Posts Tagged ‘Home Buyers’
Keys to Purchasing Real Estate
Jason Jakus asked:
Purchasing real estate can offer you a great return on your investment. Real estate is one of those assets that can easily increase in value over time. With the current state of the economy, it is a great opportunity to purchase an appreciating asset at a bargain price. If you are considering purchasing real estate for business or personal use, you must keep in mind certain important points so that you don’t get trapped in a bad situation. Value is somewhat subjective. Two people can have totally different opinions on the same property; however, there are guidelines you can utilize to help determining if purchasing a particular property is beneficial and right for you.
Tips on purchasing real estate:
Lot size: Most buyers usually pay all of their major attention to the square footage of a house. However, they must not neglect lot size of the property. It is an important factor to consider when analyzing the value of real estate. Location: This is a really important point to consider prior to purchasing real estate. One must make sure that the community appeals to him/her. Consider proximity to shopping centers, schools and other amenities you find important. Remember that prime location and good community helps increasing the resale value of your real estate. Bedrooms and bathrooms: Try considering three and four bedroom houses. These are more popular. You must also consider houses with two or more bathrooms. Good size bedrooms will be important during the resale of that property. Many home buyers, especially in markets where people tend to relocate to, need to have enough space for not only their immediate family but also out of town visitors. House size: It is advisable to look out for a neighborhood where the homes are roughly equal in size and amenities. Nearby homes that are smaller size may bring down the resale value of your real estate. Finding an area where the homes are built by no more than 3 builders will ensure equality and will assist in keeping consistency amongst square footage, quality and design. Pools: If you are considering a home with a pool, base your decision on your enjoyment of the amenity, because a pool does not always increase the value of your property. Kitchen: Choose a home with a large, renovated kitchen with modern appliances. Kitchens are sometimes some of the most important aspects a buyer will look at when purchasing a home. People typically spend many of their day in the kitchen. Closets: The more closet and storage space, the better. Garages: If the property has a garage, make sure that it is sized to fit your lifestyle and the neighborhood.
It addition to considering the above-mentioned points, you must also evaluate all aspects of the real estate you plan to purchase. Analyze the structure, plumbing and electrical and fixtures of the real estate before buying the property.
If the property includes a home or building, confirm that the property satisfies local building code requirements and research the real estate for liens and encumbrances. A great real estate professional can assist you on this and going through a quality title company will ensure you have clear title.
Once you find the property you are interested in, it is important to be ready to take immediate action. In today’s real estate climate, the deals don’t last. When dealing with clients, I always recommend that they are pre-approved and have earnest money to put down. There are too many potential buyers who are not prepared when they start their search. When they find the perfect opportunity, they are unable to act on it and by the time they are ready, it’s too late. The property is sold.
Even though the economy is distressed, it is still a great time to buy. I am including my top four reasons why NOW, is the time to buy.
1. The government is willing to help first time buyers (defined as anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years). These buyers are now entitled to a maximum $8,000 tax credit; interest rates are at record lows; and the Federal Reserve is doing its best to make mortgage loans available.
2. When prices come back up, you’ll have instant equity. In parts of the country where foreclosures have driven down prices, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.
3. It is much easier to budget a mortgage than a rent payment which may increase with inflation.
4. You own it. There is something comforting in the notion that your home is your own. You can paint it any color you want, let the dog run in the back yard and hang a swing for the kids in the front.
La Mirada Real Estate
Purchasing real estate can offer you a great return on your investment. Real estate is one of those assets that can easily increase in value over time. With the current state of the economy, it is a great opportunity to purchase an appreciating asset at a bargain price. If you are considering purchasing real estate for business or personal use, you must keep in mind certain important points so that you don’t get trapped in a bad situation. Value is somewhat subjective. Two people can have totally different opinions on the same property; however, there are guidelines you can utilize to help determining if purchasing a particular property is beneficial and right for you.
