Browsing Posts published by jburke

The VA Home Loan Reform Act, signed in 2025, creates a permanent Partial Claim Program. Learn how Veterans can now get help with delinquent VA loans, avoid foreclosure, and what it means for 2026 homebuyers. VA Home Loan Reform Act 2026: New Partial Claim Program Gives Veterans a Second Chance. On July 30, 2025, President Trump signed the VA Home Loan Reform Act (H.R. 1815) into law. This bipartisan bill modernizes the VA home loan program and introduces powerful new tools to help Veterans stay in their homes during financial hardship. What Is the VA Home Loan Reform Act? The law does two major things:

  1. Establishes a Permanent Partial Claim Program
    The VA can now pay a portion of a delinquent VA loan (up to 25% of the unpaid balance) to bring the loan current.
    • No monthly payments on the partial claim
    • No interest accrues on the partial claim
    • The claim is repaid only when the home is sold, refinanced, or the loan is paid off
  2. Replaces the Temporary VASP Program
    This new program gives Veterans more stable, long-term foreclosure prevention options similar to those available with FHA and conventional loans.

Who Can Benefit?

  • Veterans currently behind on their VA mortgage
  • Veterans at imminent risk of foreclosure
  • Borrowers who exhausted forbearance options after COVID or other hardships

This is especially important right now — nearly 90,000 VA loans are seriously delinquent, and over 33,000 are already in foreclosure. What This Means for Veterans in 2026: If you’re struggling with your VA loan payments, there is now real hope. The new Partial Claim Program can help you catch up without losing your home.

Recommended Action Steps for Veterans

  1. Call or log into your servicer’s website today and say:
    “I would like to be evaluated for the new VA Partial Claim Program under the VA Home Loan Reform Act.”
  2. If you don’t get clear help within 1–2 business days, call the VA at 877-827-3702.

Yes – Here’s how:

Can You Get Approved for a VA Mortgage With an Open CAIVRS Report? Short Answer: Yes – in many cases, you still can. If you’ve been denied a VA loan because of a CAIVRS hit, you’re not alone. Many Veterans and service members run into this issue and are told by other lenders that it’s impossible to get approved. That’s not always true. What Is CAIVRS?CAIVRS stands for Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System. It’s a federal database maintained by HUD that tracks people who owe money to government agencies, including the VA, FHA, USDA, SBA, and others. Common reasons Veterans end up in CAIVRS include: Defaulted federal student loans

Unpaid overpayments on VA disability or education benefits

FHA or VA loan that went into foreclosure or was included in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Court-ordered restitution or other federal debts

Important 2026 Updates & Good News: The rules have improved in your favor. Here’s what most lenders won’t tell you: If your CAIVRS report is due to an FHA or VA loan that was included in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, you can often still get approved after the bankruptcy discharge date (typically 2 years), even if the foreclosure sale was more recent.

Many lenders apply a strict “36-month wait from foreclosure” rule — this is a lender overlay, not an actual VA requirement.

Defaulted federal student loans no longer automatically block approval if you’re making acceptable repayment arrangements.

I specialize in getting VA loans approved with open CAIVRS reports when other lenders say no. Real Reviews from Veterans I’ve Helped.

“John and his team got my wife and I into our home while I was on the CAIVRS list after a bankruptcy and closed in 35 days.”

— James, Suffolk, VA

“We were told by multiple lenders our dream was not possible… John assured me there was a way. We closed on our home on January 4th!”

— Bonnie, New Germany, MN

“John made our dreams come true! We will never use anyone else.”

— Robi & Kenneth, Houston, TX

(These are real Zillow reviews — see them all here: https://www.zillow.com/lender-profile/MTG%20Banker/)

Ready to See If You Qualify? Don’t let an old CAIVRS report stop you from buying a home in 2026. Call or text me today at (720) 371-1783, and I’ll review your situation (usually same day). Subscribe to My Weekly Housing Market & Mortgage Newsletter for the latest VA loan updates, rate alerts, and market insights:

https://housingnewsletters.com/johnburke

This is for informational purposes only. Every situation is unique — I’ll give you a clear answer after reviewing your specific CAIVRS report.

