Buying a home: it’s the American dream! It’s a big deal to buy a home, and the process of buying a home has only gotten more complicated. It’s crucial to know about all of the resources out there to help make the process easier, especially if you’re a veteran. Veterans have one of the most powerful mortgage options available to them, but about 33% of veterans don’t actually know they have it! This guide will help to ensure that you don’t miss out on any other important details, and so that you can begin the process of finding a place to call your own.

1. First, you’ll want to figure out if you’re ready to buy a home. Looking over your finances (including your credit report, expenses, and income) is an important first step to make sure you’re ready to take on mortgage payments. Don’t forget about closing costs! Closing costs will almost certainly run you a couple thousand (to many thousands of) dollars, and any other unforeseen expenses like repairs or maintenance your home may need can add up quickly. Decide on how much you can afford in mortgage payments monthly and how much you can pay out of pocket up front. 
2. Apply for your VA-backed Certificate of Eligibility (COE). You qualify for this certificate if you meet the minimum active service requirements, which depend on where you served. You can check your eligibility here and you can apply for the COE here.
3. Pick a lender and make sure to tell them about your veteran or military status. You can talk to many different providers to find the best rates and the most manageable fees for you. 
4. Find a real estate agent. Friends and family can help recommend a real estate agent they’ve worked with before, and some real estate agents are experienced in working with veterans to find homes. Be sure to ask questions about any fees your agent charges and carefully read over any agreements your agent has you sign. 
5. Look for a home. Search for homes that are within your price range and be sure to consider the most important factors for you and your family. If you have a young child, finding homes near schools is a great starting point!
6. When you’ve found a home you want to purchase, work with your agent to make sure that the purchase agreement includes the “VA escape clause” or the “VA option clause” so that you can void your contract if the home isn’t appraised for the contract price. Work with your agent on any other contingencies that are important to your ability to buy the home.
7. Schedule an inspection and an appraisal. An inspection ensures that any damages or defects in the property are found before you purchase your potential home. A VA-approved appraiser will also appraise, or give an opinion of value on, the home for you. After you receive the appraisal and the inspection report, you can try to renegotiate the sales price of the home if the appraised amount does not match the amount of the loan you are trying to get. Note that some sellers will not be easy to negotiate with, but your agent can provide your lender with sales data to prove that the house is worth more than the appraised value. 
8. After carefully reviewing the pre-closing paperwork and going over any odds and ends with your lender and agent, you will close on your new home. Closing can take a while as you have to sign many, many documents and will usually happen at a title company or an attorney’s office. Now it’s time to move in!

This process may seem a little daunting at first, but disclosing your status as a veteran to both your lender and your agent can be extremely helpful in making sure that you receive the benefits you deserve. Visiting va.gov can also aid in answering any of the questions you might have for this exciting process!