National VA Loans

08/05/2026

🏡 Mortgage Market Update

Good news—mortgage rates improved slightly yesterday. While it's not a major shift, it's a reminder that the market can change quickly, especially with several important economic reports being released this week.

Here's what Veterans and homebuyers should know:

✅ Don't try to time the market. Waiting for the "perfect" interest rate can sometimes cost more if home prices increase or competition picks up. The best time to buy is when you're financially ready.

✅ Today's market still offers opportunities. Many sellers and builders are offering closing cost assistance, interest rate buydowns, and other incentives that can make buying a home more affordable than many buyers realize.

✅ VA loans remain one of the best home financing benefits available. Eligible Veterans may qualify for:

* 🇺🇸 No down payment
* 💰 No monthly mortgage insurance
* 🏠 Competitive financing designed specifically for those who served our country

📈 This Friday's jobs report could impact mortgage rates, so if you're considering buying a home, now is a great time to get pre-qualified and understand your buying power before the market moves again.

At National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank, our mission is simple: help Veterans and military families become homeowners while making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

🎥 Learn more about VA home loans on our YouTube channel:
👉 www.youtube.com/nationalvaloans

📝 Ready to get pre-qualified?
👉 www.nationalapplynow.com

Thank you to every Veteran and Active Duty Service Member for your service and sacrifice. It is truly an honor to help you achieve the dream of homeownership.

08/04/2026

🏡 **Mortgage Market Update | August 4, 2026**

Mortgage rates are still hovering near the highest levels we've seen this year, but that doesn't mean it's time to put your homeownership goals on hold.

Here's what Veterans and homebuyers should know:

✅ **You don't have to wait for rates to drop.** Many sellers and builders are offering concessions, closing cost assistance and interest rate buydowns that can make buying today more affordable than you might think.

✅ **VA loans continue to be one of the strongest home financing options available.** Eligible Veterans can take advantage of:

* No down payment (for qualified borrowers)
* 💰 No monthly mortgage insurance
* 🏠 Competitive financing options designed to make homeownership more affordable

📊 This week's market will be heavily influenced by employment reports and other economic data, so mortgage rates could continue to move. If you're thinking about buying, getting pre-qualified now gives you a clear understanding of your budget and allows you to act quickly when the right home comes along.

At **National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank**, we're here to help Veterans and their families navigate today's market with confidence. Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading, or just exploring your options, we're ready to help.

🎥 Learn more about VA home loans on our YouTube channel:
👉 www.youtube.com/nationalvaloans

📝 Ready to get pre-qualified?
👉 www.nationalapplynow.com

Thank you to all of the men and women who have served our country. It is our honor to serve you.

07/24/2026

🏡 Mortgage Market Update: Why Rates Went Up Again This Week

Mortgage rates increased again this week, and the biggest reason wasn't anything happening in the housing market—it was what happened around the world.

Oil prices have jumped significantly over the past month because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Whenever there's concern that the world's oil supply could be disrupted, oil prices tend to rise.

So why does that affect your mortgage?

Higher oil prices usually lead to higher costs for things like gasoline, shipping, manufacturing, and transportation. Those higher costs can eventually make everyday goods and services more expensive, which is called inflation.

When investors believe inflation is going to rise, mortgage rates typically move higher as well.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what we're seeing today. Mortgage rates are now at their highest levels of 2026.

What About the Federal Reserve?

The Federal Reserve meets again next week to discuss interest rates.

Right now, most experts believe the Fed will leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged. However, more economists are beginning to think the Fed could actually raise rates later this year if inflation remains stubborn.

A month ago, inflation appeared to be improving, but those gains are now being overshadowed by rising energy prices. Because of that, the Fed is expected to remain cautious.

What Does This Mean If You're Buying a Home?

While higher mortgage rates aren't the news anyone wants to hear, they don't necessarily mean you should put your plans on hold.

In fact:

🏡 Homebuyers are facing less competition than they did a few years ago.
🤝 Sellers are often more willing to negotiate, offer closing-cost assistance, or help buy down your interest rate.
🇺🇸 Veterans using a VA loan still have one of the strongest financing options available, including no down payment (for eligible borrowers) and no monthly mortgage insurance.

