The VA Loan Nerd

10/29/2026

Saying "yes" when the file isn't ready isn't helping—it's being lazy.

A genuine VA pre-approval requires doing the homework up front:
- Certificate of Eligibility in hand.
- Verified financial and tax documentation.
- Full credit review aligned with VA residual income and debt guidelines.

When your lender knows the job and knows the guidelines, your offer wins and your deal closes on time.

Ready to get properly vetted before shopping? Reach out directly.

valoannerd.com | 630-235-2405

10/28/2026

Down Payment Assistance isn't free money—it's usually a second mortgage.

Addressing a 1-star review on DPA confusion. Always read your promissory note and check line 12 before signing.

valoannerd.com | 630-235-2405

10/27/2026

Barracks Tuesday: the best MRE, the worst MRE, and the immediate post-boot camp meal.

The undisputed champion: Chili Mac.
The absolute worst: the infamous veggie omelet (aka the vomlette) or meatloaf and potato.

And the second I got off the depot, it was straight to Taco Bell for a number six chicken supreme with raspberry iced tea and hot sauce.

What was your go-to MRE in the field, and what was the very first thing you ate after graduation? Drop it in the comments below.

valoannerd.com | 630-235-2405

10/26/2026

One point = 1% of your loan amount to permanently drop your rate.

Always know your breakeven date, and always push to have the seller fund it through closing concessions.

valoannerd.com | 630-235-2405

10/26/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Joey Mathews by Paul E C - The first time I was looking for a mortgage after a divorce no one could get me approved. Then I spoke with Joey and his team and they were the only ones to get me approved.

Click to see all 475 reviews of Joey Mathews - The VA Loan Nerd - Neighborhood Loans, Producing Branch Manager

10/22/2026

100% P&T isn't just a monthly check.

Between state property tax exemptions, kids' tuition coverage, and a lifetime waiver on the VA funding fee, it completely reshapes your financial picture.

Have questions about stacking your rating with your VA loan? Let's connect.

valoannerd.com | 630-235-2405

10/21/2026

The agent told him what we were doing was "impossible." We closed it anyway.

Martin, an active Marine in his second enlistment, had never used his VA loan. On his $325K purchase in Illinois, we negotiated $30K in seller concessions. Other lenders said you couldn't do that.

Here’s what that $30K actually did:
- Bought his interest rate way down
- Paid off his car loan directly at the closing table
- Left him with an ultra-comfortable monthly payment

When structured properly, the VA loan isn’t just a mortgage—it’s a wealth and debt strategy tool.

valoannerd.com | 630-235-2405

10/20/2026

It would behoove you to admit how often these words still slip out.

Between "doggone" and "behoove," military vocabulary has a way of staying with you forever. Anyone who spent time in uniform knows exactly when and why those phrases get deployed.

We speak the same language when it comes to service, and we speak the same language when it comes to maximizing your earned VA home loan benefits.
valoannerd.com | 630-235-2405

10/19/2026

0% down and zero mortgage insurance.

With a VA loan, your payment only covers your Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance—nothing wasted. Ready to stop renting and start building equity? Reach out directly.

valoannerd.com | 630-235-2405

10/19/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Joey Mathews by Nicole H - Neighborhood Loans was a wonderful company to work with. Evertone was very responsive and helpful in very interaction. Would most definitely recommend Joey Matthews and his team!

Click to see all 474 reviews of Joey Mathews - The VA Loan Nerd - Neighborhood Loans, Producing Branch Manager