Tips on purchasing real estate:
Lot size: Most buyers usually pay all of their major attention to the square footage of a house. However, they must not neglect lot size of the property. It is an important factor to consider when analyzing the value of real estate. Location: This is a really important point to consider prior to purchasing real estate. One must make sure that the community appeals to him/her. Consider proximity to shopping centers, schools and other amenities you find important. Remember that prime location and good community helps increasing the resale value of your real estate. Bedrooms and bathrooms: Try considering three and four bedroom houses. These are more popular. You must also consider houses with two or more bathrooms. Good size bedrooms will be important during the resale of that property. Many home buyers, especially in markets where people tend to relocate to, need to have enough space for not only their immediate family but also out of town visitors. House size: It is advisable to look out for a neighborhood where the homes are roughly equal in size and amenities. Nearby homes that are smaller size may bring down the resale value of your real estate. Finding an area where the homes are built by no more than 3 builders will ensure equality and will assist in keeping consistency amongst square footage, quality and design. Pools: If you are considering a home with a pool, base your decision on your enjoyment of the amenity, because a pool does not always increase the value of your property. Kitchen: Choose a home with a large, renovated kitchen with modern appliances. Kitchens are sometimes some of the most important aspects a buyer will look at when purchasing a home. People typically spend many of their day in the kitchen. Closets: The more closet and storage space, the better. Garages: If the property has a garage, make sure that it is sized to fit your lifestyle and the neighborhood.
It addition to considering the above-mentioned points, you must also evaluate all aspects of the real estate you plan to purchase. Analyze the structure, plumbing and electrical and fixtures of the real estate before buying the property.
If the property includes a home or building, confirm that the property satisfies local building code requirements and research the real estate for liens and encumbrances. A great real estate professional can assist you on this and going through a quality title company will ensure you have clear title.
Once you find the property you are interested in, it is important to be ready to take immediate action. In today’s real estate climate, the deals don’t last. When dealing with clients, I always recommend that they are pre-approved and have earnest money to put down. There are too many potential buyers who are not prepared when they start their search. When they find the perfect opportunity, they are unable to act on it and by the time they are ready, it’s too late. The property is sold.
Even though the economy is distressed, it is still a great time to buy. I am including my top four reasons why NOW, is the time to buy.
1. The government is willing to help first time buyers (defined as anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years). These buyers are now entitled to a maximum $8,000 tax credit; interest rates are at record lows; and the Federal Reserve is doing its best to make mortgage loans available.
2. When prices come back up, you’ll have instant equity. In parts of the country where foreclosures have driven down prices, better times will mean the price of the home you buy will rise rapidly.
3. It is much easier to budget a mortgage than a rent payment which may increase with inflation.
4. You own it. There is something comforting in the notion that your home is your own. You can paint it any color you want, let the dog run in the back yard and hang a swing for the kids in the front.
La Mirada Real Estate
Role Of Real Estate Agent In Vacation And Second Home Markets
Real Estate Advisor asked:
Second home sales have been increasing over the last few years with more people becoming second home owners. In 2005 alone, 40 percent of the homes sold were second homes. Demographics, all time low mortgage rates, and healthy rise in home prices have contributed to this development in the second home market. Besides these, a major factor that has helped augment the buying and selling of second homes is the real estate professional.
The National Association of Realtors conducted research on the profile of second-home owners in 2006. According to the NAR report entitled ‘2006 Profile of Second-Home Owners’, a majority of second home sales transactions are conducted using the services of real estate agents.
The statistics are remarkable; 64 % of vacation home buyers purchased their home using the services of a real estate agent by the end of 2005 – a marked increase from less than 50 % of vacation-home buyers in 2003. Also, 65 % of investment-home buyers purchased their home with the help of a real estate agent – an increase from 53 % of pre-2003. In comparison, only 14 % of vacation-home buyers and 7 % of investment-home buyers purchased directly from builders from 2003 to 2005.
The growing role of the real estate professional is evident from the following figures:
1. Of vacation home sales made, 71 % of them were second homes and 74 % of the sales were made using the services of a real estate agent.
2. Of the investment properties sold, 85 % of them were previously owned and 62 % of the sales were made using the services of a real estate agent.
The use of real estate agents in second home sales transactions varied according to the home’ location.
1. Buyers used a real estate agent more frequently while purchasing a vacation home located in a suburb/subdivision (56 %) or a rural area (57 %) than for homes in other locations.
2. About 66 % of buyers who purchased an investment property in an urban/central city area or in a suburb/subdivision, used the services of a real estate agent more frequently than those who purchased a home in other locations.
Real estate professionals continue to be the first source of information to second-home buyers (38 % of vacation-home buyers and 34 % of investment-home buyers). The real estate professional also plays a major role when second-home owners plan to buy additional properties. If you are thinking of buying a second home or vacation home, seek out the services of a real estate agent to guide you through your next home purchase.
1. The percentage of second home owners who are more likely to use a real estate agent in their next home purchase is quite high. Among vacation-home owners it is 79 % and investment-home owners 73 %.
