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Sold By Soto 🇺🇸 Veteran REALTOR® helping buyers, sellers, military families & veterans throughout Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania & Stafford. | Powered by Samson Properties

🇺🇸 VA Education Wednesday🏡 What is the VA Funding Fee?If you’re planning to use a VA loan, this is one cost you should u...
09/09/2026

🇺🇸 VA Education Wednesday

🏡 What is the VA Funding Fee?

If you’re planning to use a VA loan, this is one cost you should understand before buying.

The VA funding fee is a one-time fee that helps support the VA home loan program.

The amount can vary depending on factors such as:
✅ Whether you’ve used your VA loan benefit before
✅ Your down payment amount
✅ The type of VA loan you’re using

But here’s something many veterans don’t realize:

⭐ Some borrowers may be EXEMPT from paying the VA funding fee, including certain veterans receiving VA compensation for a service connected disability.

And if you’re required to pay it, the funding fee can generally be financed into the loan rather than paid entirely upfront.

Every situation is different, so make sure your eligibility and exemption status are verified before closing.

🇺🇸 You earned your VA benefit. Make sure you understand every part of it.

Have questions about buying with a VA loan?

📩 Message me and let’s talk.

🇺🇸 VA Education Wednesday🏡 Does the seller have to pay your closing costs with a VA loan?Not automatically.VA buyers can...
09/02/2026

🇺🇸 VA Education Wednesday

🏡 Does the seller have to pay your closing costs with a VA loan?

Not automatically.

VA buyers can still have closing costs and other expenses when purchasing a home.

But depending on the deal and the market, you may be able to negotiate seller contributions toward certain allowable costs and concessions. 💰

That’s why your offer strategy matters.

The goal isn’t just:

🏡 Find the house
✍️ Write an offer
🔑 Get the keys

It’s also about understanding what you’re paying, what may be negotiable, and how to structure the offer.

🇺🇸 You earned your VA benefit. Make sure you understand how to use it.

Thinking about buying?

📩 DM me “VA” and let’s talk!

🏡 FRIDAY FACTS WITH SOTO🔑 Your First Home Doesn’t Have to Be Your Forever HomeA lot of first-time buyers put pressure on...
08/28/2026

🏡 FRIDAY FACTS WITH SOTO

🔑 Your First Home Doesn’t Have to Be Your Forever Home

A lot of first-time buyers put pressure on themselves to find a home that checks every single box.

Big backyard. Perfect kitchen. Extra bedrooms. Dream neighborhood. Two-car garage. Everything. 😅

But here’s the thing…

Your first home can simply be your first step.

Instead of searching for perfection, consider focusing on:

📍 Location
💰 A payment you’re comfortable with
🏠 A home that fits your current needs
🔧 Condition and potential improvements
📈 Your longer-term goals

Your needs may change over time, and that’s okay.

💡 Friday Fact: You don’t have to buy your forever home the first time. The right first home is one that makes sense for your life and finances right now.

Thinking about buying your first home in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, or the surrounding area?

📩 Message me “FIRST HOME” and let’s build a plan.

Juan Soto | REALTOR®
🏡 Sold By Soto | Powered by Samson Properties
📞 540-699-0846

🏡 REAL ESTATE 101 WITH SOTO💰 WHAT ARE CLOSING COSTS?You saved for the down payment, found the house, and got under contr...
08/27/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE 101 WITH SOTO

💰 WHAT ARE CLOSING COSTS?

You saved for the down payment, found the house, and got under contract… but there’s another number buyers need to prepare for: closing costs.

Closing costs are expenses associated with completing your home purchase, and they’re separate from your down payment.

Depending on your transaction, they can include things like:

🏦 Lender-related fees
🏠 Appraisal costs
🔍 Title-related fees
🛡️ Homeowners insurance
💵 Prepaid taxes and insurance
📄 Recording and settlement-related costs

And here’s something many first-time buyers don’t realize:

🤝 Some closing costs may be negotiable or the seller may be able to contribute toward eligible costs, depending on the contract, loan program, and transaction.

That’s why I always tell buyers: don’t only plan for the down payment. Understand the full amount you’ll need to bring to closing before you start shopping.

Questions about buying a home?

📩 Message me “CLOSING” and let’s talk about what you should be preparing for.

Juan Soto | Sold By Soto
Powered by Samson Properties

🇺🇸 VA Education Wednesday❌ MYTH: You need perfect credit to use a VA loan.This misconception can stop veterans from expl...
08/26/2026

🇺🇸 VA Education Wednesday

❌ MYTH: You need perfect credit to use a VA loan.

This misconception can stop veterans from exploring homeownership before they even talk to a lender.

Here’s the reality 👇

The VA does not set a minimum credit score for VA-backed home loans. However, individual lenders can have their own credit requirements and guidelines.

So if your credit isn’t perfect, don’t automatically count yourself out.

