 |
VA Loan / Veteran Mortgage News
SPONSORS:
Pioneer Military Loans offers responsible military lending solutions that can help
service members avoid or break the debt cycle. Pioneer serves active-duty and career-retired military service members,
as well as Department of Defense employees.
Military Hub is about building wealth and saving money. It's about helping you make the best military financial choices while you're in the military, and fully leverage your military salary to support your military family now and after military retirement.
JULY 2003
Improved Method for Obtaining DD-214 (Separation Papers)
There is an improved method of requesting documents from the National Personnel Records Center
(NPRC). The NPRC provides copies of documents from military personnel records to authorized
requesters. Their new web based application will provide better service on these requests by
eliminating mailroom-processing time. Also, since the requester will be prompted to supply
all information essential for the NPRC to process the request, delays that usually occur will
be minimized.
You may access this application at:
http://vetrecs.archives.gov
Please note that there is no requirement to type "www" in front of this address.
This improved on-line request process should be used INSTEAD of Standard Form 180 for requests
from the veteran or the veteran's next of kin.
The GI Bill Can Change Your Future.
We have partnered with the following schools and service providers. Visit their content centers and
fill out an instant inquiry to receive more information!
DeVry University
DeVry University offers flexible scheduling and the convenience to study at any of 80+ locations, online or a combination of both. Earn a respected associate degree, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from an accredited university.
Ellis College
Take your career to the next level. Ellis College offers customized, flexible online degree programs for busy working professionals like you.
Walden University
Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master’s degree, or bachelor’s degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.
Strayer University
Strayer University offers degree programs designed to fit your busy schedule. Attend real-time courses via the Internet, or complete coursework at times most convenient to you.
Westwood College
Westwood College’s online program offers you the flexibility you need to earn your degree when and where it’s most convenient. Degree programs include business, criminal justice, design and technology.
Capella University
As an accredited university with online degree programs in five schools, Capella University is committed to helping you accomplish your goals through a high-caliber educational experience.
University of Phoenix
As a regionally accredited university, and a long-time member of Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC), University of Phoenix is approved by all branches of the military for tuition assistance and is approved for veterans training.
Jones International University
Earn a high quality degree in Business, IT, Education, or Communications. Jones International University® offers self-paced bachelor’s and master’s degrees tailored to your needs.
Baker College Online
Pay less than half the tuition at Baker College Online, a fully-accredited and highly-respected online school. Click to learn more about the over 30 programs.
AIU Online
Earn your Associate’s, Bachelor's completion—even an MBA—from the comfort of home at AIU Online. Choose from career-track programs such as Visual Communication, Information Technology and more.
Kaplan University
Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.
South University
South University enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. Enjoy the convenience of earning your bachelor’s degree entirely online.
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh -- Online Division
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, you can jump-start your career with an associate's or bachelor's degree from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh -- Online Division.
Virginia College Online
Earn your associate's, bachelor’s or master’s degree from Virginia College Online. Our extensive programs are offered 100% online, so you can launch the career of your choice from the comfort of your own home.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is currently offering programs through our Online Campus in our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing, and College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Grantham University
Looking to advance your career or enhance your professional skills? Earn your degree online at Grantham University. Programs include Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Computer Science and more.
Employers Must Ensure Reserve, Guard Members Return to Jobs
Civilians Called to Active Duty are Entitled to Return to Their Previous Employment
Reservists and National Guard members who are called to active duty by the president have
re-employment rights to their civilian jobs, as part of the Uniform Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Under USERRA,
Reserve and National Guard members who leave their civilian jobs must be re-employed to the same
position they would have had if their employment had not been interrupted by military service.
They are entitled to all seniority and other rights and benefits determined by seniority that
they would have attained if they had been continuously employed.
For example, upon re-employment, a returning service member's rate of pay should include any
seniority based pay increases that occurred during the period of military services. USERRA is
enforced by the Labor Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS).
