As a military wife that has sold homes throughout the US as well as relocated multiple times, Celia has been in her client's shoes, so she not only understands the intricacies of a real estate transaction but is empathetic when it comes to buying, selling or relocating.
She has a passion for helping the military and first responders, is a certified in Military Relocation Specialist and has in-depth knowledge on every aspect of a real estate transaction. Clients continue to benefit from her expertise rooted in her mortgage brokerage and commercial loan documentation experience and her reputation is second to none when it comes to putting her clients’ interests fi...
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This morning at the Port of Miami, under a gray sky and steady rain, I had the honor of attending a send-off that reminded me why I do what I do. Invited by Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), I joined fellow guests to witness the departure of the U.S. Naval Ship Comfort as it set sail on its Continuing Promise mission — a powerful humanitarian initiative that transcends borders, politics, and oceans.The ship may be heading out to care for others, but the impact of this mission was already felt here at home.As a...
By Celia Ruiz, Regional Director – Compass Military Division As a mom, a military spouse, and someone proudly serving the military community through the Compass Military Division, I work every day to help families just like yours navigate VA benefits — from homeownership to education.But this year, it got personal.👉 My daughter is starting college this fall.And even with everything I know about VA benefits, I still bought this book. Because why not?When it comes to setting your child (or yourself!) up for educational success, you don’t want to leave anything on the table — especially...
By Celia Ruiz, Regional Director – South Florida, Compass Military Division Last Thursday, May 29, the community at U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) in Doral, Florida came together for an unforgettable day of food, fun, and connection at the Roast & Reel: Pig Roast & Fishing Competition 🎣🔥. I had the honor of sponsoring this amazing event on behalf of the Compass Military Division and my amazing collie Rosa E Napolitano, and let me tell you—it was more than just a cookout and casting lines. Held just outside the Fitness Center and West Pond, the event was packed...
📸✨ Photos by the talented Roxanne Jeffrey! Happy Birthday, Roxanne! 🎉🥳 We’re so grateful for your incredible work capturing the spirit of this unforgettable event. You can find all her amazing photography at roxannethephotographer.com 📷💫 On May 22, 2025, before the sun even fully rose over Doral, I had the incredible honor of sponsoring and participating in an event that reminded me exactly why I do what I do. The LT Michael P. Murphy Challenge, held at the USAG-Miami Fitness Center, brought together our military families, active-duty service...
Protecting First-Time Homebuyers from Wire Fraud: What You Need to Know In today's digital age, the dream of homeownership for first-time buyers is increasingly threatened by a sophisticated and growing threat: wire fraud. According to a recent article by Florida Realtors, cybercriminals are specifically targeting first-time buyers, exploiting their inexperience and the high-stakes nature of real estate transactions to steal funds during the closing process .(Coalition to Stop Real Estate Wire Fraud) How Wire Fraud Works Wire fraud in real estate typically involves scammers gaining unauthorized access to email accounts of real estate...
If the word “credit” makes you nervous—don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news? VA loans are known for having some of the most flexible and forgiving credit guidelines in the mortgage industry. Whether you have excellent credit or some past bumps in the road, understanding VA credit standards is key to knowing where you stand.In this post, we’ll simplify how VA lenders look at credit scores, debt history, and what you can do to prepare for a successful loan approval.Is There a Minimum Credit Score for a VA Loan?The VA itself does not set a minimum credit score. However,...
One of the most important—and exciting—questions you’ll ask on your VA homebuying journey is: how much home can I afford? While the VA loan offers flexible, veteran-friendly terms, knowing your financial boundaries helps ensure a smooth process and a confident purchase. In this post, we’ll help you understand how affordability is calculated, what makes South Florida unique, and how your VA loan benefits shape your buying power. Understanding VA Loan Affordability Affordability isn’t just about how much the bank will lend—it’s about how much you can comfortably afford without stretching your budget. VA lenders look at two...