Veterans, Service Members & Surviving Spouses: You Can Now Deduct Your VA Funding Fee on Your 2026 Taxes. Starting in tax year 2026, the VA funding fee paid on a VA-guaranteed home loan is now tax-deductible. This is big news for anyone buying or refinancing a home with a VA loan this year and beyond. What Is the VA Funding Fee? The VA funding fee is a one-time payment that helps keep the VA home loan program running without requiring a down payment or monthly mortgage insurance for most borrowers. The fee typically ranges from 0.5% to 3.3% of the loan amount, depending on the loan type, down payment, and whether it’s your first VA loan. You can usually roll the fee into the loan amount or pay it at closing. Who Benefits Most? First-time VA homebuyers 

Repeat VA users 

Veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses

Note: Veterans with service-connected disabilities and Purple Heart recipients on active duty remain exempt from the funding fee. Important Timing: This deduction only applies to VA funding fees paid in 2026 and later. If you closed on a VA loan in 2025 or earlier, the fee is not deductible under this new rule. Official Source: Read the full VA announcement here:

https://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/documents/circulars/26_26_01.pdf

Ready to Buy or Refinance in 2026?

Whether you’re a Veteran looking to use (or reuse) your VA benefits, or an agent with clients who are Veterans, I’d love to help. Get your personalized VA loan quote

 See current rates and payment scenarios

 Learn about zero-down options and more. Subscribe to My Weekly Housing Market & Mortgage Newsletter for the latest rates, market updates, and homebuying tips:

https://housingnewsletters.com/johnburke

This information is for educational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax advisor regarding your specific tax situation.

How to Use a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan to Build Your Dream Barndominium in Texas

Are you a veteran or military family member dreaming of building a barndominium in the vast, open spaces of Texas? With the right financing, this dream can become a reality. A VA One-Time Close Construction Loan offers a unique opportunity to leverage your VA benefits to finance the construction, lot purchase, and permanent mortgage all in one seamless process. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can use this loan to build your perfect barndominium in Texas.

What is a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan?

A VA One-Time Close Construction Loan is a specialized mortgage product designed for eligible veterans and military personnel. Unlike traditional construction loans, this option allows you to finance the entire process—from purchasing the land to building your home and securing a permanent mortgage—all with a single loan. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for multiple loans and down payments, making it an attractive choice for building a barndominium.

Key Benefits of a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan

  1. Affordable Financing: Lock in competitive interest rates before construction begins, ensuring financial stability throughout the process.
  2. Single Loan Process: Combine construction, lot purchase, and permanent financing into one loan, simplifying the building experience.
  3. VA Benefits: Utilize your VA eligibility to access favorable terms and conditions, often without a down payment.

Why Texas is Perfect for Barndominiums

Texas, with its expansive landscapes and growing trend of barndominium living, is an ideal location for this type of home. Barndominiums offer a unique blend of rustic charm and modern functionality, making them suitable for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a spacious ranch-style retreat or a contemporary living space, Texas provides the perfect backdrop.

The Appeal of Barndominiums

  • Versatility: Barndominiums can be customized to include living quarters, workspaces, and even recreational areas.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional homes, barndominiums often offer more square footage for the price.
  • Durability: Constructed with sturdy materials, barndominiums are built to last, providing long-term value.

Steps to Building Your Barndominium with a VA Loan

1. Check Your Eligibility and Secure Pre-Approval

First, ensure you meet the VA loan eligibility criteria. This typically includes active duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to proceed. Additionally, getting pre-approved by a lender is a crucial step to determine your borrowing power and ensure you’re financially prepared for the project. Contact John Burke at jburke@valoansdoneright.com (mailto:jburke@valoansdoneright.com) or call 720-519-7494 to discuss your options and secure pre-approval for your VA One-Time Close Construction Loan. Let us help you turn your dream into reality!

2. Find the Right Lot

Texas offers numerous opportunities to find the perfect plot of land for your barndominium. Consider factors such as proximity to work, schools, and amenities, as well as any zoning restrictions that might affect your plans.

3. Choose a Reputable Builder

Work with a builder or contractor experienced in constructing barndominiums. They should be familiar with VA loan requirements and capable of delivering a home that meets VA property standards.

4. Lock in Your Rate

One of the advantages of this loan is the ability to lock in your interest rate before construction starts. This provides peace of mind and protects you from rate fluctuations during the building process.

5. Monitor Construction

Throughout the construction phase, inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance with VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). Your lender will work with you and the builder to oversee this process.

Financing Options for Barndominiums in Texas

While the VA One-Time Close Construction Loan is an excellent choice, other financing options may also be available, depending on your location and needs. For instance, USDA loans might be an option if you’re building in a rural area, offering favorable terms for barndominium projects.