2. Among second home owners, 65 % of vacation-home owners and 64% of investment-property owners are more likely to use a real estate agent in their next home sales.
Given these statistics, it is no wonder that the real estate agent plays a pivotal role in helping people buy and sell second homes. So whether you are a second-home buyer or seller, enlist the services of an agent for a smooth, hassle free real estate transaction.
La Mirada Real Estate
Second home sales have been increasing over the last few years with more people becoming second home owners. In 2005 alone, 40 percent of the homes sold were second homes. Demographics, all time low mortgage rates, and healthy rise in home prices have contributed to this development in the second home market. Besides these, a major factor that has helped augment the buying and selling of second homes is the real estate professional.
The National Association of Realtors conducted research on the profile of second-home owners in 2006. According to the NAR report entitled ‘2006 Profile of Second-Home Owners’, a majority of second home sales transactions are conducted using the services of real estate agents.
The statistics are remarkable; 64 % of vacation home buyers purchased their home using the services of a real estate agent by the end of 2005 – a marked increase from less than 50 % of vacation-home buyers in 2003. Also, 65 % of investment-home buyers purchased their home with the help of a real estate agent – an increase from 53 % of pre-2003. In comparison, only 14 % of vacation-home buyers and 7 % of investment-home buyers purchased directly from builders from 2003 to 2005.
The growing role of the real estate professional is evident from the following figures:
1. Of vacation home sales made, 71 % of them were second homes and 74 % of the sales were made using the services of a real estate agent.
2. Of the investment properties sold, 85 % of them were previously owned and 62 % of the sales were made using the services of a real estate agent.
The use of real estate agents in second home sales transactions varied according to the home’ location.
1. Buyers used a real estate agent more frequently while purchasing a vacation home located in a suburb/subdivision (56 %) or a rural area (57 %) than for homes in other locations.
2. About 66 % of buyers who purchased an investment property in an urban/central city area or in a suburb/subdivision, used the services of a real estate agent more frequently than those who purchased a home in other locations.
Real estate professionals continue to be the first source of information to second-home buyers (38 % of vacation-home buyers and 34 % of investment-home buyers). The real estate professional also plays a major role when second-home owners plan to buy additional properties. If you are thinking of buying a second home or vacation home, seek out the services of a real estate agent to guide you through your next home purchase.
1. The percentage of second home owners who are more likely to use a real estate agent in their next home purchase is quite high. Among vacation-home owners it is 79 % and investment-home owners 73 %.
2. Among second home owners, 65 % of vacation-home owners and 64% of investment-property owners are more likely to use a real estate agent in their next home sales.
Given these statistics, it is no wonder that the real estate agent plays a pivotal role in helping people buy and sell second homes. So whether you are a second-home buyer or seller, enlist the services of an agent for a smooth, hassle free real estate transaction.
La Mirada Real Estate
Prime Time to Purchase Real Estate in Phoenix Arizona
Maureen Karpinski asked:
Prime Time to Purchase Real Estate in Phoenix Arizona
Although foreclosure isn’t desired by anyone, the state of the economy has recently made it much easier for people all over the country to purchase real estate at enormously discounted prices, including Phoenix Arizona. There are many bargains now available, so contact your Phoenix realtor now to learn what is available if you are looking to purchase a home.
Prices for Phoenix real estate are lower than many have seen in over a decade. This makes it the perfect time for home buyers to get a house at deep discounts. Foreclosures have made the properties available plentiful, and they are priced to sell.
Homes that are almost new as well as older homes in historic neighborhoods can be bought at a deal. While it is the perfect opportunity to purchase a home in the Phoenix Arizona area, there are still a few pitfalls. These include repair costs on older homes and bidding wars.. However, if you plan on purchasing a home to stay in, the time has never been better.
If you are an investor or first time buyer, now is the perfect time to contact a Phoenix real estate agent to learn what is available to you. Most of the deals that are available are properties that are on the brink of going in to foreclosure or have been taken back by lenders.
There are some details you will want to consider when purchasing real estate. If your intention is to purchase for resale, check to see if there are other foreclosures that may threaten your desired resale price, or if there are numerous empty homes that may become foreclosures. Your Phoenix realtor can help you determine what properties are the most desirous if your intent is to resell.
For those whose interest lies in fixing up older or damaged homes, there is a huge market available. In fact, homes that are priced under $100,000 and have the most physical damage are where you will find the real deals. Homes that have extensive damage offer better discounts to buyers.
