Future Homeowners
Tips and advice to help Veterans and military families get the most from homebuying
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Can You Use Cryptocurrency for a Down Payment or Closing Costs on a VA Loan?Bitcoin and its crypto counterparts are increasingly popular. Here's what Veterans need to know about using them during the VA homebuying process.
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How Often Should You Shop for Homeowners Insurance?Failing to review your insurance on a regular basis can have costly consequences. Here are five times you should be shopping for homeowners insurance. -
4 Signs a Mortgage Offer Might Be Too Good to Be TrueWith many mortgage offers on the market, some offers may be too good to be true. Learn these four warning signs of an unrealistic VA mortgage offer. -
5 Things Typically Covered By Homeowners InsuranceYour home was a major investment. Purchasing a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy is vital to protecting that investment. -
5 Home Improvements That Can Impact Your Homeowners InsuranceYour home is your most valuable asset, so it's essential to ensure it is adequately insured. There are certain home improvements you can make to lower your homeowner's insurance premiums. -
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) & VA LoansThe Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law that provides a range of civil and financial protections for active-duty military members. SCRA safeguards cover everything from mortgage interest rates and foreclosure to car and rental leases and income tax payment.
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Getting a VA Loan Using Alternative TradelinesNot all first-time homebuyers will have a robust credit history, and as strange as it sounds, things like your cable bill or P.O. Box can help you land a VA home loan. Using alternative tradelines may convince mortgage lenders that you're a safe bet.
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Civil Judgments & VA LoansGetting a VA home loan can be more challenging if there’s a civil judgment showing up on your credit report. These typically appear after a creditor takes a consumer to court because of unpaid debts.
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Buying in a Trust With a VA LoanWhile it isn’t a common occurrence, veterans and military members may be able to purchase with a VA home loan through a revocable inter vivos trust.
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Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Guidelines for VA LoansVA lenders will take a deep dive into your finance to determine if you are eligible for a VA home loan. One of the most important metrics is the Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio.
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Using Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) on VA LoansAn incredibly powerful benefit of the VA home loan is military members' ability to use their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) towards their mortgage payments. BAH rates depend on several different factors, so it's crucial to verify your amount with the DOD.
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What VA Buyers Need to Know About Hard v. Soft Credit InquiriesLearn about the major difference in hard and soft credit inquiries with a VA loan and how these affect your credit score.
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What VA Buyers Should Know About Verification of Rent (VOR)Lenders may require a Verification of Rent (VOR) to better assess a borrower's likelihood of making on-time mortgage payments. While VORs aren't always necessary, it's important to understand what they are and how they can impact your mortgage process.