Trying to predict exactly where rates will go next is nearly impossible. Instead, focus on what you can control:

✔️ Get pre-approved.
✔️ Know your budget.
✔️ Work with a lender who can help structure the best loan for your situation.
✔️ Be ready to act when you find the right home.

If rates improve in the future, refinancing may always be an option. But finding the right home at the right price is something you can't always get back.

The bottom line: While today's rate environment is challenging, opportunities still exist for well-prepared buyers—and having the right strategy is more important than trying to perfectly time the market.

Send a message to learn more

07/14/2026

VA Mortgage Market Update | July 14, 2026

There's some encouraging news for homebuyers today.

The latest inflation report came in better than expected, and mortgage markets responded positively. While interest rates are still higher than most buyers would like, today's news is a reminder of just how quickly the market can change.

That's exactly why we always say:

Be prepared before rates improve—not after.

When rates move lower, the buyers who have already been pre-qualified are the ones who can act quickly and make competitive offers.

🏡 Veterans Still Have One of the Best Home Loan Benefits Available

The VA home loan continues to provide advantages that many buyers simply can't get with conventional financing:

✅ No down payment for eligible Veterans
✅ No monthly mortgage insurance
✅ Competitive interest rates
✅ Flexible credit guidelines
✅ Potential seller-paid closing costs

These benefits can make a meaningful difference in both your monthly payment and the cash needed to buy a home.

Great News for VA Buyers

The Department of Veterans Affairs has also modernized many of its appraisal requirements, helping remove outdated conditions that once slowed the process. If you've heard someone say, "VA loans are harder to close," it's time to revisit that conversation.

Today's VA loan program is faster, more competitive, and one of the strongest financing options available.

Don't Wait for the Perfect Rate

No one—not economists, not lenders, not the media—can consistently predict where mortgage rates will be next week or next month.

Instead of trying to time the market, focus on what you can control:

✔️ Get pre-qualified.
✔️ Understand your credit.
✔️ Know your buying power.
✔️ Work with a lender who specializes in VA home loans.
✔️ Be ready when the right home—and the right opportunity—comes along.

If rates continue to improve in the future, many VA borrowers may have the opportunity to refinance through the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) program.

At **National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank**, we're committed to educating and serving the men and women who have served our country. Whether you're buying your first home, moving into your next home, or simply exploring your options, we'd be honored to help.

🌐 Learn more: www.NationalVALoans.com
📝 Get pre-qualified today: www.NationalApplyNow.com

Thank you for your service. It would be our privilege to serve you.

07/13/2026

If you've been watching the mortgage market, you've probably noticed rates have inched higher again. While that's not the news buyers were hoping for, it doesn't mean you should put your homeownership plans on hold.

Here's what we're seeing:
📈 Mortgage rates remain in the mid-6% range. Rates continue to respond to inflation concerns, Treasury yields, and global events. This week, all eyes are on the latest inflation report, which could influence where mortgage rates go next.

So, should you wait?
Not necessarily.

The truth is, the best time to buy isn't determined by interest rates alone—it's determined by your financial readiness and having the right strategy.

🇺🇸 Veterans Continue to Have a Powerful Advantage

The VA home loan remains one of the best mortgage programs available, offering benefits that many buyers don't realize are available to them:
✅ No down payment for eligible borrowers
✅ No monthly mortgage insurance
✅ Competitive interest rates
✅ Flexible credit guidelines
✅ Potential seller-paid closing costs

These benefits can make a significant difference in your monthly payment and the cash you need to bring to closing.

Even Better News for VA Buyers
The Department of Veterans Affairs has modernized many of its appraisal requirements, making the VA loan process more competitive and eliminating several outdated rules that once caused unnecessary delays.
If you've heard someone say, "VA loans are difficult," it's time to update that conversation.

Today's VA loan is stronger than ever.
Our Advice
Don't spend your time trying to predict where rates will be next month.
Instead:
✔️ Get pre-qualified now.
✔️ Understand your Credit
✔️ Understand your buying power.
✔️ Work with a lender who specializes in VA home loans.
✔️ Be ready when the right home becomes available.

Remember, if rates improve in the future, many VA borrowers may have the opportunity to refinance through the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) program.

At National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank, our mission is to educate, empower, and serve the men and women who have served our country. Whether you're buying your first home, moving into your forever home, or exploring refinance options, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

🌐 Learn more at www.NationalVALoans.com
📝 Start your application today at www.NationalApplyNow.com

Thank you for your service. It would be our honor to serve you.

