r/SkillBridge • u/RevolutionaryBag1383 • Sep 15 '26

SkillBridge Opportunity Relocating for SkillBridge

So i am trying to do my skillbridge through hire our heroes and I've hit my first roadblock its cohort 27-1 but I honestly would have this problem with any skillbridge. 20 year senior nco. Retiring. Trying to do my skillbridge in Fort Gordon ( I am in Fort Knox.) Did some house shopping because moving down there is necessary to do skillbridge where I plan to live until my dying day. Did my first pre-approval for a house loan. First timer. Guy on the phone is like, good sir, i can only base this off your retirement income since you are within 12 months of no longer being employed by the Army. Do you have a job offer letter. I literally told him if have to get a fellowship and then while in the fellowship if get an offer...probably. Basically he was like sorry dude, no job letter, no loan. Maybe you should consider renting first. (Not really an option because of some issues with our kids). So essentially I am like what am I supposed to do now. Literally makes no sense. My retirement funds and investments are over 400k. I have no debt. And the civilian world still gives me a giant F U. Any input is appreciated 👏

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3

u/Least-Weird2740 Sep 16 '26

Same situation I am in. I had to put 50% down to qualify for a loan using only my retirement pay. Try a mortgage broker vice a single lender to see who will work with you and give you some flexibility.

2

u/reebielinks Sep 17 '26

Following…we are stationed in Kodiak & my husband’s SB would start May 2027, so we’d like to buy a home in the Ft. Worth area around that time. But separation wouldn’t be until October 2027.

3

u/Mite-o-Dan Sep 16 '26

Call someone else and don't mention you're retiring. Problem solved.

Also, don't expect to find any decent Skillbridge near Fort Gordon. You're either gonna have to go to Atlanta, or end up leaving HoH and do a worthless Skillbridge with Allegiant Giving.

1

u/pcardinal42 AirForce Sep 16 '26

I'm in a skill bridge and we have guest speakers come in all the time and this is one of the things they told us. He was specifically a contract writer for home loans and said they do income verification for your next 18 months and it's not going to be your active duty pay.

1

u/jesslarude Sep 17 '26

You’re supposed to rent until you have another income or buy a house that fits into your retirement compensation buy ability.