Loan Options Made Easy
There’s no single “best” loan — only the one that fits your situation. VA loans are a big part of what I do, but I also work with conventional, FHA, USDA, and Non-QM financing for buyers and homeowners in the Triangle.
See what people are saying about working with Griffin Stephens
VA Loans
BEST FOR:
• Veterans
• Active-duty service members
• Eligible surviving spouses
• Active-duty service members
• Eligible surviving spouses
WHY IT WORKS:
Zero down payment in most cases, no monthly mortgage insurance, competitive rates, and flexible credit guidelines. The military doesn’t teach us how to use the VA loan benefit, so that’s where I come in. I help you understand your options, avoid unnecessary costs, and make the most of the benefit you earned.
Conventional Loans
BEST FOR:
Buyers with stronger credit and the ability to put some money down
WHY IT WORKS:
Flexible terms, often lower rates for well-qualified borrowers, and good options for both primary residences and investment properties.
FHA Loans
BEST FOR:
First-time buyers or those with less-than-perfect credit
WHY IT WORKS:
Lower down payment requirements and more forgiving credit standards than most conventional loans.
Non-QM Loans
BEST FOR:
• Self Employed
• Gig Workers
• 1099/No W-2s
• Investors
• Gig Workers
• 1099/No W-2s
• Investors
WHY IT WORKS:
Non-traditional income doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach. Non-QM loans, including bank statement programs, can offer more flexible ways to qualify for self-employed, 1099, gig, and other non-traditional income borrowers, with rates that may be much closer to conventional financing than many expect.

Heads Up!
"I also work with USDA loans (for eligible rural and some suburban areas), jumbo loans, and investment property financing when the situation calls for it. If you’re not sure which direction fits, we’ll walk through it together."
Loan F.A.Q.
Can I use a VA loan to buy a home near Fort Bragg or in the Triangle?
Yes. Eligible veterans and active-duty service members can use VA financing throughout North Carolina, including the Fort Bragg area and the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle, as long as they meet VA and lender qualification requirements.
Do VA loans really allow you to buy a home with no down payment?
Yes. Eligible borrowers can often purchase with no down payment. Zero down does not necessarily mean zero cash at closing — you may still need funds for prepaid items, escrow, or other closing costs. I’ll walk you through what is actually due at closing.
What credit score do I need for a VA loan?
The VA does not set a universal minimum credit score. Individual lenders set their own requirements, so a denial from one lender does not mean you cannot qualify somewhere else. We’ll look at your full picture, not just a number.
Can I get preapproved before I arrive at Fort Bragg?
Yes. Most of the process can be done remotely — documents, loan options, and preapproval — before you arrive in North Carolina. Ideally, start before you need to write an offer so there is time to fix issues and understand your realistic price and payment range.
Can I use my VA home-loan benefit more than once?
Yes. Many veterans use the benefit more than once, depending on available or restored entitlement. In some cases you can even have two VA loans at the same time if you have remaining entitlement and qualify for both. We’ll check your specific entitlement before you make a plan.
Does using a VA loan make my offer less competitive?
Not inherently. A strong preapproval, a knowledgeable agent, and a lender who can clearly explain VA financing to the listing side can address the usual seller concerns. The offer is only as weak as the team behind it.
Ready to take the next step?
Reach out and find out what you may qualify for.
