1. The payment you want to live with
Bring Sasha a realistic monthly comfort range, not only a target purchase price. Include insurance, taxes, HOA dues, utilities, maintenance and reserves. Ask which numbers are estimates and who can verify them. In California, get a property-specific insurance quote early; the cost and availability of coverage can affect your plan. Use the payment tool to explore your own assumptions, then discuss the complete budget.
2. The VA benefit available for this purchase
Request your Certificate of Eligibility and discuss any previous VA use, current VA loans and plans to keep another home. A COE establishes benefit information; it does not approve your mortgage. Your lender still reviews income, credit, debts and the property. If entitlement is already tied to another loan, ask whether a down payment may be needed. Start with the entitlement guide before assuming that an earlier purchase prevents you from using VA again.
3. The property and your occupancy plan
Tell your agent and lender early if you are considering a condo, manufactured home or multiunit property. Eligibility and lender availability can differ. Explain when and how you intend to occupy the home. A VA appraisal considers value and minimum property requirements; an independent home inspection helps you understand condition. Read the property and appraisal guide before treating those reviews as interchangeable.
4. The cash needed beyond a down payment
No down payment does not mean no cash to close. Ask about closing costs, prepaid insurance, escrow deposits and the VA funding fee. Check possible funding-fee exemption before closing. Review any seller or lender credits and their tradeoffs in writing. The funding-fee and closing-cost guide explains the questions to bring to your estimate.
5. The conditions and deadlines in your offer
Work with your agent and lender to understand financing and inspection conditions, the appraisal process and the required VA escape clause. Do not assume an appraisal issue automatically cancels every contractual obligation or that a preapproval has no remaining conditions. Make a shared list of deadlines, requested documents and who is handling each item. I stay your direct contact for the financing conversation, supported by my team; your agent and other transaction professionals handle their respective roles.
Sources & further reading
VA homebuying process ↗VA purchase-loan requirements ↗VA entitlement and loan limits ↗VA fees and closing costs ↗Sources checked October 25, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the agency, assessor or lender.
Questions about your own situation? I can help you understand your financing options and the next step.