When you are a veteran or a member of the armed forces, you understand the moving and relocation process well as you have moved around with a career in the military. And with each move you need to find new housing and sell your existing home if you own it. Each of these steps takes time and the help of an experienced veteran real estate agent. Here are some recommendations to help you search for and buy the right home for your needs using helpful agent resources to get you through the process.
Hire the Right Real Estate Agent
The real estate professional you choose to hire during your next home purchase and move can make all the difference in your experience. If you choose to hire any realtor you find online or via a bus stop advertisement, you may not get the best representation that you need in your specific situation. And that realtor may not have the knowledge about military moving, your veteran's benefits, and how to help you out in the best way possible.
For this reason, look for a real estate agent that specializes in VA (Veterans Administrations) benefits and military moves. Your VA-registered real estate agent will know about the VA military move and housing programs that you can access to make the whole experience better.
For example, your real estate agent should know that the contract paperwork and appraisals for a VA loan purchased home can take a bit longer than regular paperwork and a traditional appraisal. Your realtor should also know that because the contract process can take more time, you may want to let the seller know this situation. You don't want the seller to get antsy and back out of the deal because they think the deal won't close.
Apply For a VA Loan
As a military member, you should recognize your option to use a VA loan to get your home financing. With a VA loan you will have a bit more benefits and flexibility in the loan requirements, which makes it easier and less tricky to get your financing approved.
A VA loan, for example, has no down payment requirements in many situations, and you won't have to worry about paying for private mortgage insurance. Avoiding private mortgage insurance (PMI) will save you a great deal of money over the life of the loan. In traditional loans, you have to pay a monthly PMI premium on a loan where you don't put at least twenty percent down. And with a VA loan you can also look forward to less strict credit requirements and a lower interest rate.