The economy isn’t good for anyone, but it can be the perfect time to buy if you are in the market for a family home or invest in real estate for resale purposes. The time has never been better to get the most for your money where real estate is concerned. If you are interested in learning more about the housing market, contact your Phoenix realtor.
La Mirada Real Estate
Prime Time to Purchase Real Estate in Phoenix Arizona
Although foreclosure isn’t desired by anyone, the state of the economy has recently made it much easier for people all over the country to purchase real estate at enormously discounted prices, including Phoenix Arizona. There are many bargains now available, so contact your Phoenix realtor now to learn what is available if you are looking to purchase a home.
Prices for Phoenix real estate are lower than many have seen in over a decade. This makes it the perfect time for home buyers to get a house at deep discounts. Foreclosures have made the properties available plentiful, and they are priced to sell.
Homes that are almost new as well as older homes in historic neighborhoods can be bought at a deal. While it is the perfect opportunity to purchase a home in the Phoenix Arizona area, there are still a few pitfalls. These include repair costs on older homes and bidding wars.. However, if you plan on purchasing a home to stay in, the time has never been better.
If you are an investor or first time buyer, now is the perfect time to contact a Phoenix real estate agent to learn what is available to you. Most of the deals that are available are properties that are on the brink of going in to foreclosure or have been taken back by lenders.
There are some details you will want to consider when purchasing real estate. If your intention is to purchase for resale, check to see if there are other foreclosures that may threaten your desired resale price, or if there are numerous empty homes that may become foreclosures. Your Phoenix realtor can help you determine what properties are the most desirous if your intent is to resell.
For those whose interest lies in fixing up older or damaged homes, there is a huge market available. In fact, homes that are priced under $100,000 and have the most physical damage are where you will find the real deals. Homes that have extensive damage offer better discounts to buyers.
The economy isn’t good for anyone, but it can be the perfect time to buy if you are in the market for a family home or invest in real estate for resale purposes. The time has never been better to get the most for your money where real estate is concerned. If you are interested in learning more about the housing market, contact your Phoenix realtor.
La Mirada Real Estate
Tips For Military Home Buyers Who Are Buying San Diego Real Estate
Real Estate Advisor asked:
San Diego County is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the United States. In fact, the San Diego area contains 12 major Marine Corps and Navy bases and facilities. If you’re in the military and moving to San Diego, one of your biggest decisions is whether to buy a property, live on base housing (if this option is available to you), or rent a home or apartment. If you choose to buy a property, there are many issues to consider before taking this step.
BUY OR RENT?
The decision to buy or rent is more complicated for military personnel because you may be assigned to San Diego only for a limited period of time. If you plan to purchase while in San Diego and then sell when you transfer, the condition of the real estate market at the time you sell will make this either an easy or difficult process. In a seller’s market (when demand exceeds supply), properties tend to sell quickly and at or above asking price. In a buyer’s market (when supply exceeds demand), properties usually take much longer to sell and may sell below asking price. Individuals in the military should consider this issue in determining whether to buy or rent real estate in the San Diego area.
For those who choose to buy, the major other consideration is the likely appreciation rate of your property during your tenure in San Diego. If you plan to sell your property before you depart to your next assignment, you should remember that there are expenses (e.g. realtor fees, taxes, etc.) associated with selling your house, and any price appreciation you realize by owing the property for a few years, may or may not be offset by these fees.
Some individuals choose to keep their property even after they transfer to a new assignment outside of San Diego. In these cases, you can rent out the property, leave it empty, or find another acceptable use of the dwelling. If you choose to hire a Property Manager to oversee the renting and maintenance of your property, keep in mind that the fess for this service will cut into any monthly profit you realize on the property.
GETTING A HOME LOAN?
If you decide to purchase a property, obtaining a home loan is one of the tasks you must undertake. Many active-day members, retirees and other service veterans are eligible for special loan programs guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (VA).
To be eligible for a VA guaranteed loan, you must have served on activity duty and have a discharge status of other than dishonorable after a minimum of 90 days of service during wartime, or a minimum of 181 continuous days during peacetime. There is a minimum 2-year service requirement for veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980. The 2-year requirement also applies to Officers who began service after October 16, 1981. There is a minimum 6-year service requirement for National Guard members and Reservists, and surviving spouses are also eligible under some conditions. There are other special conditions in which a person may be eligible, so contact your local VA office to get more information.
WHAT IS VA GUARANTEED LOAN?
