VA Loan / Veteran Mortgage News
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May 2007
Excellent Information Located on the Department of VA Website
The Department of Veterans Affairs has been constantly updating their website to offer veterans many valuable items
of information. Here are just a few examples.
Celebrating America's Freedoms
A collection of stories about some of America's most beloved customs and national symbols. Topics include
the history of "Taps," the Pledge of Allegiance, gun salutes, the correct method for displaying and folding the
American flag and many more. Educators, students and others should find this collection informative and helpful
when researching or planning activities for national observances such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Flag Day.
Some examples include: The Origins of Veterans Day, The History of the Purple Heart Award, The Origins of Memorial Day,
and many more.
VA News
"VA News" is a video program designed to provide timely news and information about the Department of Veterans
Affairs. The weekly 15-minute newscast is co-produced by the VA Learning University and the Office of Public
Affairs in partnership with the Employee Education System and other headquarters and field offices.
Roads to Hope
On any given night, there may be 200,000 homeless veterans on the streets of America. Many suffer from post-traumatic
stress disorder, addiction or mental illness. VA and local service providers are working to help them help themselves
return to a better life. Here are three inspiring stories of patience, courage and renewal -- of formerly homeless
veterans who have turned their lives around and begun their journey on the road to recovery.
The American Veteran Video Series
A series of short video features about veterans' rights and benefits along with inspiring stories of service and
sacrifice made by America's men and women in uniform.
Behind The Names
VA facilities all over the country bear the names of Americans who made significant contributions to their country.
Who were they? In this series of articles, we take a look at these historical figures.
History of the Department of Veterans Affairs
From the Colonial era through today, America has cared for its veterans - the men and women who won and have
maintained the nation's freedom.
Source: The Department of Veterans Affairs
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Time to Buy
Purchasing a home always is a big step to take. Some consumers now are choosing to wait until the market "settles down"
before making a decision to move. Yet today's real estate marketplace is very buyer-friendly. Plenty of properties are
available to choose from.
Motivated sellers are willing to negotiate with you to move a transaction forward. Mortgage rates also are attractive,
making it easier to buy the house you want. Sellers even may offer incentives beyond lowering their price. You'll
benefit when a seller agrees to pay points to reduce your loan's interest rate, or to pay some of your closing costs.
Today it's important to realize that not just the real estate market is changing. Our perceptions about homeownership also
are shifting now. Over the past few years house prices have risen sharply in many neighborhoods. As a result, some
buyers began seeing real estate as a way to make quick profits.
Traditional Values
But now we're coming back to a more-traditional view of the value of owning a home. A house primarily gives us a
great place to live, and it usually appreciates faster than inflation. Because buyers tend to have small down
payments when they purchase, the return on that investment generally is impressive. Additionally, owners who pay
off their mortgage can enjoy retirement without having any housing expense.
Owning real estate also provides us with tax deductions every year. And you typically can sell your house without paying
any tax on your profits. Buying now can put you on the path to reaching many important long-term goals. Keep your eyes
on what you want to achieve, and you'll discover that trying to time the real estate market today isn't either essential
or practical.
Finding a house that fits your lifestyle needs should be your first priority. Knowing your payments will be affordable
as long as you live there is a close second. Having advisors you can trust working on your behalf will make your
home purchase go smoothly. Let us know when you're thinking about buying real estate, and we'll go over mortgage
options so you can locate a property that you'll love for years.
Stronger Growth Ahead
America's economy has slowed in recent months, but many commentators expect growth to pick up in the second half
of this year. Rising household incomes also are helping most consumers, so their overall financial picture remains bright.
Home sales have slowed in some areas, yet it's crucial to remember that real estate is local. Two homes in the
same neighborhood can be quite different, so buyers must look carefully at individual properties rather than
focusing on what's happening in the market as a whole.
Buyers understand that owning a home provides great benefits for most Americans. That's true even when sales
are slower than normal.
Easier to Improve
It's not difficult for most of us to come up with a list of changes we'd like to make in our house. Not that we don't
love our home; but as time passes we become aware that a few projects would make our everyday lives happier.
Building an outdoor area we can enjoy with family and friends is a common goal. Having a covered patio with deck furniture,
a nice grill, and a sound system is like adding a room on to our home.
You may want to make your indoor space more efficient by remodeling a kitchen or better organizing your garage and
closets. Other projects can help maintain the value of your home - such as putting on a new roof before the next
storm causes damage.
Ready to Work
Some owners have put off these important projects in recent years, simply because it's been hard to find workers
to perform the tasks. Spending on home improvements has increased at a double-digit rate in each of the past three
years, notes a national study. But slower home sales are causing many remodelers to have time on their hands now.
Often extensive work is done on a house right after it's purchased, before the new owners move in.
Less demand for painters and plumbers can make it easier to get your jobs done soon. Now's the time to call contractors
whose work you've admired in someone else's house. Knowing you have the funds to complete your home improvement
projects also is important. We can describe how different home equity loans would work for you, so you'll know what
the monthly payment for your renovations will be. You'll then be ready to turn your home into how you envision it now.
Contact us soon, while interest rates are low and remodelers aren't as busy as they've been in recent years.
The GI Bill Can Change Your Future.
We have partnered with the following schools and service providers. Visit their content centers and
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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.
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.
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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.
Virginia College Online
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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.
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Grand Canyon University
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