The Shane McGraw Team - NMLS #90072

06/20/2026

One of the biggest regrets I hear from veterans is:

"I wish I would have learned about my VA loan sooner."

Many military families spend years renting because they assume they need a huge down payment or perfect credit.

The truth is that most people don't need more time.

They need better information.

That's why we're hosting a free VA Homebuyer Workshop for veterans, active-duty military, and their families.

Tuesday, June 30th at 6 PM PST

If homeownership is one of your goals, this workshop could save you months or even years of frustration.

Reserve your seat:
https://home.mortgageinsider.io/vahomebuyer

06/15/2026

A lot of people confuse the VA’s different departments — but understanding the difference matters during the VA loan process.

An Active Duty service member within 6 months of discharge can file a pre-discharge Service Connected Disability (SCD) claim. That disability claim is handled through the VSC (Veteran Service Center)— NOT the RLC (Regional Loan Center).

Here’s why that matters:

✅ The VSC handles disability evaluations, proposed ratings and generally helps Veterans with their Benefits
✅ The RLC handles VA home loan matters and lender guidance

When the VSC issues a proposed memorandum rating, the RLC will then be able to update a Certificate of Eligibility to show the borrower as Funding Fee Exempt, a lender may be able to close the VA loan with no VA funding fee due.

However…

⚠️ The proposed memorandum rating generally cannot be used yet as qualifying disability income for the VA loan.

Why?

Because the wording on proposed ratings is often broad, conditional, or preliminary. Most lenders will require the **final VA award letter** showing the official compensation amount before disability income can be counted for qualification purposes.

So while:

* ✅ A proposed rating may help eliminate the funding fee
* ❌ It usually does NOT yet establish usable income

Understanding the difference between the VSC and the RLC — and between a proposed rating and a final award — can help military families avoid confusion during the homebuying process and potential disaster with a lender that has made too many assumptions up front.

Send me a message today!

06/10/2026

You can use your VA loan benefit more than once. Many veterans think it’s a one-time opportunity, but that’s not true.

Depending on your eligibility and entitlement, you may be able to use your VA loan again to buy another home in the future.

Understanding your VA benefits could save you thousands and help you make smarter real estate decisions.

If you want to know more about your VA loan eligibility, send me a message today.

06/09/2026

Truly appreciate the review and the trust you placed in me throughout the mortgage process. Grateful to work with amazing clients!

06/08/2026

Did you know VA lenders must carefully evaluate income for recently activated Reserve and National Guard members?

A big mistake in lending is assuming temporary activated income can always be used to qualify. VA guidance says lenders must consider whether that income is likely to continue after closing.

Example:
A borrower earns $3,000/month from their civilian job but is currently making $3,500/month while activated on military orders for a 12-month tour. In many cases, the lender should qualify the borrower using the $3,000 civilian income — not the temporary activated income.

Key reminders:
✅ Activated Reserve/National Guard members should provide orders showing the active duty tour does not exceed 12 months
✅ Every case must be individually reviewed — there is NO one-size-fits-all rule
✅ Lenders should evaluate overall employment history, assets, credit profile, and likelihood of stable future income
✅ Thorough documentation in the loan file is critical
✅ The goal is always to provide Veterans their benefit WITHOUT creating financial hardship after closing

VA lending is not just about approving loans — it’s about making sure the Veteran succeeds long term. 🇺🇸

06/05/2026

Ready to buy a home or refinance your mortgage? Shane McGraw Team can help you find the perfect loan with the best rate.

We are here for you even on weekends! Call us now!

06/04/2026

Your service and sacrifice made a difference for our country, and now it’s our honor to help you navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or exploring your VA loan benefits, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

As a veteran-focused mortgage team, we understand the value of service, trust, and doing what’s right for military families.

You served our country with honor — now let us serve you.

If you want to learn more about your VA loan options, message me today.

06/03/2026

VA loans do NOT require monthly mortgage insurance (PMI) like many conventional and FHA loans.

That can save veterans hundreds of dollars per month and improve buying power.

The VA loan was designed to help those who served achieve homeownership with better terms and lower monthly payments.

If you want to see what your payment could look like, send me a message today.

06/02/2026

Helping great people achieve their homeownership goals is why I do this. Thank you for the awesome review!

06/02/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Shane McGraw by Michael J Y - Great interactions and with Shane who had our best interest in mind all of the time. Made the process very easy on the family and was constantly working behind the scenes to bring us great value. So happy we found him

Click to see all 124 reviews of Shane McGraw, Loan Officer, NMLS # 90072 - American Financial Network, Inc., Co-Branch Manager | NMLS # 90072