Employee benefits are also protected when a service member is re-employed. An employee who was
covered by a health plan at work is entitled to immediate reinstatement upon re-employment.
Similarly, pension rights are protected upon re-employment.
Information in this article was obtained from the Social Security Administration and
Internal Revenue Service:
SSA - www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/troops03-pr.htm
IRS - www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=97273,00.html
Moving with Children
Moving can be stressful - and that's true for children, as well as adults. Here are some
suggestions for making your next move easier for your kids:
- Tell them as soon as possible. Your children need time to get used to the idea of leaving their familiar house, school, and friends.
Let them know why you're moving, and reassure your youngsters that their lives won't change dramatically. Remind them that your pets and their belongings will come with you, and that they can keep enjoying their favorite activities in your new neighborhood.
- Encourage positive thoughts about the move. Remember, your attitude will affect how your kids feel.
Describe specific benefits of the move that your children can get excited about. Tell them how their new school has better sports teams or more computers, or that they'll have a larger backyard to play in.
Also answer any questions they have about the move. You can relieve concerns by assuring your teenagers that they can see old friends on weekends.
- Get your children involved in the moving process. Let them know this is a family project, and that they can help in everything from picking a house to packing their room. Also describe the steps in the process, so they won't be surprised by coming events.
- Keep their lives as normal as possible during this time. A younger child feels safe when the usual bedtime ritual is followed, for instance.
- Give them a chance to say "good-bye." Provide opportunities for your kids to see friends and visit favorite places before you move.
Also walk through your old house with your children after your belongings are packed. They'll become aware that the house seems empty, because you're taking what's important with you.
- Help them get into their new world. Take your children to a new school before the first day of classes, so it won't be totally unfamiliar to them. Also get your youngsters involved in activities they enjoy.
Children have a natural curiosity and sense of adventure that can help them enjoy a move.
Although they'll miss their old home at times, you'll soon have new daily routines that
your youngsters will love.
Record Home Sales Forecast for 2003
Sales of homes should reach an all-time record this year, notes the National Association of Realtors
(NAR). A big reason is that the lowest mortgage rates in roughly half a century are encouraging
consumers to buy homes, or to refinance their existing loan.
"The performance of the current housing market is nothing short of astounding," says David Lereah,
NAR's chief economist. If his prediction is correct, 2003 will be the third straight year of
record U.S. home sales.
Additionally, real estate is a consistent investment performer over time. Homes today are
"the anchor of household wealth," notes Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Better Home Showings
Getting your home ready to sell can mean sprucing up your landscaping, putting on a fresh coat of
paint, and storing some of your belongings to make your house seem spacious. Don't forget
to shampoo your rugs and caulk your tub, as well.
It's also important to focus on the details - make sure your lights work, and that your doors don't
stick. One little problem can make another home more attractive to a potential buyer.
Your real estate agent will ask that you and your pets leave while your house is being shown
to a prospective buyer. Turn on plenty of lights for showings after dark and open your drapes
during the day to make your home inviting.
Make sure to remove valuables when your house is being shown. At times thieves will pose as buyers
to get into a residence. Take any cash, keys, and prescription drugs that someone might try to
pocket while in your home. Also hide your jewelry and watches.
These preparations will make showings go smoothly. Now you're ready for offers to come in on
your attractive house. Don't be afraid to accept the first offer, if it meets your expectations.
A home will attract the most prospects when it's first on the market, and that's often the best time
to negotiate a winning deal.
Seize the Opportunity
Mortgage rates will rise as America's economy starts picking up, experts say. But today's
low rates will let you save every month when buying a home or refinancing your mortgage.
We also can help you find a home loan that will bring you closer to your financial goals.
Contact us soon, before today's opportunities are gone!
|
 |
|
|
|
 
|
Get Started with a
VA Home Loan
|
Copyright © 1997- 2009
VALoans.com
All Rights Reserved
Web Design
Archimage
Houston, Texas
|
