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Want to maximize your leverage through VA programs in San Diego?

These tools mentioned here can help buyers leverage military service into major homeownership advantages.

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Check out some important details on San Diego VA programs:

VA PROGRAMS & RESOURCES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY

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1. VA Home Loan Program (Zero Down)

  • No down payment required

  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

  • Competitive interest rates

  • Available for eligible active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, and surviving spouses

  • Can be used for single-family homes, condos (VA-approved), new construction, and refis

 

👉 PRO TIP: Ensure you are working with a VA-savvy lender who understands the nuances of local appraisals and funding fee exemptions.

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2. VA Funding Fee Waivers for Disabled Veterans

  • Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more are exempt from the VA funding fee

  • This can save thousands at closing

  • Realtors should encourage buyers to confirm their disability status early in the process

 

3. California Veterans Property Tax Exemption

  • Disabled Veterans' Exemption: Significant property tax reduction for veterans who:

    • Are 100% disabled due to service-connected injury or illness

    • Receive compensation from the VA

  • The exemption can go up to $161,083 or more, depending on income

📍 San Diego County Assessor’s Office handles applications: https://www.sdarcc.gov

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4. VA-Approved Condo Search Tool

  • Many San Diego buyers look at condos or townhomes (especially in Eastlake, Chula Vista, and Otay Ranch)

  • Use the VA Condo Lookup Tool to identify VA-eligible properties

👉 PRO TIP: You can submit a request to get a complex VA-approved, which opens doors for more clients.

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5. CalVet Home Loan Program (Alternative Option)

  • Separate from the VA loan, CalVet is a California-specific program that offers:

    • Competitive fixed rates

    • Low or no down payment options

    • Help with manufactured or modular homes

    • Special support for first-time buyers and rural areas

More info: https://www.calvet.ca.gov/HomeLoans

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6. Closing Cost Assistance from Lenders & Sellers

  • Realtors can negotiate seller concessions or lender credits to cover:

    • VA appraisal costs

    • Title/escrow fees

    • Prepaid taxes/insurance

📝 VA guidelines allow up to 4% in seller-paid concessions — use this strategically!

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7. PCS & Relocation Support

  • San Diego has a massive active-duty population (Navy, Marines, Coast Guard)

  • Realtors who understand PCS timelines, BAH rates, and base proximity (e.g., 32nd Street Naval Base, Camp Pendleton, NAS North Island) can add huge value

Image by Tim Mossholder

Looking to learn more about VA programs and benefits in San Diego?

Download our complimentary information below:

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🇺🇸 VA Home Buying in San Diego County

With Christian Alvarez – Veteran, Realtor, & VA Home Loan Expert

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If you're active duty, retired, or a veteran looking to buy a home in San Diego County, you're in the right place. Christian Alvarez, a proud veteran and top-producing Realtor, specializes in helping military families take full advantage of their VA benefits to purchase homes with confidence, ease, and often zero money down.

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Why Use Your VA Loan Benefit?

VA loans are one of the most powerful tools available to military families. Here’s what you get:

  • Zero down payment

  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)

  • Competitive interest rates

  • Flexible credit guidelines

  • Up to 100% financing on eligible properties

  • Ability to reuse the benefit multiple times

 

Whether you're PCS’ing to San Diego, transitioning out of service, or ready to stop renting — your VA loan gives you real buying power.

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Save Thousands with VA Funding Fee Exemptions

If you have a service-connected disability of 10% or more, you may be exempt from the VA funding fee — potentially saving thousands of dollars at closing. Christian helps clients navigate this from day one and ensures your paperwork is ready to go.

 

California Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans

San Diego County offers major property tax relief for eligible veterans:

  • 100% disabled vets may qualify for a Disabled Veterans’ Exemption

  • This can reduce your home’s assessed value by over $160,000, lowering your property tax bill significantly

  • Christian will connect you with the County Assessor's office and help gather the needed documents

Apply here

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Buying a Condo? Make Sure It’s VA-Approved

San Diego is full of townhomes and condos, especially in areas like Otay Ranch, Eastlake, and Chula Vista. Not all condos are VA-eligible — but Christian knows how to:

  • Search VA-approved complexes using the official VA portal

  • Help clients request VA approval for unlisted communities

  • Identify alternative options like townhomes or single-family homes that meet your needs and budget

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CalVet Loans — A Great State-Sponsored Alternative

Not every veteran fits perfectly into the VA loan box. Christian also helps clients explore the CalVet Home Loan Program, which is:

  • A California-run alternative with great rates

  • Available for manufactured homes, rural properties, and unique situations

  • Backed by the California Department of Veterans Affairs

Learn more about CalVet loans

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Closing Cost Assistance & Seller Credits

Even with zero down, closing costs can still add up. Christian negotiates to:

  • Secure lender credits or seller-paid concessions (VA allows up to 4%)

  • Help cover things like appraisal fees, taxes, insurance, and more

  • Make sure you walk into your new home without financial strain

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Relocation Expertise for PCS Moves

Christian has lived the PCS life — and he knows how to help. With firsthand experience in military relocation and deep knowledge of the San Diego base system, he supports:

  • Active-duty families from Camp Pendleton, NAS North Island, 32nd Street Naval Base, and Miramar

  • Smooth transitions during PCS orders

  • Planning around BAH rates, commute times, school districts, and more

🔍 Local Expertise in South & East San Diego

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Christian specializes in the following high-demand, military-friendly areas:

  • Chula Vista

  • Otay Ranch

  • Eastlake

  • East County San Diego

These neighborhoods offer newer construction, great schools, parks, and convenient access to major bases — all with strong VA loan activity.

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Ready to Start Your VA Home Journey?

Christian Alvarez is proud to serve his military community in real estate with the same dedication he served his country. Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, he’ll help you:

✅ Maximize your VA benefits
✅ Avoid costly mistakes
✅ Move into a home that fits your lifestyle and future

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📞 Schedule a free VA Buyer Consultation today and learn what you're eligible for!

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Christian Alvarez
619.870.4229 | MrOneStopShopRealtor@gmail.com
DRE #02246125 CA - RES

Mr. One Stop Shop Realtor®
Copyright 2025

Based on information from California Regional Multiply Listing Service, Inc. as of 2025 and/or other resource. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. The information being provided is for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing.

IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and that it may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed to be accurate. Listing information updated daily.

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