Building a barndominium in Texas with a VA One-Time Close Construction Loan is not only feasible but also a smart financial decision. By leveraging your VA benefits, you can create a customized home that meets your needs and reflects your style. Start your journey today by checking your eligibility, securing pre-approval, and exploring the possibilities. Your dream barndominium awaits!


Don’t wait to start building your dream barndominium in Texas. Reach out to John Burke today at jburke@valoansdoneright.com (mailto:jburke@valoansdoneright.com) or call 720-519-7494 to get the process started and make your vision a reality. Your future home is just a conversation away


UPDATE February 2019

Can You Get A VA Mortgage With An Open CAIVRS Report?

Yes you can, depending on why you’re in the system.

Call me at (877)228-9069 for more information or help.

If you have applied for a VA Mortgage and had your loan denied because of the CAIVRS report you probably wondered why and what it is.

CAIVRstands for Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains this system, which includes federal tax liens and information from governmental agencies like VA, FHA, USDA & SBA to name a few. 

For example, Veterans who have yet to settle over-payments on education or disability income may trigger a hit in the CAIVRS system.

Perhaps the most common CAIVRS Report issue is tied to defaulted Student Loans so staying current on Federal Student Loans is critical.

* UPDATE – If you have Student Loans that are in default and reporting in the CAIVRS system, it is still possible to get approved for a VA Mortgage!*

* UPDATE # 2 – Basically you can find yourself in the CAIVRS system anytime you owe the Federal Government money. So let’s say you owe Restitution to the Federal Government, you’ll be in the CAIVRS system BUT that doesn’t mean you are not eligible for a VA Mortgage!

*Update # 3 – This now applies to FHA mortgages as well!

I’ve had several people contact me after getting turned down by other lenders that had filed chapter 7 Bankruptcy and included an FHA Mortgage in the Bankruptcy.

The Bankruptcy isn’t an issue once it has been discharged for 2 years under the VA guidelines for a new VA Mortgage. The problem is when FHA pays a claim, you end up with a CAIVRS Report. Pretty much every VA Mortgage lender out there will tell you there is no way you can get approved for a VA Mortgage until you clear up your CAIVRS Report but the only way to do that is to pay off the claim or wait it out! The wait time will be 36 months from when the claim was paid!

The good news is I can get your VA Mortgage approved & closed even though you have an open CAIVRS Report as long as the CAIVRS Report was the result of an FHA or VA Mortgage being included in a Bankruptcy or through foreclosure and it’s been at least 2 years since the discharge or the foreclosure sale!

*A new update on the whole situation of including a mortgage in Bankruptcy & when you’re eligibility starts. A lot of lenders will tell you that if you stayed in the home & did not make a payment on the mortgage, you are not eligible for a VA Mortgage until 2 years after the bank forecloses on the home! This is NOT what VA requires so it’s a lender overlay. I can go by the discharge date of the Bankruptcy regardless so don’t let anyone tell you that you have to wait longer!

Here are some reviews from Veterans that I’ve helped get a VA Mortgage for a new home with an open CAIVRS hit.

These reviews are not made up testimonials on my own site, these reviews are on my Zillow.com profile here:

https://www.zillow.com/lender-profile/MTG%20Banker/

Getting a loan while on the CAIVRS report

jamesrenee13 from Suffolk, VA

John and his team got my wife and I in to our home while I was on the CAIVRS list after a bankruptcy and closed in 35 days. Thank you John and your team for your help and persistence

I cannot say enough good….

boller bonnie from New Germany, MN

I honestly cannot say enough good words when it comes to John and his team.

My husband and I were ready to purchase a home after many years of renting. Our current landlord was also ready to sell the house, so we were under a deadline to make this happen.

Due to credit issues (of our own past fault – a default on a student loan from years ago). We were told by multiple lenders our dream was not possible, especially going with a VA loan because we were in the CAIVRS system. I had spoken to many, and always told the same.

I stumbled on John’s name and read a post on a site, of a woman asking his advice. Since her situation basically paralled mine, I decided to contact him as well.

John assured me there was a way. To make a long story short…..we just closed on our home Jan 4th!

John’s experience and knowledge literally saved us. I would without a doubt recommend him to everyone.

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!

