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NOVEMBER 2011

New VA Housing Numbers

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2011 Performance and Accountability Report (Pages I-4, I-5), the VA guaranteed approximately 357,600 loans to veterans. 186,600 were loans for the purchase of a home and 171,000 were for the reduction of interest rates on a home known as a VA interest rate reduction. Veterans in just three states – CA,TX and FL – comprised almost 24 percent of the total number of Veterans living in the United States. The next three largest states – PA, NY and OH – account for over 12 percent of the total number of Veterans living in the US.


Best Holiday Wishes!

Most of us prefer to celebrate this time of year with friends and family in our own home. No matter how simple or elaborate your plans are, being in comfortable surroundings makes this season special. We can help you gain year-round satisfaction by providing financing for a home that suits your current needs. Today's low rates and great house prices are beneficial to anyone considering a move.

Persons who are happy with their residence may find they can cut their housing costs by refinancing their mortgage. We'll review your options, and show you what your payments would be with a new loan. You can count on our professional expertise to guide you. We'll listen to your concerns, and review how today's unique conditions work to your advantage.


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Ready to Buy

Renters who talk with their friends, family, and co-workers who are homeowners rarely find anyone saying they wish they'd waited to purchase. Buying a house more typically is a momentous event, which starts a new chapter in a family's life. However, weakening real estate values have caused some young renters to ignore the advice of homeowners they know. But right now renters should be glad they have the chance to purchase at bargain prices.

Someone buying today with a fixed-rate loan will have stable housing costs as long as they live there. They'll enjoy the freedom and security which comes from ownership, as well. Renters almost certainly will pay more to keep a roof over their head as the years go by. Government estimates show that rental costs currently are going up almost five percent annually. Higher lease rates mean that renters over time could spend more than homeowners do. Additionally, many owners pay off their loan and reach retirement without having any monthly payments.


Homeowners and Life Insurance for Veterans

When looking for home and auto insurance, VALoans.com customers have found that they can rely on Armed Forces Insurance. For over 120 years, (AFI) has been providing property insurance for military professionals throughout the U.S. and overseas. AFI is solely dedicated to the service of our members and their families and offer offer fair and competitive rates and quality customer service. AFI is headquartered at Leavenworth, Kansas. They are founded by and led by former military leaders and their products are tailored for you.

When looking for life insurance, VALoans.com customers have found that they can also rely on Military Benefit Association. MBA was founded in 1956 as a non-profit association to promote the welfare of their members, to safeguard their economic interests, and to improve their financial conditions through cooperative enterprises. Today, MBA sponsors affordable group term life insurance that fits the needs of military and federal employees and their families. We've assembled a host of valuable membership benefits you asked for to support your modern military life. MBA has one purpose: to serve military and federal civilian communities with real value, real information, in real time.


Sell for More

Owners who are preparing to sell their residence often must decide whether parts of their house should be upgraded before putting it on the market. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, here are some points to consider before selling:

  1. Make sure everything is neat and functional. It's not necessary to remodel your bathroom to find a buyer. In fact, money spent doing so might not be recouped in the price if the new owner doesn't appreciate your decorating choices. Yet it's crucial for your house to look good, and for everything to work well. You may decide to repaint your kitchen cabinets and install new knobs, rather than totally replacing them. You also might want to have a professional home inspection before listing your house for sale. Buyers are more likely to make a full-price offer if they know everything is in working order. On the other hand, buyers feel free to lower their offer or request repairs if a property appears to be showing the effects of age.
  2. Try to imagine the features a likely buyer would appreciate. And look at nearby sale properties in the same price range. You'll then have an idea of what buyers expect, and can make better choices about fixing up your home before selling. Be aware that properties in prime condition also tend to appraise at higher values. Simply tidying up your landscaping and cleaning carpets indicates to an appraiser that your residence has been taken care of. An updated house also will be compared to younger homes as the appraiser calculates value. Having a lower "effective age" makes your residence worth more than similar properties which haven't been worked on since they were built.
  3. Point out special features to buyers. Remind them of any energy-saving features you've added, such as new windows.

Today's buyers can be selective, since many properties are on the market in some areas. Consumers expect houses to be in good condition, and ready for them to move in. Knowing this makes it easier for you to make your home into one that stands out from all the rest.


Markets Looking Stronger

Housing markets appear to be firming around the country, according to recent reports. Annual rates of change for home prices are improving in most areas of the country, states the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.

"Housing prices have stabilized," notes Beacon Economics. Recession risks also are fading, Beacon adds. We can expect faster economic growth as we move into 2012, forecasts Beacon. Hiring will pick up as growth improves next year. Economic growth should move from a 1.6 percent increase this year to 2.3 in 2012, predicts the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Joblessness will fall below nine percent as a result.

Better economic conditions will encourage both home sales and property prices to increase over the next twelve months, adds NAR. However, NAR forecasts that rates on long-term home loans will edge up due to greater demand in coming months. Now is the time to gain the optimal advantage from low rates and fantastic home prices. Let us know your questions about purchasing or refinancing. We'll provide you with answers and guidance that you can trust.


Invest Wisely

Reduced real estate values and higher rental income have American s thinking about purchasing investment properties. Yet buyers should be aware of some common mistakes, The Wall Street Journal states.

"Confusing a cheap deal for a good deal" is the first error pointed out by the Journal. Research rents in specific neighborhoods to determine if your expected income will cover costs. The biggest bargains may be on houses in less-desirable neighborhoods or which need extensive repairs. You also may have to upgrade your wiring to attract young, tech-savvy renters. Purchasing these income units could require more time and money than you want to put into them.


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The GI Bill Can Change Your Future.

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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
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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.

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VA LOAN RATES
New Home Loan
National Averages
for 2/22/2012

30 Year Fixed
0.000 points
4.000%
4.082% APR

15 Year Fixed
0.000 points
3.250%
3.404% APR

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