Jake Planton, Home Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS 209327/1647999

06/18/2026

🇺🇸 Thinking about rejecting a VA offer? You may want to take a second look.

One of the biggest misconceptions I see in real estate is that VA financing is somehow “riskier” or “harder” than other loan programs. In reality, many VA buyers are some of the strongest borrowers in the market.

A few things sellers and listing agents should know:

✅ Zero down does NOT mean a weak buyer.
Many veterans have significant savings and assets but choose to preserve their cash because they have earned the benefit of VA financing through their military service.

✅ VA loans have some of the lowest default rates in the mortgage industry.
These borrowers have a proven track record of strong loan performance.

✅ VA appraisals aren’t something to fear.
In fact, VA appraisals include protections that can help support value when concerns arise, including the Tidewater process.

✅ VA loans can close quickly.
With a fully underwritten and well-prepared file, VA loans often close just as fast as conventional financing.

✅ Sellers are not required to pay all of the buyer’s costs.
Just like any other transaction, terms are negotiable.
Most importantly, when reviewing offers, focus on the strength of the buyer and the quality of the financing, not simply the loan program.

Our veterans have earned these
benefits through their service to our country. If the terms of the offer make sense for your seller, don’t let outdated myths cause you to overlook an excellent buyer.

If you’re a listing agent and have questions about a VA offer my clients submit, I’m always happy to walk through the financing details before a decision is made.

06/18/2026

If you’re in the process of buying a home, don’t open any lines of credit, don’t change your job, no weird bank deposits. I can just make such a pain in the ass.

06/16/2026

06/11/2026

Time is running out to vote for me!
I would appreciate it so much. Thanks all! ❤

06/11/2026

🎓 Student Loans Showing $0 on Your Credit Report? Don’t Assume They Count as $0.

This is one of the most common surprises I see during the mortgage process.

Even when a student loan shows a $0 payment on a credit report, different loan programs may still count a payment against your debt-to-income ratio.

For example:

✅ Freddie Mac, FHA, and USDA may use 0.5% of the balance

✅ Fannie Mae may use 1% of the balance in certain situations

✅ VA has its own calculation method

These differences can impact how much home you qualify for.

That’s why online calculators and generic pre-approvals don’t always tell the full story.

Before you start house hunting, it’s important to know which loan program puts you in the strongest position.

📲 Have questions about your student loans and how they’ll affect your buying power? Send me a message and I’ll run the numbers for you.

🏡 Helping Oregon, Washington, and California homebuyers navigate financing with confidence since 2005.

06/05/2026

I get this question all the time, how can I buy a new home when I currently own another home. This video goes over some of the rules and guidelines that we have to follow with a conventional mortgage.

05/15/2026

Allerton Garden in Poipu. Always awesome.

05/14/2026

Poipu rushhour.

05/13/2026

Most people think getting approved for a mortgage is just about having a perfect credit score.

But real life is rarely that simple.

Maybe your income includes bonus or commission.

Maybe you’re self-employed.

Maybe funds are moving between
accounts.

Maybe your taxes look different because you own a business.

Maybe you’ve had life happen.

That does NOT automatically mean you can’t buy a home.

The truth is, very few loan scenarios fit into a perfect little box.

The difference is working with someone who understands how to structure the file correctly, explain the details, and look at the full picture…not just one number on a credit report.

A good loan officer doesn’t just quote rates.

They help navigate strategy, timing, documentation, and options.

Before you start shopping, have someone review the entire picture first. It can save you a lot of stress later.