VA Loan / Veteran Mortgage News
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Military Hub is about building wealth and saving money. It's about helping you make the best military financial choices for your future.
June 2007
Veteran SBA Loans: Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative
The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the SBA's Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative for
veterans and members of the military community wanting to establish or expand small businesses.
Eligible military community members include:
Veterans, Service-disabled veterans, active-duty service members eligible for the military's Transition Assistance Program,
Reservists and National Guard members, current spouses of any of the above, the widowed spouse of a service
member or veteran who died during service or of a service-connected disability.
The SBA and its resource partners are focusing additional efforts on counseling and training
to augment this loan initiative.
Source: http://www.sba.gov/patriotexpress/
Military Identity Theft Resources from the Government
The US Government has created a one stop resource for government information about identity theft.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name,
Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
Many members of the US Military have been victims.
The site answers the following questions:
- What is identity theft?
- How do thieves steal an identity?
- What do thieves do with a stolen identity?
- How can you find out if your identity was stolen?
- What should you do if your identity is stolen?
Answers to all of these questions and much more can be found at
www.idtheft.gov.
Why Buy Real Estate Now?
Softer home prices in some areas of the country have buyers concerned about purchasing now. Yet the fundamentals
behind owning real estate are the same as they've always been.Having your own house provides an enjoyable place to
live. Over time your home most likely will appreciate faster than inflation, so you can be certain that its value
will remain solid.
Purchasing makes sense if you're buying a home for lifestyle reasons. But speculating in real estate in
the hope of landing a quick profit is a gamble.
Yet long-term owners often are amazed at how their property's
value has risen. For instance, today some vacation home owners are deciding to retire in their second property.
Being able to have two homes which have grown in value over the years gives them more freedom to retire soon.
Owners can sell the house they're living in now and put the profit into their retirement fund, or they can rent
it out so it will keep on appreciating.
Start this wealth-building process by purchasing a great home right away. We'll show you how easy it is to buy a
house you'll love for years.
Better Home Improvements
Enhancing your house now can help you enjoy summer's longer days. Entertaining is easier once you've added a deck
or upgraded your media room. Home improvement projects let our house reflect our tastes and lifestyle. Kitchens and
bathrooms are favorite remodeling spots, since we spend lots of time in those areas. It's important to make sure
those rooms are suited to our needs. It's also crucial to make repairs to keep your home in great shape. Experts
say you should count on spending an average of one percent of your property's value on upkeep each year.
Hammer Out the Details
Finding a contractor you communicate easily with can help you avoid tension down the road. Being able to work well together is as important as getting a low price estimate.
Remember that someone your neighbor employed may not mesh well with your personality. Ask others about their experience with contractors, but then make your own decision after looking at their work on projects similar to yours.
Differences of opinion among household members also can slow down a successful renovation project. Sometimes it's best to let various family members decide on different aspects of the project.
People then will focus on what's important to them. But if you try to get everyone to agree on everything, one person's views may end up dominating the whole process.
Despite the challenges involved in improving your house, you'll soon be able to enjoy what you've accomplished. Most owners wind up wishing they'd performed renovations sooner, rather than waiting.
We can help you obtain the funds for important repairs and improvements. Contact us when you're thinking about perfecting your house, and we'll show you how you can gain affordable payments.
Effective Debt Management
Americans are better at handling debt than some commentators would have us believe. Most late payments on home loans are caused either by job loss or illness, says Freddie Mac.
Those two factors - which can occur with little warning - were behind almost three out of five late payments last year. Excessive debt accounts for less than 14 percent of all delinquencies.
Most of us find that buying a home isn't a burden. In fact, our houses give us the freedom to live as we want to.
Owning real estate also offers an easy way to increase your net worth. Government reports show that homeowners' equity grew by 30 percent from 2004-06.
Americans had $11 trillion in home equity at the end of last year. That's even after accounting for cash they had taken out of their ownership stakes.
Most owners also use their equity wisely - for paying off high-cost credit cards or a child's education, for example. Home improvements that will make your everyday life more pleasurable can be achieved with the help of your built-up equity, as well.
We'll work with you to insure your home payments are affordable as long as you live in your property. We know each month will be easier when you have mortgage payments which suit your finances.
Know What You're Buying
Real estate buyers and sellers can avoid misunderstandings by making sure their contract accounts for everything that's important in the transaction. Being clear about which items are included in the sale always is helpful.
Generally anything that's attached to a building is considered part of the purchase. Light fixtures will stay when new owners move in, but draperies typically depart with the sellers.
However, it's always best for buyers and sellers to review what will convey with the home, and which items aren't included in the sale. Usually both parties can work out these details together.
For instance, sellers may want to keep a chandelier that's a family heirloom. Buyers often will prefer lighting that suits their taste, and simply ask for a small discount on the selling price in order to replace that light fixture.
But make sure to discuss these issues early in the purchase process. Emotions can get out-of-hand if concerns come up when it's time to sign the final papers.
Find out if fireplace mantels and wall bookcases are built-in, and will remain in the house. Also go over whether kitchen and laundry room appliances are part of the purchase.
We'll help you accomplish a hassle-free purchase by making sure you understand what your financing will cost. You then won't be surprised by anything at your loan closing.
Being able to complete your purchase just as you planned creates a great feeling. Call us when you're ready to buy your first house, move up, or acquire a vacation or investment property.
The GI Bill Can Change Your Future.
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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.
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The Art Institutes
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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.
