There are no two military moves that are exactly alike, and some work out smoother than others. Orders and instructions may be delayed, students in the household may be disrupted during the school year, and some moves may occur to another time zone or even continent.
Case in point, several things can go wrong even when following a military-focused moving checklist, and this isn't even taking into account concerns or additional effort involved in selling a currently owned home for military members and veterans. Liens can sometimes remain undiscovered until days before the sale is finalized. Keep reading to learn what property liens are, the various types of liens, and what military personnel need to know about them before selling.
VA mortgage loans are a very valuable benefit available to service members, but there are situations in which they aren't the best choice for military homebuyers. For example, when managing an investment property in the military or saving VA loan entitlement for later use, it may be best to research other mortgage options. Fortunately, there are other options that service people can take advantage of other than a VA loan for home buying. Keep reading to learn about alternatives to VA loans that are worth considering.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Veterans, service members, and their spouses have an array of perks offered by the Office of Veteran's Affairs. Those who apply for a VA loan can potentially finance a mortgage with no down payment options and reduced interest costs. However, to continue to offer these benefits for years to come, the VA has what is known as a VA funding fee. Keep reading to find out what these fees entail and other vital things to consider about VA loans for home purchases.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
How Much is the Standard VA Funding Fee?
Generally, the VA loan funding fee is a one-time expense, typically 2.3% of the total loan amount
If you're a military member living in on-base housing, it may seem like you don't need renters' insurance. Since a PCS could arise so suddenly, it might feel like there's no sense in adding another monthly fee to your budget. Regardless of whether you choose to rent or buy as a military member, insurance is vital for everyone, including military members. Renters' insurance protects military members if personal belongings are damaged in a natural disaster, they're the victims of theft, or if they experience other property damaging accidents. Keep reading to learn why military members need renters' insurance.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
It is not uncommon for those in the military to receive orders for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). When those orders indicate moving outside of the continental U.S., it is considered an OCONUS move. Due to the distance, these moves can be tricky, but they don't have to be overwhelming. Keep reading to find a few tips to simplify the challenges of OCONUS military moves.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
What to Do Once an OCONUS Assignment Arrives
Notification of a possible reassignment will come via letter, phone call, or email, and this is when a service member needs to start thinking about relocation plans. While these orders may
Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance, or VMLI, is protection available to veterans. The coverage is extended specifically to veterans with service-connected disabilities who have modified their homes to be more accessible. For example, they may have widened doorways or added wheelchair ramps are home improvements that qualify for the program. The purpose of the coverage is to make payments to the mortgage in the event of the policyholder's passing. Are you researching what housing grant options are available to veterans? Keep reading to learn more about veterans' mortgage life insurance.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Everyone who has served the U.S. military and dedicated their lives to help preserve freedom deserves thanks for all they've done. After separating from service, veterans should be supported as they transition to civilian life. One form of support for veterans is grant awards. Many veterans know about VA Loans, but they don't realize they might be eligible for additional grant awards. A housing grant is a monetary award to go towards any type of mortgage that doesn't need to be paid off, which helps military homebuyers budget for a house. Keep reading to learn about six housing grant opportunities for veterans.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate
Sometimes challenges arise that result in financial woes that may put homeowners in a situation that makes paying their mortgage a problem. This can be an issue for current servicepersons and military veterans who can experience permanent life changes with little to no notice.
However, there are assistance programs that help first-time military homebuyers and long-time owners get back on track with mortgage payments.
The Department of Veterans Affairs or the official lender may be willing to work with mortgage holders who risk losing their homes to foreclosure due to financial shortages. Keep reading to find out what military members can do when to catch up when they're late on mortgage payments.
Active duty military members often find the best housing option for a Permanent Change of Station is to buy property in their new location. However, when PCS orders arise again in a few years, they must sell or rent their homes. Many military homeowners often tend to hold onto their houses and keep them as investment properties while on active duty. They find several benefits to maintaining ownership.
Owning a rental home offers a steady stream of passive income and provides a potential living option when they separate from service or retire. The problem military homeowners face, since they are absent landlords living in a new area or deployed for long periods, is how to manage their properties. Continue reading to learn about the best ways to
Moving frequently during a military career means routine housing changes. When it comes time for a permanent change of station (PCS), many service members pursue on-base housing. Depending on the location, there could be long waitlists. Housing waitlists can add unnecessary challenges to the moving process. However, there are ways that military members can avoid waitlists and shorten the time spent on housing waitlists. Keep reading to learn what steps to take if a base has a long waitlist for military housing.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Make Housing Decisions Quickly
Service members should decide their housing preferences quickly