Five Things Inland Empire Veterans and First-Time Buyers Should Know Before House Hunting

By Alan Vogan, CEO, First Lending Solutions (NMLS 236124)

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Oct. 16, 2026: Buying a first home in the Inland Empire can feel overwhelming, especially for veterans and military families who may not realize how their VA home loan benefit could help. Whether you are a veteran, an active-duty service member or a first-time buyer, a little preparation before you start touring homes can make the process smoother. Here are five practical tips for getting started.

1. Have a lender review your finances before you shop

A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on information you provide. A fuller review, in which a lender looks at your credit, income and assets, gives you a more realistic picture of the price range you may be able to finance. Sellers and their agents often want to see that a buyer’s finances have been reviewed, and knowing your numbers up front helps keep you from falling in love with a home outside your budget. Any lender review is conditional and is not a commitment to lend; final approval depends on full underwriting and the property.

2. Veterans: check your VA eligibility early

Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, certain National Guard and Reserve members, and some surviving spouses may qualify for a VA-guaranteed home loan. VA loans are made by private lenders and partially guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA and USDA loans may offer flexible down-payment options for eligible borrowers, depending on entitlement, program and lender requirements, and VA loans do not require monthly mortgage insurance. Most VA borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee, though some veterans, such as those receiving compensation for a service-connected disability, are exempt. The first step is getting a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which a lender can often request for you. Details are at www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans.

Many veterans assume they do not qualify, or that they have already used up their benefit. Often they have more options than they expect, so it is worth asking.

3. Budget for more than the down payment

Closing costs, prepaid property taxes and insurance, moving expenses and a cushion for repairs all add up. Ask each lender you are considering for a Loan Estimate, the standardized three-page form that lays out estimated loan terms and costs, so you can compare offers side by side.

4. Avoid big financial changes during the process

Opening new credit cards, financing a car, changing jobs or moving large sums of money between accounts can complicate a loan approval. A good rule of thumb: if it involves your credit or your paycheck, call your loan officer before you do it.

5. Ask how your lender communicates

Buying a home involves agents, appraisers, title and escrow, and many documents. Ask up front who your point of contact will be, how quickly they typically respond and how you will get updates. A smooth experience is one where you always know what comes next, so do not hesitate to ask questions.

Bonus: options for first-time buyers

FHA loans, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, and some conventional programs may offer flexible down-payment options for qualified borrowers. USDA-guaranteed loans may be available for eligible properties in eligible areas, subject to income limits. State and local agencies may also offer down payment assistance for eligible buyers. Program availability and eligibility change, so ask a licensed loan officer which options, if any, fit your situation.

About Alan Vogan and First Lending Solutions

Alan Vogan, a United States Marine Corps veteran, is CEO of 1st Lending Solutions, Inc. DBA First Lending Solutions, an independent mortgage company founded in 2005 and headquartered at 3610 Central Ave Suite 400, Riverside, CA 92506. He has worked in the industry since 2001, holds a California real estate broker license (DRE #01373250) and is a licensed mortgage loan originator (NMLS #236124). The company offers Conventional, VA, FHA and USDA home loans. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. www.firstlendingonline.com | (951) 684-3307

Media contact: Alan Vogan, CEO, 1st Lending Solutions, Inc. DBA First Lending Solutions, 3610 Central Ave Suite 400, Riverside, CA 92506 | alan@firstlendingonline.com | (951) 684-3307

This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial advice and not a commitment to lend. 1st Lending Solutions, Inc. DBA First Lending Solutions, 3610 Central Ave Suite 400, Riverside, CA 92506. NMLS #135932 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Alan Vogan NMLS #236124. CA DRE Corporation License #01482431; CA DRE Broker License #01373250. Equal Housing Opportunity. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, program guidelines and property eligibility. Programs and terms are subject to change without notice. VA loans require eligibility as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. First Lending Solutions is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of the VA, FHA/HUD, USDA or any government agency.