we’ve also seen the same costly mistakes pop up time and time again. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common errors to avoid—and how you can move forward with confidence, clarity, and the full support of the 1st United Mortgage team.
Skipping Preapproval Before House Hunting
One of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make is looking at homes before getting preapproved for a VA loan.
Preapproval gives you a clear picture of your price range, what your monthly payment might look like, and how much you can borrow based on your income, debt, and credit profile. Without it, you’re shopping blind—and you may fall in love with a home that’s outside your actual budget.
Worse yet, in today’s fast-moving housing market, sellers often won’t take your offer seriously unless you’re already preapproved. Getting preapproved with 1st United Mortgage is quick, straightforward, and gives you a competitive edge right out of the gate.
Confusing Prequalification With Preapproval
Many first-time buyers hear the word prequalified and think they’re ready to go. But there’s a big difference between prequalification and preapproval.
Prequalification is an informal estimate based on self-reported information. Preapproval, on the other hand, involves a full review of your income, credit, and financial documents by a VA-approved lender.
If you want to submit a strong offer and be taken seriously by agents and sellers, go with a VA loan preapproval—not just a prequal.
Not Budgeting for Upfront Costs (Even With No Down Payment)
Yes, VA loans require no down payment, and that’s a huge benefit. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have any upfront costs.
You’ll still need to budget for:
- Earnest money deposits
- Home inspections
- Appraisals
- Moving costs
- Closing costs (some of which may be covered by sellers or rolled into the loan)
At 1st United Mortgage, we help you prepare for every cost up front so nothing catches you off guard later. Our team will also work with your real estate agent to see if closing costs can be negotiated into the seller’s offer—a common strategy for VA buyers.
Assuming Every Property Qualifies for a VA Loan
Not every home meets VA loan property standards. The VA requires that homes be in safe, livable condition and meet minimum property requirements (MPRs).
If you fall in love with a fixer-upper that has foundation issues, a leaky roof, or outdated electrical systems, it may not qualify for VA financing without significant repairs.
Always work with a VA-savvy real estate agent and get guidance from your loan officer before making an offer. At 1st United Mortgage, we’ll help evaluate whether a property is likely to pass the VA appraisal and inspection process.
Making Big Financial Changes During the Loan Process
You’ve been preapproved—great! But now is not the time to open a new credit card, finance a new car, or make any big purchases.
Any major changes to your credit, income, or debt-to-income ratio could jeopardize your final loan approval. Even something like switching jobs or depositing a large amount of cash into your account can raise red flags.
We always advise our borrowers to check with us before making any financial moves until after closing. It’s the easiest way to avoid delays or denials.
Overlooking the VA Funding Fee
The VA funding fee helps fund the VA loan program so it remains available to future generations of service members. Most first-time buyers pay a funding fee of 2.15% of the loan amount, although it can vary depending on your down payment (if any) and whether it’s your first or subsequent use of the benefit.
While this fee can be rolled into your loan (meaning no out-of-pocket payment), it’s still a cost you need to factor into your total loan amount.
Good news: If you receive VA disability benefits, you’re exempt from paying the funding fee altogether. We’ll verify your eligibility early on so you know exactly what to expect.
Not Using a Lender Who Specializes in VA Loans
This is one of the most common—and costly—mistakes first-time VA buyers make.
Not every lender understands the nuances of VA loans. Some lenders may steer you toward a different loan type, charge unnecessary fees, or delay the process because they’re unfamiliar with VA guidelines.
At 1st United Mortgage, VA loans are our specialty. We work exclusively with veterans, active-duty military, and military families—and we’re deeply familiar with the paperwork, timelines, benefits, and rules involved.
Ignoring the Option to Refinance Later
Some buyers hesitate to purchase a home when rates are high, thinking they’ll be locked in for life. But VA borrowers have access to one of the easiest and most affordable refinance tools available: the VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan).
If rates drop in the future, you may be able to refinance into a lower rate with minimal documentation and no appraisal—saving you money without the hassle of a traditional refinance.
We always advise our first-time buyers to think long-term, and the ability to refinance through the VA loan program is a major part of that strategy.
Partner With a Lender Who Puts Veterans First
Buying your first home should be exciting—not overwhelming. At 1st United Mortgage, we’re here to simplify the process and help you avoid the common pitfalls that trip up many VA buyers. When you work with us, you get:
- Straightforward answers to all your questions
- Personalized guidance from VA loan experts
- Fast and accurate preapproval
- A dedicated loan officer who understands military life
- A partner who’s with you from application to closing—and beyond
Ready to Buy Your First Home With a VA Loan?
Avoid the guesswork and move forward with confidence. Contact 1st United Mortgage today to get preapproved, explore your VA loan options, and connect with a team that knows what military families need in today’s housing market.
📞 Call us at (931) 548-1985
💻 Visit us at 1unitedmortgage.com
Let’s make your first home purchase smooth, affordable, and successful—from start to finish.