You think you’re eligible for a VA loan to buy a house…you find a house you love, submit all the paperwork needed to complete the loan, schedule movers…..

Then <BAM!> the Veterans Administration tells you that their records show you’re still tied to a loan on a condo you bought 14 years ago – and sold 11 years ago!  You can’t close on your dream house tomorrow, because all of sudden, you no longer qualify for the loan.  And so begins the emotionally draining phone journey with County Records Offices (in states other than the one you now live in), the VA, the mortgage company, your realtor, the seller’s agent and seller.

Yes, this is happening to me right now, today.  Please learn from my story and take time today to request your VA Certificate of Eligibility.  Even if you have one in hand, request an updated copy.  (I have one in hand from 2000, which is why I thought everything was all right.)  The VA loses records, deletes files, and otherwise acts “human” just like the rest of us.

Take action to protect yourself from surprises like mine.  Your records are your responsibility – not the VA’s or any other agency.

You can download the form at HomeLoans.va.gov