VA Loan / Veteran Mortgage News
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Pioneer Military Loans offers responsible military lending solutions that can help
service members avoid or break the debt cycle.
Military Hub is about building wealth and saving money. It's about helping you make the best military financial choices for your future.
OCTOBER 2005
Cash Back Bonuses For Veteran Home Buyers and Sellers
As America's Leader in military online lending, VALoans.com continues to offer our
Cash Back Relocation Rewards Program.
This program assists our clients in selling and / or buying their home. Whether you are buying, selling, PCSing, or simply relocating,
the Relocation Rewards Program gives you the economic incentives and hassle-free levels of service that are unmatched in the
industry. And the best part of all is that it's FREE.
This service provides veterans and active duty military with access to the top real estate professionals all
over the country and offers the following:
- A dedicated real estate coordinator to help you buy smart, sell smart, and move smart.
- A welcome package available on request containing a buying smart checklist, interior / exterior checklist, and a moving day planner on exactly what needs to be done prior to moving.
- Free reports available on request on school and community information in desired areas and selected neighborhoods of your choice.
- Cash back bonus based on the sale of your home and the purchase of a new home utilizing our real estate services. (Up to $1,000 for the sale of your current home and up to an additional $1,000 for the purchase of a new home). * Cash back program is not available in all states.
Today's Real Estate Opportunities
Fast home price increases across the country in recent years have some experts concerned about the real estate market. However,
most purchases are being driven by strong demand. Many households have discovered in recent years that buying a home is
easier and costs less than they'd assumed. Here are some suggestions to go over when considering whether to
buy or sell a house now -
1. Are home prices too high? Real estate values are determined by local markets, rather than national averages. Start by looking
at the employment picture locally. If folks can't find work readily, they're unlikely to go house hunting. But communities
that are looking for workers will likely enjoy healthy real estate sales - even if home prices already have increased at a
strong pace.
You also can determine if local prices make sense by looking at the after-tax cost of renting versus owning. We can
help you make these calculations, using information from neighborhoods you'd like to live in. Finally, go over the recent home
sales strength. Find out if the number of properties available to purchase is going up or down, which way prices are moving,
and how long it's taking homes to sell on average.
Some areas are reporting that houses are staying on the market longer than they were a year ago. While that doesn't necessarily
mean buyer demand will fall in the future, it could signal that prices will rise at a slower pace in coming months.
2. Is now a good time to buy? Your long-term goals and plans are more important than trying to guess where interest rates and home
values will be three months or three years from now. It makes sense to purchase when you have a need to own a house, and
can obtain financing that will remain affordable while you live there. You'll then enjoy your home, and with time
you'll most likely see it increase in value.
You'll also be building a better life for yourself and your family. Talk with us soon to find out more about the
opportunities today's real estate market offers.
Reduce Your Monthly Expenses
Recently Consumer Reports magazine came out with a scathing attack on the credit card industry. Its headline read:
"Credit Cards - They really are out to get you." Consumer Reports told about people who had stopped using their card,
but still weren't able to reduce their balance. Eventually they wound up paying much more in fees and interest than what they
owed on their card.
"Getting trapped in the jaws of credit card debt has become alarmingly easy," the article added. Last year average credit
card debt was $9,300 for every household that uses cards - more than three times higher than it was 15 years ago.
More worrying is the fact that fees and interest rates also have risen steeply. Some card holders now are finding
that both their interest rate and monthly minimum payments have increased.
It makes life tough, especially at a time when fuel costs are rising. One way to resolve this concern is by paying off
charge card debt with a home equity loan. You also can refinance your existing first mortgage and take cash out of
your built-up equity to pay off other bills. Many consumers have found they can lower their monthly cash outlay
with low-rate, tax-deductible mortgage borrowing.
Reducing your card debt may improve your credit score, as well. You'll need to avoid charging up your cards again.
But in return you'll enjoy lower monthly payments and the ability to borrow on good terms when you need to in the future.
Contact us soon to learn more about how you can improve your finances today, and pave the way for a brighter
financial future. We'll give you straight answers and the positive options you need now.
Get Ready to Sell!
Some markets have more homes for sale today than they did a year ago. Increased competition means sellers have to
work harder to gain a buyer's attention. Look at the most recent sales results in your area to find out the latest trends.
Also view homes similar to yours on the market. Honestly assess whether your house is more attractive than others
that buyers will be considering. You may need to reduce your asking price, or make upgrades to your property.
THE RIGHT STEPS
Start by freshening up your landscaping. Also clean your carpets and store some of your belongings to make your house
seem more spacious. Making your house look great, and also pricing it attractively, will help it gain attention immediately
after you place it on the market. Potential buyers are quick to look over new sale properties. You'll receive purchase
offers right away if your home is a better value than other houses on the market. Obtaining a contract quickly then frees
you to look for a new place to live. Let us show you how much you can afford to spend on your next house. We'll explain
how different mortgages would fit into your budget now - and in the future.
Improve and Save
As much as 30 to 40 percent of your heating and cooling costs leak out through older windows, say industry experts.
Newer windows have two panes of glass for better insulation. You can compare windows by looking at their ratings for
energy efficiency. Also pick window frames that will look good and perform well in your house. Windows can be custom-made
to fit your existing openings without damaging your home's exterior. Installers will secure the new window by screwing
it into the wood framing, and then caulking around the window both inside and out.
Choose an installer by looking at his work on other homes, and asking the owners if they're satisfied with the renovation.
Also make sure the windows are easy for you to operate. Newer windows provide more security, and are easier to
clean than old models. As an added benefit, they also block out more outside noise. Updating your house with new
windows or other improvements can make your rooms seem new. Most buyers are mainly concerned about saving on energy
bills, but then find other benefits that make them wonder why they didn't renovate sooner.
Our job is to help you get the most enjoyment from your house! Whether that means providing funds for home
improvements or moving up to a new house, we're here to assist you.
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!
At AIU, our students can benefit from our experienced instructors, our blended campus and online learning option, our dedicated Career Services staff, and financial aid available for those who qualify.
More information: American InterContinental University
Welcome to Colorado Technical University Online, where you can earn a career-relevant Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in a convenient online format that fits your life. Come see how CTU Online can help you each your academic and career goals!
More information: Colorado Technical University
The Art Institutes
People who can innovate are in demand as never before—because the world needs new ideas like never before. To take your place in this new world of possibilities you should start with the kind of focused education you'll find at an Art Institutes school.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers online and campus-based bachelor's and master's degree programs through the Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Education, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts.
Kaplan University
Kaplan University is an institution of higher education where you will find online courses that allow you to study anytime, anywhere with an Internet connection - 24/7. Kaplan University offers online bachelor's, master's, and associate's degrees, and certificate programs in some of today's most in-demand fields.
Strayer University
At Strayer University, we proudly welcome active duty military students, veterans, and their families. Established in 1892, Strayer University offers students a quality education that's flexible so you can balance your educational goals with the demands of your military service.
