Military & Veterans
Free downloadable guides to help you navigate the VA loan process, PCS moves, and the home buying journey.
Downloadable Guides
Click any guide to view it in full, or download it to keep.
New: Military PCS Move Checklist
A PCS move involves dozens of tasks spread across weeks — and when you're juggling orders, timelines, schools, and a family, it's easy for something important to slip. This checklist organizes every stage of the move into one printable document, from notifying your command and scheduling the movers to transferring utilities and getting settled in your new home. Keep it on the fridge, check things off as you go, and move with confidence knowing nothing was missed.
VA Home Loan Guide: Put Your Service to Work for You
A complete overview of the VA home loan benefit — eligibility, how to use it, and what to expect at every step.
Military PCS Move Checklist
A PCS move has dozens of moving parts across multiple timelines. This checklist walks you through every stage — from the moment orders drop to your first week in the new home — so nothing slips through the cracks.
Free Tool
Payment Buddy Calculator
Enter your target monthly payment and instantly see your estimated buying power, loan amount, monthly breakdown, and total cash to close.
Calculator provided by Payment Buddy. Results are estimates — contact Lynn for a personalized analysis.
Property Tax Savings: Homestead & Disabled Veteran Exemptions
Texas homeowners and veterans can save thousands every year — including a 100% exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Learn what you qualify for and how to apply in Bexar, Guadalupe, and Comal counties.
Read the GuideDoD Official
BAH Rate Calculator
Look up your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate by duty station ZIP code, pay grade, and dependency status. Use this to understand your housing budget before you start your home search.
Open BAH CalculatorHow to Get Your VA Certificate of Eligibility
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the document that proves to your lender you qualify for a VA-backed home loan. You need it before you can use your VA loan benefit — but getting it is easier than most veterans expect.
What Is a COE?
The COE confirms your military service history and verifies that you meet the minimum service requirements for a VA home loan. It also shows your lender how much VA entitlement you have available — which affects how much you can borrow without a down payment.
Who Qualifies?
- • Active duty service members (90+ continuous days)
- • Veterans who meet minimum service requirements
- • National Guard & Reserve members (6+ years, or 90 days active during wartime)
- • Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from a service-connected disability
3 Ways to Get Your COE
Through Your Lender
The fastest option. Most VA-approved lenders can pull your COE electronically in minutes through the VA ACE system — often before you even ask.
Online via VA.gov
Log in to VA.gov with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or Login.gov account and request your COE through the eBenefits portal. Usually processed same day.
By Mail (VA Form 26-1880)
Download and complete VA Form 26-1880 and mail it to your regional VA Loan Center. Allow several weeks for processing — use this only if the other methods do not work.
Documents You May Need
DD-214 (Certificate of Release/Discharge) — veterans
Statement of Service — active duty members
NGB Form 22 or 23 — National Guard members
Points statement — Reserve members
Marriage certificate + veteran death certificate — surviving spouses
Official VA Resources
Need a Replacement Copy of Your DD-214?
Your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is one of the most important documents you own as a veteran. You need it to apply for VA benefits, get your COE, prove military service, and access many state and federal programs. If yours is lost, damaged, or unavailable, getting a replacement is free and straightforward.
What Is a DD-214?
The DD-214 is the official record of your military service and discharge. It documents your dates of service, discharge type, military occupational specialty, decorations, medals, and training. Lenders, the VA, and many employers require it to verify your service history.
When You Need It
- • Applying for a VA home loan or COE
- • Enrolling in VA health care or disability benefits
- • Applying for state veterans property tax exemptions
- • Proving service for employment or education benefits
- • Joining a veterans service organization (VFW, DAV, etc.)
3 Ways to Request Your DD-214
Online — milConnect (Fastest)
Active duty, Guard, and Reserve members can request records instantly through milConnect at milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil. Log in with your CAC or DS Logon. Most records available same day.
Online — eVetRecs (Veterans)
Separated veterans can submit a request through the National Archives eVetRecs system at archives.gov. Create a free account, complete the online form, and upload a signature. Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks.
By Mail or Fax (SF-180)
Complete Standard Form 180 (SF-180) and mail or fax it to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. Allow 4–6 weeks. Use this if online options are unavailable.
Important Things to Know
Replacement copies are completely free — never pay a third party for this
Only the veteran or next of kin can request a full (Member 4) copy
Records from 1973 or earlier may be incomplete due to a 1973 fire at the NPRC
Request the Member 4 copy — it contains the most complete service information
Official Resources
Local Expertise
Neighborhood Guides
Deep-dive guides to the communities Lynn knows best — schools, dining, market trends, and military relocation tips for every area.
Questions About Your VA Benefit?
I work with VA buyers every day. Let's talk through your situation and make sure you're using every advantage you've earned.
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