Got orders to Northeast Florida?
I've been in your shoes, and I'll help you land in the right home.
I'm a former active duty Navy spouse and a Military Relocation Professional (MRP). Most of the families I work with are active duty, and I know VA loans inside and out.
I remember picking a neighborhood from a thousand miles away.
That's why I keep things simple, honest, and organized for every family I work with.
I've lived it
As a former active duty Navy spouse, I've juggled orders, a move timeline, and picking a neighborhood from a thousand miles away.
I speak military
PCS, BAH, TLE, house hunting trips, and report dates. You don't have to explain any of it.
I know VA loans
I'll help you avoid the common snags and make your VA offer just as strong as any other.
I think about resale and renting
You might PCS again. I'll help you pick a home that's easier to sell or rent later.
I have the background
An MBA and a Bachelor's in Accounting mean I'm comfortable with the numbers, and you'll get a clear picture of your costs.
Most of my families are active duty
Tell me about your orders and I'll send a personalized game plan built around your report date.
Pick your duty station
Here's where my military families usually look, and an honest picture of the drive.
NAS Jacksonville
Most of my Navy families stationed at NAS Jax look at Orange Park, Fleming Island, and Oakleaf for shorter commutes. Orange Park is about 5 miles from NAS Jax, Fleming Island about 10, and Oakleaf about 13.
Camp Blanding
Camp Blanding Joint Training Center is the Florida National Guard's primary training installation, in Clay County near Starke. Middleburg, Keystone Heights, and Green Cove Springs are popular for a shorter drive.
NS Mayport
Mayport is on the far east side of Jacksonville, near the beach. Clay County is a longer commute, roughly 50 minutes or more from Orange Park in light traffic. Some families choose Clay County for space, schools, or a spouse's job closer to the west side. If Clay County isn't the right fit for a Mayport assignment, I'll tell you.
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Area | To NAS Jax | To Camp Blanding | To NS Mayport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Park | about 8 min | about 48 min | about 48 min |
| Fleming Island | about 18 min | about 45 min | about 57 min |
| Oakleaf | about 25 min | about 41 min | about 63 min |
| Green Cove Springs | about 29 min | about 35 min | about 63 min |
| Middleburg | about 35 min | about 25 min | about 74 min |
| Keystone Heights | about 61 min | about 37 min | about 100 min |
Light traffic estimates. Rush hour adds time. Camp Blanding is measured to a point inside the installation.
The short version of how VA loans work
Your lender will give you the official details for your situation. Here's what most of my buyers want to know first.
- No down payment for many buyers. The VA program doesn't require a down payment for eligible borrowers, as long as the lender's requirements are met and the price is supported by the appraisal.
- No monthly mortgage insurance. VA loans don't require PMI.
- No VA loan limit with full entitlement. If you have full entitlement, VA doesn't set a loan limit. You still have to qualify with your lender.
- The VA funding fee. Most borrowers pay a one time funding fee, which can be rolled into the loan. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation, and some others, are exempt. See VA's current rate chart.
- Seller help is allowed. VA lets sellers or builders pay closing costs, and limits seller concessions to 4% of the home's reasonable value.
- You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Your lender can usually pull it for you, or you can request it on VA.gov.
- It's for your primary home. VA loans are meant for a home you'll live in.
Clay County VA Buyer Guide
From orders in hand to keys in hand, one step at a time: VA loan basics, building a budget around your real BAH, making a VA offer that competes, and a neighborhood and commute snapshot.
A quick note on BAH
Your Basic Allowance for Housing depends on your duty station ZIP code, pay grade, and dependency status. I'll never assume your BAH. We'll build a budget around your real number and what you're comfortable paying.
★★★★★"Easily the best realtor I have ever worked with. I was new to the area and military, and she made it such an easy transition for my family."
elijah dominguez, Google review
Tell me about your orders. I'll send a game plan.
You'll get neighborhoods that fit your commute, what your budget buys, and a timeline that works with your report date.
- Call or text904.657.7481
- Emailalina@claycountyhomes.com
- Based inGreen Cove Springs, FL 32043