The VA Homebuyer Podcast with Jennifer Beeston
The one-stop shop for all your VA homebuying questions, concerns, and curiosities. Jennifer Beeston, one of the top VA mortgage lenders in the United States, shares expert insights to help VA homebuyers purchase their first home with confidence.
Learn how to make the most of your VA benefits, navigate the mortgage process, and build wealth through homeownership on The VA Homebuyer Podcast with Jennifer Beeston.
Episodes
23 episodes
VA Cashout Refinances Explained
In this episode, Jennifer talks about when a VA cash-out refinance is truly the best option for veterans accessing home equity. She explains the crucial 3.3% VA funding fee for those not receiving disability, detailing when a conventional cash-out...
Are VA Loans Taking Longer to Close in 2026
In this episode, Jennifer talks about the pervasive myth that VA loans are taking longer to close in 2026 due to VA staff cuts, often fueled by AI. As a mortgage lender with 20 years of experience and one of the top VA teams, Jennifer clarifies th...
What Veterans Need To Know Before Paying A Realtor
In this episode, Jennifer talks about critical changes impacting VA homebuyers and real estate agent commissions, particularly by 2026. Jennifer explains how veterans can now be responsible for paying their buyer's agent, a significant shift from ...
Is The VA Mortgage Benefit Being Taken Away
In this episode, Jennifer talks about the rumors surrounding the VA home loan benefit, confirming the purchase program is safe. However, she explains a concerning proposed bill, HR 9237, which could significantly increase costs for veterans refina...
Why Homeowners Need To Pay Attention to Property Taxes
In this episode, Jennifer talks about why every homeowner must pay close attention to their property tax bill. She explains how to check if your property's assessed value is fair, emphasizing short appeal deadlines to save money. Jennifer also cov...
You Don't Need To Buy A New Construction Home To Get Your Closing Costs Paid For
In this episode, Jennifer talks about a common myth: you don't need new construction for seller-paid closing costs. She clarifies that any seller can contribute, broadening your homebuying options. Jennifer explains how your loan type (Conventiona...
Two Mistakes Every Homebuyer Should Avoid
In this episode, Jennifer talks about two critical mistakes home buyers make that can stop them from refinancing. She explains how new debt—like car or furniture loans—raises your debt-to-income ratio, preventing a lower rate. Jennifer also warns ...
The #1 Type of VA Mortgage Fraud
In this episode, Jennifer talks about the number one type of VA mortgage fraud: occupancy. She explains what it means to use a VA loan for an owner-occupied property, detailing how lenders identify fraud and the serious consequences for both borro...
Why The VA Mortgage Funding Fee Matters
In this episode, Jennifer talks about the VA funding fee, debunking common myths. She clarifies who is exempt, like veterans with VA disability or a Purple Heart, and details the varying percentages for first-time and subsequent VA loan uses, show...
How To Maximize Your VA Benefit To Build Wealth
In this episode, Jennifer talks about her personal playbook for maximizing the VA benefit to build long-term wealth. She outlines how veterans can combine their VA mortgage with the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Repeat) investing model. Learn to levera...
Why Veterans Have Lower Mortgage Rates
In this episode, Jennifer talks about why veterans qualify for lower mortgage interest rates with VA loans. She reveals VA rates should always be better than conventional rates, often by a half percent or more, because government insurance reduces...
Why The VA May Have Rejected Your Loan and Lender Overlays
In this episode, Jennifer talks about VA mortgage lender overlays, explaining why your VA loan might be approved by one lender but denied by another. She clarifies the difference between actual VA guidelines and the additional rules lenders impose...
Don't Get Ripped Off On Your VA Mortgage
In this episode, Jennifer talks about how to avoid getting ripped off on your VA mortgage. She shares a shocking example where a veteran faced $33,000 in lender fees for a refinance, while Jennifer's team offered the same rate for only $1,500! Jen...
The Biggest Housing Bill in 30 Years Just Passed
In this episode, Jennifer talks about the highly publicized "biggest housing bill in 30 years" and what it *actually* means for homebuyers. Jennifer, a seasoned mortgage lender, explains that despite the hype, the bill won't bring lower rates or s...
The Easiest Way To Refinance Your VA Mortgage
In this episode, Jennifer talks about two key ways to make refinancing your VA mortgage easier. She emphasizes the importance of having a genuine conversation with an expert lender, discussing your short-term and long-term financial goals to ensur...
The Real Estate Agent Says You Can't Go VA On Your Dream Home
In this episode, Jennifer talks about a common challenge for veterans: when sellers or real estate agents mistakenly believe a property won't qualify for a VA loan. She shares the story of a client who successfully purchased a dream property despi...
How Your Family Can Help You Buy A Home
In this episode, Jennifer talks about how families are helping people buy homes, especially Gen Z. She covers two main ways this happens: gift money for down payments and co-signing mortgages. Jennifer offers guidance on gift funds, stressing veri...
VA Mortgage Update - the 21st Century Road to Housing Act
In this episode, Jennifer talks about the new 21st Century Road to Housing Act and its impact on veterans and VA mortgages. She explains how the bill will increase awareness of VA home loan benefits, requiring lenders to ask about military service...
FHA vs VA Mortgages - Which One Is Right For You in 2026
In this episode, Jennifer talks about VA versus FHA mortgages, outlining their main differences and when lenders might suggest FHA. She explains scenarios where FHA genuinely makes sense for veterans, like buying a multi-unit without full reserves...
The Worst VA Mortgage Advice I've Ever Heard
In this episode, Jennifer talks about the craziest VA mortgage story she's heard in a long time. A loan officer from a major lender told a veteran, out of the military ten years, to re-enlist just to buy a house! This officer also gave incorrect a...
3 Signs Your VA Loan Officer is a Walking RED Flag
In this episode, Jennifer talks about three critical "red flags" to spot when working with a loan officer for a VA mortgage. Drawing from her 19 years of experience, Jennifer highlights common deceptive tactics, such as claims that "VA sets the ra...
How to Tell If Your VA Loan Officer is Legit
In this episode, Jennifer talks about how veterans can verify their loan officer truly understands VA mortgages. She shares critical "trick" questions to ask before you even apply, like inquiries about maximum seller credits, the significance of d...
VA Mortgages - Getting the Seller to Pay Closing Costs
In this episode, Jennifer talks about a major barrier preventing many veterans from achieving homeownership: the daunting upfront cost of closing fees. She breaks down exactly what constitutes closing costs, from various lender and title fees to a...