Your credit score is only one part of the overall picture, and speaking with a knowledgeable VA lender can help you understand where you stand and what options may be available.

🇺🇸 Don’t let a credit-score myth keep you from exploring a benefit you earned.

Thinking about buying with your VA benefit?

📩 Message me “VA” and let’s talk.

🏡 FRIDAY FACTS WITH SOTO💳 Think your credit score automatically means you can’t buy a home? Think again.Your credit scor...
08/21/2026

🏡 FRIDAY FACTS WITH SOTO

💳 Think your credit score automatically means you can’t buy a home? Think again.

Your credit score is important, but it’s only one part of the picture when a lender reviews your application.

Depending on the loan program and your situation, lenders may also consider:

✅ Income and employment history
✅ Monthly debts
✅ Debt-to-income ratio
✅ Assets and available funds
✅ The type of loan you’re applying for
✅ Your overall financial profile

So if your credit isn’t perfect, don’t automatically count yourself out.

💡 Friday Fact: You don’t need perfect credit to start the home-buying conversation.

Sometimes the best first step is simply finding out where you stand and what you may need to work on.

📩 Thinking about buying a home? Message me “CREDIT” and I’ll help you figure out your next step.

Juan Soto | REALTOR®
🏡 Sold By Soto | Powered by Samson Properties
📞 540-699-0846

📍 Fredericksburg • Spotsylvania • Stafford & surrounding areas

🏡 REAL ESTATE 101 WITH SOTO💰 What is Earnest Money?You found the home, made an offer, and the seller accepted it. 🎉 Now ...
08/20/2026

🏡 REAL ESTATE 101 WITH SOTO

💰 What is Earnest Money?

You found the home, made an offer, and the seller accepted it. 🎉 Now you may hear the words “earnest money deposit.”

So what exactly is it?

Earnest money is a deposit that shows the seller you’re serious about purchasing the home.

Here are a few things buyers should know:

🔑 It’s separate from your down payment
💰 The amount can vary depending on your offer and contract
📄 It’s typically held according to the terms of the contract
🏠 It can generally be credited toward what you owe at closing
⚠️ Whether it’s refundable depends on your contract and the circumstances

The biggest takeaway? Understand what you’re agreeing to before you sign and deposit your money.

That’s part of my job as your Realtor: helping you understand the process, not just handing you paperwork to sign.

Thinking about buying a home?

📩 Message me “BUY” and let’s talk.

Juan Soto | Sold By Soto
Powered by Samson Properties
📱 540-699-0846

08/19/2026

🏆 #1 BRAND IN THE DMV🏆

We’re proud to celebrate Samson Properties being ranked the #1 real estate brand in the DMV! 🎉

This recognition is a reflection of the incredible agents, staff, clients, and communities who continue to trust and support Samson every day. From DC to Maryland to Virginia, we’re proud to keep raising the standard in real estate.

🇺🇸 VA Education Wednesday🏡 Can you use your VA loan more than once?YES!One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that ...
08/19/2026

🇺🇸 VA Education Wednesday

🏡 Can you use your VA loan more than once?

YES!

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that once you’ve used your VA loan benefit, that’s it.

That’s not necessarily true.

Depending on your situation and remaining VA entitlement, you may be able to use your VA home loan benefit again, even after you’ve already purchased a home with it.

You may also be able to restore your entitlement after selling a previous VA-financed home and paying off the loan.

The important thing is that everyone’s situation is different, so understanding your remaining entitlement is key before planning your next purchase.

🇺🇸 Your VA loan isn’t necessarily a one-and-done benefit.

Already used your VA loan and thinking about buying again?

📩 Message me “VA” and let’s talk about your options.

🏡 FRIDAY FACTS WITH SOTO💡 Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: What’s the Difference?If you’re thinking about buying a home, ...
08/14/2026

🏡 FRIDAY FACTS WITH SOTO

💡 Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: What’s the Difference?

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard both terms. They sound similar, but they aren’t always the same.

👉 Pre-Qualification usually gives you an initial idea of what you may be able to afford based on the financial information you provide.

👉 Pre-Approval typically goes further. A lender reviews your credit, income, debts, assets, and supporting documents to determine how much you may qualify to borrow.

Why does that matter?

When the right home hits the market, you don’t want to be scrambling to figure out financing while another buyer is already writing an offer.

Getting pre-approved early can help you:

✅ Know your realistic price range
✅ Shop with confidence
✅ Be ready when the right home comes along
✅ Submit a stronger, more complete offer

🏡 Friday Fact: Start the financing conversation before you start seriously house hunting.

Thinking about buying in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, or the surrounding area?

📩 Message me “READY” and I’ll help you get started.

Juan Soto | REALTOR®
🏡 Sold By Soto | Powered by Samson Properties
📞 540-699-0846

Address

1440 Central Park Boulevard, Ste. 210
Fredericksburg, VA
22401

Telephone

+15406990846

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