VA Loan / Veteran Mortgage News
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April 2007
Military Personnel Records
The National Personnel Records Center, Military Personnel Records (NPRC-MPR) is the repository of millions of
military personnel, health, and medical records of discharged and deceased veterans of all services during the
20th century. (Records prior to WWI are in Washington, DC.) NPRC (MPR) also stores medical treatment records of
retirees from all services, as well as records for dependent and other persons treated at naval medical
facilities. Information from the records is made available upon written request (with signature and date)
to the extent allowed by law.
This site is provided for those seeking information regarding military personnel, health and medical records
stored at NPRC (MPR). If you are a veteran or next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you may now use
vetrecs.archives.gov
to order a copy of your military records. For all others, your request is best made using a Standard Form 180. It
includes complete instructions for preparing and submitting requests. Please Note: All requests must be in writing,
signed and mailed to us at the address shown below.
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
(Closed weekends and Federal holidays)
Telephone: 314-801-0800
E-mail:
MPR.center@nara.gov
Status Check:
mprstatus@nara.gov
Fax: 314 801-9195
Checking the Status of Your Request by E-mail:
Once you have allowed sufficient time for us to receive and process your request (about 10 days),
you may check the status of your request by e-mail through our NPRC Customer Service Center at
mprstatus@nara.gov. Please provide your name, request number if
you have one, service number and social security number to allow us to access your request in our system.
You will receive a return e-mail from us with a projected completion date for your request.
Special Note on Calling by Phone:
If you have already submitted a request and need to know its status you may speak to a Customer Service Representative.
Our peak calling times are weekdays between 10:00 am CST and 3:00 pm CST. Staff is available to take your call
as early as 7:00 am and as late as 5:00 pm cst. This number will allow you to hold until a technician is
available to help you.
Special Note on Contacting by E-mail:
Requests for military personnel records or information from them cannot be accepted by e-mail at this time.
The Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a) and Department of Defense directives require a written request,
signed and dated, to access information from military personnel records. Our e-mail address should only
be used only to request general information (hours of operations, procedures, and forms) or to submit
compliments, complaints or concerns. Please review these web pages for information before contacting us.
NOTE: If you send messages using WebTV or a free e-mail service, you will not receive our response if your mailbox
is full. Messages sent to full mailboxes are returned to us as "undeliverable". You may wish to include
your mailing address in your message so that we may respond via the U.S. Postal Service.
Source: National Personnel Records Center
Our Valuable Homes
Average home prices rose 5.9 percent in 2006, notes a recent government report. Although some communities are seeing
falling prices, the overall market remains healthy. House values have weakened primarily in areas which have
experienced job losses. But in the rest of the U.S., price gains simply are falling back to long-term trends.
Almost anyone who purchased a home several years ago has to be happy with the value of their residence today. Average
prices have gone up more than 55 percent over the past five years, according to the federal study. Slower price
increases aren't a reason to panic now. In fact, they set the stage for a stronger market, by insuring that homes
remain affordable.
Experts say new home prices will be weaker than resale home values. In recent years new home prices moved up faster than
existing house prices. Builders also are more willing to cut their asking prices, while many homeowners simply take
their property off the market rather than accepting a lower price.
Brighter Sales Picture
Sales of existing homes are expected to be just slightly down in 2007 when compared to last year, forecasts the National
Association of Realtors. A big reason is that employment and income gains nationally are vibrant now.
Most Americans are seeing their income rising faster than home prices today, which makes purchasing more
affordable. Real estate values should remain stable as long as consumers are employed.
Persons wanting to buy, sell, or refinance a home can expect to do well in the long run. Talk with us soon
about your real estate needs, and we'll go over today's positive options with you.
Smart Home Buying
Mortgage innovations have allowed homeownership rates to reach record levels in recent years. Upfront fees charged by mortgage lenders "have fallen by 80 percent in just two decades," explains The New York Times.
Average down payments also have dropped drastically. Almost half of all recent first-time buyers put no money down on their home, notes a report from the National Association of Realtors.
Easier loan approvals - along with low rates over the past few years - have helped many families to buy a house. Greater demand for homes also contributed to sharp rises in real estate values across America.
Hard Working Homes
Houses also need ongoing maintenance and upgrading to be as useful as possible. Making your home safe, energy-efficient,
and durable allows you to gain the most benefit from living there.
Older residents appreciate extra lighting and kitchen cabinets designed to reduce the need to reach
high or bend over while preparing a meal. Seats and grab bars in showers also are plusses.
New appliances, insulation, and windows can save money on utility bills, as well. Painting your home's exterior and
making roof repairs when needed insures that your house stays in great condition for years to come.
You also can add a deck or plant a new garden to obtain more satisfaction from your home. It's amazing how
a small addition makes your whole house seem different.
Adapting your home to better fit your current needs will pay off in many ways. We can show you how to
finance these important renovations so that you'll enjoy them soon.
New Rules
Recently the pendulum has swung back, since relaxed lending standards have led to an increase in late payments.
Lenders are re-examining their guidelines, and making it harder to qualify for certain mortgages.
However, that doesn't mean you can't purchase a house or refinance today. Lots of borrowers who purchased a
few years ago have since improved their credit score and now can refinance on better terms. Or they have built
equity and are able to move up to a nicer home.
Every day we assist families in achieving their housing goals. Understanding how your mortgage works is essential
for obtaining payments that will remain affordable. Knowing when your payments will change and how much they
could increase allows you to make a healthy long-term decision. We'll give you honest answers to important questions
about your mortgage, so you can make a smart choice.
The GI Bill Can Change Your Future.
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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.
