We’re officially homeowners—again! And while we’re thrilled to have the keys in hand, let’s just say the road to closing was anything but smooth. In fact, if we wrote a screenplay about it, you’d swear it was fiction.
Plot Twist #1: The VA Loan That Wasn’t
We went into this journey with confidence. Jeff had used his VA loan benefits successfully twice before, so we assumed round three would be business as usual. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
Somewhere between the last closing and this one, the VA eligibility rules changed—quietly and without mercy. Despite his previous two VA-backed mortgages, Jeff was now disqualified… over a measly 13 days of service. Yes, 13 days. Did prior loan history matter? Not a bit. Could we appeal, explain, or reason with anyone? Nope. The system was as flexible as granite. So, we pivoted, crossed our fingers, and dove headfirst into the world of conventional loans.
Plot Twist #2: A Sudden Career Cliff
Just when we thought we’d cleared the biggest hurdle, the second one hit like a freight train. One week before closing, I lost my job—after 16 years with the same company.
It was a wonderful place to work… until it was acquired by a competitor. Cue the corporate chaos. My new boss? Let’s just say “toxic” would be a compliment. Fortunately, karma works wonders. Word has it she’s no longer with the company either. (Small wins.)
But at the time? It was a mad scramble. We had to go back to the bank, rework our entire financial approach, and hold our breath while figuring out Plan B—again.
The Silver Lining
Despite the unexpected detours, setbacks, and paperwork-induced migraines, we did it. The house is ours, and every challenge along the way makes it feel even more like a hard-won victory.
If this process taught us anything, it’s this: resilience is everything, and sometimes, the scenic route is where the best stories are made. Here’s to new beginnings—and never having to deal with VA loan drama again.