In this episode of the Mortgage Heroes Podcast, Andy and Brian dive deep into the 5 key areas every future homebuyer must address to successfully purchase a home in 2026 — even in today’s challenging housing market.

From credit clean-up strategies that could boost your approval by $50K+ to creative low down payment solutions (VA, FHA, and DPA programs), they walk through real numbers, real scenarios, and real advice. You’ll also hear negotiation tips to secure seller concessions, how a $500 debt payoff could unlock $30–$50K more in buying power, and when it actually makes sense to wait.

💡 Whether you're a first-time buyer, a military vet, or a move-up homeowner, this episode is your practical game plan for getting into a home this year — without getting financially "shoehorned" into a bad deal.

👇 Timestamps & Takeaways:
0:00 – How to qualify for a home in 2026
5:14 – The credit mistake that kills your approval
12:08 – How to buy with $0–$15K saved
20:00 – What down payment assistance really costs
26:30 – Smart negotiation strategy in today’s market
34:50 – Are 2-1 Buydowns and ARMs still a good option?
45:10 – Who should WAIT to buy a home in 2026
50:10 – Success leaves clues: how to prepare now

✅ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who wants to buy a home in 2026!

🔗 Resources Mentioned:
→ Free Credit Report Tools
→ VA, FHA & Conventional Program Breakdown
→ Rapid Rescore Explained

#BuyAHome2026 #MortgageTips #HomeBuyingProcess #VAloan #FHAloan #DownPaymentAssistance #CreditRepair #RealEstateTips #MortgageHeroes #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstatePodcast #ARMloan #2to1Buydown #HomeLoans #RealEstateMarket #HouseHacking #HomeOwnershipJourney #SanDiegoRealEstate

In this episode of the Mortgage Heroes Podcast, we're joined by retired Command Master Chief and real estate expert Lloyd Stanford from Big Block Realty to tackle one of the most important topics facing service members today: how to navigate military relocation and make smart homeownership decisions in 2026.

With 32 years of military service and nearly a decade in real estate, Lloyd shares real-world guidance on:

- Planning for PCS moves with a homeowner mindset
- Misconceptions about VA loans (no, you don’t need 20% down!)
- What BAH can (and can’t) cover
- When it makes sense to rent, buy, or sell
- Real client success stories—like turning a 3-year tour into $150K equity
- Why starting NOW—even with imperfect credit—can change your financial future

Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or a military spouse, this conversation is packed with advice that could change the way you think about your next move—literally and financially.

📌 PLUS: Lloyd drops his best advice on building wealth the right way, why trust is key in real estate, and why 2026 might be YOUR year to buy.

🎯 Don't just plan your next duty station—plan your legacy.

👇 Drop your questions in the comments and reach out to Lloyd or our team for personalized guidance.

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📞 Connect with Lloyd Stanford: (757) 577-1122

🎧 Subscribe for more weekly insights on VA loans, homeownership, and smart financing strategies.

#MortgageHeroes #VALoans #MilitaryHomeownership #PCS2026 #SanDiegoRealEstate #BAHExplained #HomeBuyingTips #VeteranBenefits #MilitaryHousing #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #BigBlockRealty #LloydStanford #CommandMasterChief #2026HousingMarket #VAloanMyths #PCSPlanning #MilitaryLife #HomeEquity #StartNow #RentVsBuy #ZeroDownVA #MortgageEducation

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Friends of Mortgage Heroes, we sit down with Talia Gaytán and Ashley Camac of Zero8Hundred, a nonprofit deeply committed to helping active duty service members, veterans, and their families transition into civilian life with dignity, support, and connection.

From suicide prevention and mental health assessments to transition assistance and alumni programs, Zero8Hundred is tackling some of the most pressing issues our military community faces. Talia shares her personal journey into the veteran support space, while Ashley dives into what it takes to bring together San Diego’s vast civilian and military ecosystems for meaningful change.

🔥 Learn how YOU can help—from corporate partnerships to community engagement and alternative therapies like equestrian support and aquatic healing.
💬 Hear real stories, explore local impact, and understand why Zero8Hundred is becoming a household name in San Diego and beyond.

🎯 Topics we cover:

• Mental health support for veterans
• Transition assistance after military service
• Suicide prevention strategies
• How to get involved (volunteering, donating, partnering)
• Combatting stigma in the military community
• Building cross-sector partnerships for good

📞 If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You are not alone.

🔗 Learn more or get support: https://www.zero8hundred.org/