The VA loan is a federal guarantee of a maximum of 25% of a home loan amount but not to exceed $104,250. This formula allows eligible members to obtain a maximum loan amount of $417,000 (as of 2006). However, service members must meet other eligibility requirements. Individuals borrowing using this type of loan must intend to be occupants of the purchased property.
Private lenders are the source of funds for VA guaranteed loans. The guarantee provides these private lenders assurance that the federal government will reimburse the lender up to the maximum allowable amount if the borrower fails to repay the loan. Because of this guarantee, lenders are more favorable to offering loans without a requirement for a down payment.
VA CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
Individuals desiring a VA guaranteed loan must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans Administration (VA Form 26-1880). Contact your local VA office to obtain this form by calling 1-888-244-6711. You will need a copy of your military discharge document (DD-214) to submit with your application. Once you have the Eligibility Certificate, you can then select a lender or mortgage broker to work with on getting the loan.
CLOSING COSTS
In addition to the purchase price of your property, there are closing costs that must be paid to process your home loan. These closing costs are fees that are charged by different service providers to help complete the loan process. For example, your lender will require an appraisal of the property to make sure that its value is at or above your purchase price. Other charges commonly included in closing costs are: recording fees, credit report fee, prorated taxes and assessments, hazard insurance, flood insurance (if required), survey, title examination, title insurance, postage and shipping fees, and the VA Funding fee.
WHAT IS THE VA FUNDING FEE?
The VA charges a fee to individuals utilizing the VA guaranteed loan. This fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is linked to the size of your down payment on the home you plan to purchase.
For active-duty personnel or veterans who put no money down, the funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. This rate increases to 2.4% for National Guard/Reserve.
For active duty personnel or veterans who put a down payment greater than zero but less than 10% of the loan amount, the fee is 1.5% of the loan. This rate increases to 1.75% for National Guard/Reserve.
For active duty personnel or veterans who put a down payment of 10% or more of the loan amount, the fee is 1.25% of the loan. This rate increases to 1. 5% for National Guard/Reserve.
The rates listed above are for first time users of the VA loan guarantee program. Individuals who have used the VA guaranteed loan program before pay higher rates than first time users. The rates above are subject to change. In some limited cases, individuals are exempt from paying the funding fee. You should contact your local VA center for current information.
CHOOSING A VA LOAN VS. A CONVENTIONAL LOAN
You must carefully evaluate the terms of the VA guaranteed loan vs. the terms of a conventional loan. One advantage of a VA guaranteed loan is that many lenders will not require you to put a down payment on the purchase of the property, assuming you meet their other lending criteria (e.g. credit scores, sufficient income, adequate debt to income ratio, etc.). There are also many zero down payment conventional loan programs. In some cases, the VA guaranteed loan will offer a lower interest rate and better terms, and in other cases, you can obtain a better deal through conventional financing. A good loan officer can help you evaluate the advantages of either loan, given your particular situation.
FINDING THE RIGHT HOME
If you are familiar with the San Diego area, then you probably already know where you want to live. If you are less familiar with the communities in San Diego, your Realtor can serve as an excellent resource to answer your questions. There are many steps to take during the home search process, which include:
1. Work with your loan officer to identify how much you can afford.
2. Determine what type of property you want to buy (single-family home, townhouse, condominium, other). Your Realtor can advise you about the differences between these types of properties.
3. Determine how many bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc. you need.
4. Determine what areas of San Diego you would consider living in.
5. Calculate the drive time (with and without traffic) to your job.
6. Identify the quality of schools in the neighborhoods that you are considering.
7. Locate the crime statistics for the neighborhood that you are considering.
8. Identify the location of local community resources such as libraries, shopping centers, athletic centers, etc.
9. Ask your Realtor to advise you about the resale potential of the home you are considering.
Although there are many other factors to consider, the above is a good starting point. Your Realtor should be able help you get answers to the questions above as well as provide you many other resources. Keep in mind that most Realtor’s who assist homebuyers and paid by the home seller, but make sure to ask your Realtor about this.
HOW MUCH SHOUD I PAY FOR A HOUSE?
Your Realtor should be an excellent source of information to help you understand a fair offer price. The Realtor should provide you information about what other similar properties in the same community have sold for recently, current pricing trends for the community, as well provide you a recommendation based on their experience in the local market.
DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
There are many other issues besides the offer price to consider when making an offer. For example, many buyers find it advantageous to get an inspection of the property by a qualified inspector. The inspection typically covers the major systems of a property. Check out the National Association of Home Inspectors web site for more information about what is covered in a typical home inspection. Getting a home inspection is generally a good idea.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?
