VA loan myths, self-employment hurdles, and relocating with a toddler—Jessica’s story proves that even with obstacles, a smart plan and the right team make homeownership possible. Jessica is a military spouse, a self-employed business owner, and a mom—three factors that many people assume make buying a home impossible. In this episode, she shares exactly how she proved them all wrong. With a VA loan, a “unicorn” real estate team, and months of early preparation, she bought a home in a dream neighborhood—even after losing out on an earlier offer.

This interview is packed with hard-earned wisdom about organizing documents for underwriting, dealing with VA misconceptions, and navigating the emotional ups and downs of buying as a military family with limited local support. Whether you’re active duty, self-employed, or just trying to figure out how to make homeownership work in tough circumstances, Jessica’s story shows it can be done—and why it’s worth it.

Quote:

“It’s like a light in the dark—out of nowhere, you suddenly have a lantern. And you’ve been walking around with a match.” — Jessica, Episode 335

Highlights:

1. Can you buy a home using a VA loan with no down payment—and still get taken seriously by sellers?
2. What steps can self-employed buyers take to prep their tax returns for mortgage approval?
3. What makes a “unicorn” real estate team essential for military families relocating?
4. How did buying a fixer-upper in a dream neighborhood become a better long-term win than a renovated home?
5. Why do VA loans come with extra scrutiny—and how can buyers get ahead of it?
6. How does a toddler, a septic tank, and a $1964 stove all fit into a successful first home story?
7. Why starting early—12–24 months before your move—is the real game changer for military families

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David Sidoni, the "How to Buy a Home Guy," is a seasoned real estate professional and consumer advocate with two decades of experience helping first-time homebuyers navigate the real estate market. His podcast, "How to Buy a Home," is a trusted resource for anyone looking to buy their first home. It offers expert advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories from real first-time homebuyers. With a focus on making the home-buying process accessible and understandable, David breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from budgeting and financing to finding the right home and making an offer.

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