by PJ Burns | Oct 18, 2026 | Buyer, Financing, Phase 2: Working with a Lender, VA Assumption
If you already know how a VA assumption works, the hard part is usually the equity gap, and a second lien is often how buyers close it. An interest only HELOC can be a flexible option, but the terms affect your payment, your risk, and your exit. One thing that...
by PJ Burns | Jul 5, 2026 | Buyer, Financing, Phase 2: Working with a Lender, VA Assumption, VA Loan
The assumed rate on a VA loan is the number that makes assumptions compelling. When a seller holds a loan at 3% and today’s market sits above 6%, that gap in rates represents real monthly savings. But when you need additional financing to cover the...
by PJ Burns | Jun 28, 2026 | Buyer, Financing, Phase 2: Working with a Lender, VA Assumption, VA Loan
Assuming a seller’s VA loan at a rate of 2.5% or 3% can save hundreds of dollars a month compared to today’s market. But there is a cost that catches buyers off guard: the gap between the seller’s remaining loan balance and the actual purchase price....
by PJ Burns | Jun 21, 2026 | Buyer, Financing, Phase 2: Working with a Lender, VA Loan
Buying a fixer-upper sounds appealing until you discover that most mortgage programs lend based on what a home is worth today, not what it will be worth after improvements. For VA-eligible buyers and homeowners, there is a financing path that addresses this problem....
by PJ Burns | Apr 27, 2026 | Buyer, Financing, Phase 2: Working with a Lender
Which Loan Strategy Makes More Sense for Military Homebuyers? One of the most common strategy conversations I have with my military buyers is whether they should choose a fixed-rate VA loan or a VA adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). At first glance, the answer seems...
by PJ Burns | Dec 7, 2025 | Buyer, Financing, Offers and Negotiation, Phase 4: Making an Offer
Seller concessions are one of the most misunderstood parts of a real estate transaction. Many buyers assume they’re a discount, a last-ditch request, or something that automatically weakens an offer. In reality, seller concessions are a negotiation lever, especially...