Robi and Kennetg from Houston, TX

After receiving the worst service and help with a different lender John and his team stepped in to help us in a difficult situation! We came to John with a very tight timeline to proceed with closing on our new home in time. We were packed and ready to move with a new baby on the way when we were told by our terrible lender that they wouldn’t be able to close… John took on the task and had us approved and ready to close in time! He and everyone we worked with was professional and so helpful! We were in such a crisis and feeling so defeated! John made our dreams come true! We will never use anyone else for our future home buying and you shouldn’t either!

Nothing Short of Amazing!!!

naeemmolette from Dallas, GA

I found John when I realized I was in CAIVRS. His name kept coming up in a forum so I checked the reviews and called him immediately. John and his team were outstanding in their communication and in being proactive to close my loan quickly. Amanda and Amy were amazing in processing the loan; down to the day before when Amy noticed that the DTI was slightly off, she took it upon herself to reach out to our insurance agent to get a lower rate and solved the DTI problem before I even knew it was a problem!! This home buying process was stressful in and of itself BUT John and his team make it worth doing again. Thanks for helping our family’s dream come true!!! Forever grateful!

Easiest home purchase ever

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John Burke and his team at Great Plains Bank made my mortgage process extremely easy. This was our third home purchase, so I had somewhat of an idea what the steps were. The part I was concerned about was the fact that in 2014 we had filed chapter 7 Bankruptcy and lost a home to foreclosure. The home we lost was an FHA loan which of course landed us on the CAIVRS list. For any of you curious, the CAIVRS list is the governments do not lend list which will bar you from receiving a government-backed loan such as an FHA or VA mortgage. There is little information published about it, but the rules for lending afterward can be very confusing. Most banks will just write you off, trust me I had inquired with at least 6 different lenders.

I saw a post somewhere where John Burke had mentioned depending on the circumstances he could probably make a VA Mortgage happen. I contacted him, sent all the required documents and had a pre approval in a few days. I will say that prior to the Bankruptcy and after my wife and I had pretty decent credit. I will admit, I was very skeptical that I was going to invest a lot of time and money into finding a house, getting all the appraisals and inspections completed to be told oh sorry, we can’t do this. I was wrong. We found a house, had an accepted offer on February 12th, 2017. We closed on the house March 10th, 2017. John is a man of his word.

I will end by saying if you have made some decisions in the past that have put a mark or two on your record that would cause most banks to deny you, give John a few minutes of your time. If there is a way to get you into a home, he will do it.   2/17/2017

Amazing Lender Who Will Work Hard For You!

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Working with John Burke was more like dealing with an old friend than a mortgage professional. John was extremely thorough and professional. I know that for me, not feeling like I’m just another account was probably one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole home buying process. John never once hesitated to answer any of my questions or phone calls, which is rare these days! He explained all the paperwork and options to us with patience and clarity, and walked us through the process with steady and responsive communication. I felt that he wanted the best for my family the entire time, and for these reasons I can never thank him enough. You will not be disappointed if you use John. So glad I decided not to use a “big bank” that would have just shuffled me through. Thanks John!

Highly likely to recommend

7/12/2016 at 3:14 PM – cadj62

CLOSED PURCHASE LOAN.

I can’t say enough good things about John Burke and his team. We had to file chapter 7 Bankruptcy in 2012 to get out from under a home that got caught in the housing meltdown and had lost over 60% of it’s value and being faced with my job being relocated to CO. We relocated to CO in 2013 and did the right things after the Bankruptcy such as rebuilding our credit and score and applied for a VA Mortgage after 30 months. At this time we were told we had an open CAIVRS and we were instructed to call the government agency to inquire about the date it was filed. We called only to find out nothing was ever filed therefore there’s no date. It’s considered an “open” CAIVRS which is basically a dead end to this agency. The best they could do is tell us to call the mortgage company that financed the house in NY and ask them why they never filed a claim?? I was about to give up for a year and found John Burke’s name and read the stories from others who struggled with similar situations. I contacted John and he took my application over the phone, he asked for copies of a few things and I had my pre-approval letter the same day. Within two weeks we found the perfect home and had an accepted offer. John and Brittany the processor were awesome. In fact my realtor made a comment that it’s probably the smoothest financial transaction he has been involved in. Today a month after closing, me and my family are enjoying our new home. It’s truly a blessing considering the nightmare we endured in NY. If you have a similar issue contact John Burke he will help you in any way he can.

If you have questions or you want to see how much you qualify for, feel free to call me at (877)228-9069 or fill out the form below.

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