07/09/2026

🇺🇸 VA Mortgage Market Update | July 9, 2026

If you've been waiting for mortgage rates to make a big move lower, you're not alone.

The reality is that rates have remained relatively steady over the past several weeks. While we'd all love to see them lower, today's market continues to create opportunities for Veterans who are prepared and understand how to maximize their VA home loan benefit.

Here's what we're seeing:

🏡 Mortgage rates remain in the mid-6% range. While rates are still elevated compared to a few years ago, they have stabilized enough that buyers can confidently plan instead of constantly waiting for the "perfect" time.

🇺🇸 The VA loan remains one of the strongest financing options available.

Eligible Veterans continue to enjoy benefits like:

✅ No down payment requirement
✅ No monthly mortgage insurance
✅ Competitive interest rates
✅ Flexible credit guidelines
✅ The ability to negotiate seller-paid closing costs

These advantages often make homeownership more affordable than many buyers realize.

📋 There's more good news.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has continued modernizing its appraisal requirements, helping remove outdated rules that once caused delays. If you've heard someone say, "Don't accept a VA offer," it's probably time to update that conversation. Today's VA loan is stronger, faster, and more competitive than many people think.

💡Our advice? Focus on preparation—not prediction.

No one can accurately predict where mortgage rates will be next month. But you can control whether you're financially prepared when the right home comes along.

The buyers who are succeeding today are the ones who:

✔️ Get pre-approved before shopping
✔️ Understand their financing options
✔️ Work with a lender who specializes in VA home loans
✔️ Are ready to move when the right opportunity presents itself

At National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank, we're committed to educating and serving the men and women who have served our country. Whether you're buying your first home, moving to your next one, or simply exploring your options, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

🎥 Want more VA home loan tips, market updates, and answers to your mortgage questions? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly videos designed specifically for Veterans and military families: www.youtube.com/nationalvaloans

🌐 Learn more at www.NationalVALoans.com
📝 Apply online at www.NationalApplyNow.com

Thank you for your service. It would be our honor to serve you.

07/08/2026

🇺🇸 VA Mortgage Market Update | July 8, 2026

If you're a Veteran thinking about buying a home this year, here's some encouraging news.

Mortgage rates have remained relatively stable over the past several weeks. While they're still higher than many of us would like, they're showing signs of consistency—and that's giving buyers more confidence to move forward.

The biggest takeaway?

Don't wait for the "perfect" interest rate. Build the right homebuying strategy.

One of the greatest advantages Veterans have is the VA home loan. It continues to be one of the most powerful mortgage programs available, offering benefits such as:

✅ No down payment (for eligible borrowers)
✅ No monthly mortgage insurance
✅ Competitive interest rates
✅ Flexible credit guidelines
✅ The ability to negotiate seller-paid closing costs

In today's market, preparation is more important than prediction.

The buyers who are winning are the ones who:
🏡 Get pre-approved before they start shopping.
📋 Understand their financing options.
🤝 Work with a lender who specializes in VA home loans.
⚡ Are ready to make a strong offer when the right home becomes available.

There's more good news.

The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to improve programs designed to support Veterans—not only when purchasing a home, but also by providing additional options to help eligible homeowners avoid foreclosure during times of financial hardship.

If you're considering buying your first home, upgrading, refinancing, or simply want to better understand your VA home loan benefit, we're here to help.

At National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank, our mission is simple: educate, empower, and serve those who have served our country.

📞 Have questions about your VA home loan eligibility or purchasing power? We'd be honored to help. 855-956-4040

🌐 Learn more: www.NationalVALoans.com
📝 Apply online: www.NationalApplyNow.com

Thank you for your service—and thank you for allowing us the opportunity to serve you.

07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July—and Happy 250th Birthday, America!
www.nationalvaloans.com
855-956-4040

Today, we celebrate 250 years of freedom, opportunity, and the enduring spirit of the United States of America. As we gather with family and friends to enjoy cookouts, parades, and fireworks, we're reminded of the incredible sacrifices made by those who fought for our independence—and by the generations of service members who have defended our freedoms ever since.

This Independence Day is especially meaningful as we honor America's 250th birthday and reflect on the values that continue to make our nation strong: courage, service, perseverance, and unity.

