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.
Military Hub is about building wealth and saving money. It's about helping you make the best military financial choices for your future.
FEBRUARY 2009
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.
Register today!
Falling Rates Spur Refinances
Slower economic growth is causing interest rates to fall. Recently mortgage rates were at their lowest points since the spring of 2004, notes Freddie Mac.
Additionally, fixed rates have dropped more than adjustable rates have. That gives more Americans the opportunity to enjoy low monthly payments that won't change in the future.
Many homeowners are benefiting by refinancing from their adjustable loans into the stability of fixed payments. Freddie Mac notes that some fixed-rate loans actually are lower than adjustables now.
Recently a 15-year fixed-rate loan offered lower rates than most adjustable-rate mortgages. You can use one to lock in attractive rates for as long as you're living in your house.
Real Estate as an Investment
It's common for Americans to wonder how their house is performing as an investment. After all, real estate generally is our largest asset.
But it can be misleading to compare housing to financial assets such as stocks or mutual funds. Providing shelter is a daily value you don't receive from other holdings.
Owning real estate gives you the opportunity to live where you want. Households enjoy and can flourish in their own stable environment.
Yet homes offer special benefits from a money standpoint, as well. Buying with a small down payment lets owners gain a high return on the funds invested in their house.
Lower Taxes
U.S. homeowners find their residence is a terrific tax shelter. Tax benefits build as you live in your house, and as it increases in value.
Mortgage interest payments and property taxes are deductible. Owners also can reap up to $500,000 in profits when they sell - and not pay any tax on that gain.
It's most realistic to view a house as a great place to live that's also going up in value. Historically house prices have risen slightly faster than the rate of inflation.
For most Americans it makes sense to focus first on the lifestyle gains they'll enjoy by moving, rather than trying to buy a property which will quickly appreciate.
And today the financial and emotional reasons to own a house are as valid as ever. America's population is rising, which means demand for real estate will keep prices from sinking drastically.
Fluctuations in property values also are small compared to stock market movements. Current changes in home values are much less than what equity investors endure.
Contact us first when you're thinking about buying real estate. You'll enjoy affordable payments once we review financing options together.
Smart Loan Shopping
Going online is a first step for many of us when we're looking for a good deal. Yet we're aware that the Internet poses hazards.
And that's also true when you're looking for a mortgage. You can gain good information about market conditions online.
Yet some of the lending offers you'll find shouldn't be trusted. At best, rates quoted on websites show what a near-perfect borrower could achieve, says The Washington Post.
Only someone with a down payment of at least 20 percent and excellent credit will obtain those preferred terms. You also need to be able to provide proof of your income and assets.
People who want to take cash back after refinancing or purchase a second property won't snare the best advertised rates, either.
You can't compare adjustable-rate loans based on the limited information many websites provide. You need to understand the features which will determine how payments can change before you can make an informed choice.
Borrowers must be aware of how long the initial rate lasts, and how frequently payments can adjust after that. You also need to know the rate index and margin, which will establish your future payments.
Help for Recent Buyers
Homeowners who purchased with a fixed-rate loan in recent years also may be able to reduce their monthly payments now. Rates on 30-year loans are about three-quarters of a percent lower than they were a year ago.
Borrowers are finding they can obtain a new loan without paying any costs out of their own pocket, as well.
Get in touch with us to discover how you can use today's lower rates to your advantage. We'll help you make an informed choice that's in your best interest.
Considering the whole picture often puts financial matters in a new light. For instance, the difference between fixed-rate and adjustable loan payments may not be that much after calculating the effect of your mortgage interest tax deductions.
No one is certain how long today's advantageous conditions will be available. Contact us right away to set up a free, no-obligation meeting to determine if refinancing would save you money.
Ask Questions
Smart shoppers also note how much the rate can increase each time it adjusts, and what the maximum rate could be. You then can estimate how your actual payments will change over time.
Borrowers should be aware that some lenders will advertise a low rate mainly to gain inquiries. Few, if any, consumers may actually obtain a mortgage at that level.
You should expect professional advice and great service when you're taking out a mortgage. We'll fully explain home loans which suit your needs, and answer all your questions.
Rates are determined by the financial markets, more than by individual lenders. For that reason working with a skilled mortgage originator can help you gain the highest benefits.
You can rely on us to be honest with you about your rate and mortgage features. Our business is built on happy repeat customers and their referrals, so we work hard to ensure that you're pleased with your financing.
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.
