Veterans often bump into considerable obstacles when trying to purchase their first home. Whether that’s due to misinformation, miscommunication, or plain old ignorance, it behooves both veterans and real estate agents to check the facts–twice.
Reading between the lines isn’t easy, especially for veterans who may be slowly transitioning back into civilian life. Complex loan rules and changing mortgage rates are enough to make any buyer’s head spin, but for veterans, the information can be even more overwhelming.
Enter Brad Tiegs, owner of VBRG Realty. He combines his service as a US Marine with years of experience in real estate and involvement with several Rockwall nonprofits to make the process a little easier. “Veterans are often proud people, and sometimes hesitant to use their government-given benefits. I tell them it’s not a handout. It’s something they’ve earned for their years of service. In essence, VA benefits are an effort to protect those who protected us,“ he explains.
Rockwall County has a significant veteran population, estimated at 6,296 veterans between 2019 and 2023. “The paramount issue we have is explaining VA benefits to veterans in an easily digestible way. A lot of veterans have never been taught how to use their benefits, and don’t understand that as consumers, they still have to qualify for a loan! On the other hand, real estate agents who might be more old-school often tell veterans they aren’t eligible to get a loan or buy a certain house. Younger service members don’t realize they can utilize benefits while still on active duty to buy. The current market is flipped from what it was four years ago, so all veterans should be asking for concessions, lower prices, and the application of their VA benefits.”
Brad is passionate about educating consumers and real estate agents on common misconceptions about VA benefits. Here are his top three tips:
1. “VA loans are harder to qualify for than conventional loans.”
Reality: This is flat-out wrong.
“The truth is VA loans are one of the most flexible and forgiving loan programs out there. Credit requirements are often less strict, and there’s no set minimum credit score from the VA itself. Lenders set their own thresholds, usually lower than conventional standards. Plus, the VA backs the loan, reducing risk for the lender and opening doors for more veterans to qualify."
2. “You can only use the VA loan once.”
Reality: Absolutely false.
“The VA loan isn’t a one-time benefit—it’s a lifetime benefit. You can use it over and over again, even if you’ve used it before or currently have one. You can restore your entitlement after selling, or even hold multiple VA loans at the same time under certain circumstances (for example, relocating for duty but keeping your first home). Too many veterans miss out on opportunities because they think their 'VA loan card' is already punched.”
3. “VA loans are slow, complicated, and sellers don’t want them.”
Reality: The process today is just as fast as conventional loans—sometimes faster.
“This misconception comes from outdated stories. With modern underwriting and appraisal systems, VA loans typically close in the same timeframe as FHA or conventional loans. Sellers sometimes fear 'VA headaches,' but as a broker, I make sure they understand: the appraisal is fair, the buyer is qualified, and the program is designed to protect veterans—not to hurt sellers. In fact, with zero down payment and no PMI, VA buyers are often in a stronger financial position than conventional buyers.”
Brad is thankful for the opportunity to serve, whether off-duty as a Marine or on-duty as a broker. Prior to opening VBRG, Brad was a US History teacher and football coach for 14 years in both Garland and Wylie. Today, as Chair of the Board of Directors at the Undaunted Warhorse Initiative, he assists veterans who have faced hardship such as divorce, job loss, or incarceration in finding a housing solution. The nonprofit also helps in the areas of education, career changes, and benefits (www.warhorse.me), and is currently focused on purchasing a suitable plot of land to build an RV park for veterans. Additionally, Brad gives his time to the Rockwall community through the Marine Corp League, the Texas Valor Project and Patriot Paws.
Professionally, Brad stays active as a full-time instructor for Texas REALTORS and is the VP of Acquisitions and Education at the Veterans Benefit Investor Network (VBIN), an organization dedicated to educating veterans and transitioning military members on the benefits of commercial real estate investing. As if that wasn’t enough, he also serves as president of the Lavon Area Chamber of Commerce.
To say that Brad has a servant leader’s heart is an understatement, and we thank him for all his efforts—past, present, and future. For more information, contact Brad at 214-460-8234 or visit www.vbrg.net.
All veterans should be asking for concessions, lower prices ,and the application of their VA benefits.
To say that Brad has a servant leader’s heart is an understatement, and we thank him for all his efforts—past, present, and future.