To our Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, National Guard, Reservists, Military Families, and First Responders—thank you. Your commitment to our country inspires us every day, and it is our privilege to serve those who have served us.

From all of us at National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank, we wish you and your family a safe, joyful, and memorable Independence Day.

Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸🎆

07/02/2026

🏡 VA Mortgage Market Update | July 2, 2026

Every week, we're asked the same question:

"Should I wait for interest rates to come down before buying a home?"

While everyone would love to see lower mortgage rates, today's market is proving something important: **preparation matters more than prediction.

Mortgage rates have remained relatively stable over the past several weeks, and although economic reports continue to influence the market, no one knows exactly when or how much rates will change.

That's why successful homebuyers are focusing on what they *can* control.

🇺🇸 Veterans Continue to Have a Major Advantage

The VA home loan remains one of the most valuable benefits available to those who have served our country.

VA loans offer:

✅ No down payment requirement
✅ No monthly mortgage insurance
✅ Competitive interest rates
✅ Flexible credit guidelines
✅ The opportunity for seller-paid closing costs

These benefits often translate into lower monthly payments and less cash needed at closing compared to many conventional loan options.

More Good News for VA Buyers

The Department of Veterans Affairs has modernized many of its appraisal requirements, helping eliminate outdated rules that once created unnecessary delays.

Unfortunately, some Realtors and sellers still have misconceptions about VA financing. The reality is that today's VA loan program is stronger and more efficient than ever, making it an excellent financing option for eligible Veterans.

The Market Is Creating Opportunity

Inventory has improved in many markets, giving buyers more choices and increasing opportunities to negotiate seller concessions.

While affordability remains a challenge, buyers who are fully pre-approved and financially prepared are in a much stronger position than those waiting on the sidelines for the "perfect" interest rate.

Remember—if rates improve in the future, many VA borrowers may be able to refinance through the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) program.

Our Advice

Don't try to time the market perfectly.

Instead:

✔️ Get pre-approved.
✔️ Understand your VA loan benefits.
✔️ Know your budget.
✔️ Work with a lender who specializes in VA home loans.
✔️ Be ready when the right home becomes available.

At National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank, our mission is to educate, empower, and serve those who have served our country. Whether you're buying your first home, moving to your next one, or exploring refinance options, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

If you're ready to learn more about your VA home loan benefits, we'd be honored to help.

🌐 www.NationalVALoans.com
📝 Apply online: www.NationalApplyNow.com

Thank you for your service. We look forward to serving you.

07/01/2026

🏡 VA Mortgage Market Update | July 1, 2026

If you've been waiting for mortgage rates to make a dramatic move lower before buying a home, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions we're hearing from Veterans and military families. The reality is that mortgage rates have remained relatively stable over the past several weeks. While everyone would love to see rates lower, today's market still presents excellent opportunities—especially for those using their VA home loan benefit.

Here's why:
✅ VA loans continue to offer some of the most competitive financing available. With no down payment requirement, no monthly mortgage insurance, and flexible underwriting guidelines, many Veterans can purchase a home with less money out of pocket than they could with a conventional loan.
🏠 There's more good news. The Department of Veterans Affairs has modernized many of its appraisal requirements, helping eliminate outdated misconceptions that VA loans are difficult or slow. That's great news for both Veterans and Realtors.
📈 Housing inventory is improving in many markets, giving buyers more choices and, in some cases, more negotiating power than they've had in recent years. Sellers are becoming more willing to consider concessions that can help reduce a buyer's upfront costs.

Our advice hasn't changed:
Don't wait for the "perfect" interest rate. Build the perfect strategy.
The buyers who succeed are the ones who:
✔️ Get pre-approved early.
✔️ Understand their financing options.
✔️ Work with professionals who specialize in VA home loans.
✔️ Are ready to act when the right home becomes available.
At National VA Loans powered by Stride Bank, our mission is to educate, empower, and serve those who have served our country. Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading to your next one, or exploring refinance options, we're here to help you make informed decisions—not emotional ones.
If you'd like to see what your VA home loan benefit can do for you, we'd love to help.

🌐 Learn more at www.NationalVALoans.com
📝 Start your application today at www.NationalApplyNow.com
Thank you for your service. It would be our honor to serve you.