• (00:00:00) - Home Story with Veronica
• (00:01:55) - Get Pre-Approved Before Even Looking at Homes
• (00:06:39) - Get Pre-Approved to Buy a House
• (00:07:17) - What credit score is realistic to shoot for as a first time buyer
• (00:07:54) - How to Improve Your Credit While Getting Ready
• (00:08:38) - How Much Money Should Homebuyers Save for Their Down Payment?
• (00:11:31) - Home Story
• (00:12:58) - The Credit Score That Matters Most
• (00:14:41) - How Do Debt to Income Ratio Compare?
• (00:17:46) - Can Cash Income be Count as Income on Your Tax Return?
• (00:20:16) - What is the biggest credit mistake that you see new buyers make?
• (00:21:35) - Mortgage: Do Bad Things Hurt Your Credit?
• (00:23:35) - Which Mortgage Is Best? FHA vs Conventional?
• (00:26:15) - FHA vs. Conventional Mortgage
• (00:27:23) - FHA vs Conventional: What's The Difference?
• (00:28:56) - USDA or VA Farm Loans
• (00:29:27) - USDA vs VA Home Loan: What's The Difference?
• (00:32:00) - USDA and VA Loan Programs
• (00:32:51) - Mortgage Insurance and PMI
• (00:35:50) - Home Story with Veronica
• (00:37:17) - What Underwriting Is Really Done
• (00:38:54) - Why Do Appraisal Valuations Come in Low?
• (00:39:42) - 3 Ways to Delay a Loan Application
• (00:43:19) - When Buying a Home With a Self-Employed Lender
• (00:44:39) - Buyers Should Know What To Do While Waiting For Final Approval
• (00:47:53) - Home Story

In this episode of Home Story with Veronica (aired 12-19-25), Veronica Rodriguez sits down with mortgage loan officer Leslie Silva to break down the real steps buyers must take before purchasing a home.

This episode is a must-watch for first-time home buyers, move-up homeowners, and investors who want to understand pre-approval vs. pre-qualification, credit score requirements, debt-to-income ratios, down payments, and closing costs. Leslie explains the key differences between FHA, Conventional, USDA, and VA loans, how mortgage insurance works, and why underwriting and appraisals protect buyers rather than delay them.

Viewers will also learn what mistakes to avoid while under contract, how credit and income are evaluated by lenders, and how smart preparation leads to confident, stress-free homeownership decisions.

In this episode of Home Story with Veronica (aired 11-21-25), host Veronica Rodriguez delivers practical guidance every homeowner needs to make confident real estate decisions. From buying and selling strategies to understanding the financial and lifestyle choices that turn a house into a home, this episode breaks down complex topics in a clear, relatable way.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a current homeowner, or planning your next move, you’ll gain insights that help reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and plan for the future with clarity. Home Story with Veronica focuses on the real conversations people need when navigating homeownership, investment, and long-term planning.

Watch this episode on Now Media Television and discover expert insights that empower you to make smarter choices for your home, your finances, and your family’s future.