The home-buying process has a lot of people in it — realtors, lenders, title companies, inspectors, sellers. Every one of them has their own interests at the table. Your job is to show up prepared. This guide exists because most people don't.
Built from real experience. Not theory.
We've used a VA loan. We've dealt with property tax surprises at the closing table. We've shown up with what the lender told us to bring and been told we needed more. We closed on a home in February and spent the first week with space heaters because the gas company couldn't send anyone out. Every situation in this guide has a fix. The fix was information that should have been available before we needed it, not after.
What's Inside
- The correct order to approach the process — and why most people start in the wrong place
- How to know your actual budget before a lender tells you what they'll approve
- Military lenders vs. local lenders — the loyalty tax applied at the mortgage level
- What to look for when evaluating a neighborhood, including evening drive-throughs before you commit
- How to attend an inspection and what questions to actually ask
- Offer strategy and negotiation — why your walk-away point must be set before the pressure starts
- Escrow explained — what it is, why your payment changes, and what to check every year
- The New Construction Tax Trap that blindsides buyers at the closing table
- Closing day prep, document storage, insurance, and what to do in the first 30 days
- Full Veteran Addendum: VA loans, funding fees, the VA appraisal, and property tax exemptions
Includes a property comparison worksheet, emergency contacts page, and notes lines throughout so you can actually use it, not just read it once.
For Veterans and Active Duty
The VA loan is one of the most significant financial benefits available to those who served. It is also one of the most misunderstood — including by many real estate agents. The Veteran Addendum covers VA loan benefits, current funding fee rates, the VA appraisal process, and property tax exemptions. Built by an Iraq War veteran and his wife, both rated 100% permanent and total, who have navigated the VA system themselves.
Want to Go Deeper?
The full paid edition — which decodes the Closing Disclosure line by line, walks through the New Construction Tax Trap in full detail, and shows you how to read and dispute your annual escrow analysis — is coming soon.
Other Free Resources from Alpha VI Battalion
- The Military Transition Logbook — free fillable logbook for separating and retiring service members
- VA Disability Claim Logbook — document symptoms, prepare for C&P exams, protect your claim
This is a free digital download. No shipping. Instant access after checkout.