Bad credit can happen to good people. Illnesses, accidents, job losses, bad luck, and other nasty surprises can leave even the most credit-savvy person struggling to make ends meet. Whether you got off to a shaky financial start as a young adult or watched helplessly as life did a number to your previously healthy credit history, you don’t have to settle for bad credit. Credit scores are constantly changing, and with a little time, effort, and discipline, you can improve yours. How long does it take to rebuild credit? That’s a tricky question to answer accurately. [Read more…] about How Long Does It Take to Rebuild Credit?
Should You Buy or Rent a Home?
Owning a home is often touted as an essential part of the American dream, but in the real world, many families struggle to decide: Should we buy or rent a home? This dilemma is especially challenging for military families. On one hand, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders are a fact of military life and often require frequent moves. On the other hand, access to VA loans and their borrower-friendly terms can make purchasing property an attractive prospect and an excellent investment. Every reassignment raises the question of housing. How do you decide what to do? [Read more…] about Should You Buy or Rent a Home?
Can You Refinance a VA Loan?
It’s no secret that VA loans offer fantastic advantages or that these government-backed home loans come with certain restrictions. It is only natural to wonder how your opportunities to refinance your mortgage might be impacted by using a VA loan. After all, under the right conditions, refinancing can be a smart strategy for securing a lower interest rate, reducing your monthly mortgage payments, or transforming your home equity into cash. It’s smart to know your options. That’s why astute borrowers ask, “Can you refinance a VA loan?” [Read more…] about Can You Refinance a VA Loan?
The Pros and Cons of Being a Landlord
You found the perfect home, purchased it with a VA loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and have been living there happily ever since. Now, you’ve received Permanent Change of Station orders and need to relocate. Do you have to sell your dream home? Selling is an option, but it’s not your only one. After exploring the pros and cons of being a landlord, you may decide to try renting the property out. [Read more…] about The Pros and Cons of Being a Landlord
The Benefits of Making a VA Loan Down Payment
Ice cream is all that’s required for a tasty treat; however, anyone who has sunk their spoon into the silky, decadent deliciousness of a hot fudge sundae knows that bringing something extra to the table can make a good thing even better. VA loan down payments are another great example of this. While it may not be necessary, making a VA loan down payment can offer a borrower significant benefits. [Read more…] about The Benefits of Making a VA Loan Down Payment
The Difference Between FHA and VA Loans
Homeownership has long been a part of the American dream, and as the National Association of Realtors points out, it offers significant benefits to both individuals and society. Research indicates that owning a home allows individuals to build wealth and status and improves health outcomes. It also tends to spur greater participation in civic activities, increase volunteering, improve the educational performance of children, reduce dependence on welfare, and decrease crime rates. With so many positive effects, it is no wonder that the government works to promote homeownership with government-backed loan products like FHA loans and VA loans. Having trouble deciding between the two? Exploring the difference between FHA and VA loans can help you decide. [Read more…] about The Difference Between FHA and VA Loans
VA Construction Loans 101
Have you always dreamed of building the perfect home, designed to your own unique specifications? Is having a say in every detail that shapes your home important to you? If you are a service member or veteran, you don’t have to choose between the advantages offered by using a VA loan and securing the custom-built home that you crave. VA construction loans make it possible to use your housing benefits to finance both the construction and the purchase of a home. [Read more…] about VA Construction Loans 101
VA Loans and Foreclosures
There are a few things related to VA loans and foreclosures that everyone using a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should know. Whether your home is at risk of foreclosure or you’re interested in buying a foreclosed home, we have the information you need. [Read more…] about VA Loans and Foreclosures
How to Find the Best Lender for VA Loans
While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a financial guarantee that allows lenders to offer the favorable terms that make VA loans so attractive, it does not originate the loans. Private, VA-approved lenders do. That means that anyone interested in using a VA loan to finance a home purchase or refinance their existing mortgage will want to start the process by learning how to find the best lender for VA loans. [Read more…] about How to Find the Best Lender for VA Loans
VA Jumbo Loan Guidelines
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) doesn’t place a hard limit on the size of a VA loan. However, there is a limit on how much the organization will guarantee. If you are hoping to purchase a pricey home with a VA loan, understanding the VA jumbo loan guidelines may be key to capitalizing on your housing benefits. [Read more…] about VA Jumbo Loan Guidelines