If you want to use the VA guarantee, then make sure you have obtained the Certificate of Eligibility far in advance of your relocation to San Diego. Whether or not you are using the VA loan program, be sure to obtain a loan pre-approval (sometimes called loan prequalification) from a lender or mortgage broker. This lets home sellers know that you are a serious buyer and are ready to act quickly if needed.
Prior to moving to San Diego, get a sense of the local real estate market. Your Realtor can set up an automatic email notification system that will send you descriptions and pictures of properties that meet your criteria. Doing this type of research should save you a lot of time when you arrive.
Once you have your loan pre-approval, the next step is to locate a property that meets your needs. Your Realtor should show you a variety of available properties that meet your criteria. Once you find a house you an interested in, your Realtor will prepare the purchase offer documents, and guide you through the loan and closing process.
In summary, it’s simply a process of getting a loan, finding a house that you like, making an offer that is accepted, and going through the closing process, which can occur in less than 30 days.
CONTACT A SAN DIEGO REALTOR
If you are moving to San Diego, contact a Real Estate agent who is familiar with VA guaranteed loans and has experience working with military buyers. Many agents have prior military service themselves, and are very familiar with your situation and needs.
La Mirada Real Estate
San Diego County is home to one of the largest concentrations of military bases in the United States. In fact, the San Diego area contains 12 major Marine Corps and Navy bases and facilities. If you’re in the military and moving to San Diego, one of your biggest decisions is whether to buy a property, live on base housing (if this option is available to you), or rent a home or apartment. If you choose to buy a property, there are many issues to consider before taking this step.
BUY OR RENT?
The decision to buy or rent is more complicated for military personnel because you may be assigned to San Diego only for a limited period of time. If you plan to purchase while in San Diego and then sell when you transfer, the condition of the real estate market at the time you sell will make this either an easy or difficult process. In a seller’s market (when demand exceeds supply), properties tend to sell quickly and at or above asking price. In a buyer’s market (when supply exceeds demand), properties usually take much longer to sell and may sell below asking price. Individuals in the military should consider this issue in determining whether to buy or rent real estate in the San Diego area.
For those who choose to buy, the major other consideration is the likely appreciation rate of your property during your tenure in San Diego. If you plan to sell your property before you depart to your next assignment, you should remember that there are expenses (e.g. realtor fees, taxes, etc.) associated with selling your house, and any price appreciation you realize by owing the property for a few years, may or may not be offset by these fees.
Some individuals choose to keep their property even after they transfer to a new assignment outside of San Diego. In these cases, you can rent out the property, leave it empty, or find another acceptable use of the dwelling. If you choose to hire a Property Manager to oversee the renting and maintenance of your property, keep in mind that the fess for this service will cut into any monthly profit you realize on the property.
GETTING A HOME LOAN?
If you decide to purchase a property, obtaining a home loan is one of the tasks you must undertake. Many active-day members, retirees and other service veterans are eligible for special loan programs guaranteed by the Veterans Administration (VA).
To be eligible for a VA guaranteed loan, you must have served on activity duty and have a discharge status of other than dishonorable after a minimum of 90 days of service during wartime, or a minimum of 181 continuous days during peacetime. There is a minimum 2-year service requirement for veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980. The 2-year requirement also applies to Officers who began service after October 16, 1981. There is a minimum 6-year service requirement for National Guard members and Reservists, and surviving spouses are also eligible under some conditions. There are other special conditions in which a person may be eligible, so contact your local VA office to get more information.
WHAT IS VA GUARANTEED LOAN?
The VA loan is a federal guarantee of a maximum of 25% of a home loan amount but not to exceed $104,250. This formula allows eligible members to obtain a maximum loan amount of $417,000 (as of 2006). However, service members must meet other eligibility requirements. Individuals borrowing using this type of loan must intend to be occupants of the purchased property.
Private lenders are the source of funds for VA guaranteed loans. The guarantee provides these private lenders assurance that the federal government will reimburse the lender up to the maximum allowable amount if the borrower fails to repay the loan. Because of this guarantee, lenders are more favorable to offering loans without a requirement for a down payment.
VA CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY
Individuals desiring a VA guaranteed loan must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Veterans Administration (VA Form 26-1880). Contact your local VA office to obtain this form by calling 1-888-244-6711. You will need a copy of your military discharge document (DD-214) to submit with your application. Once you have the Eligibility Certificate, you can then select a lender or mortgage broker to work with on getting the loan.
CLOSING COSTS
In addition to the purchase price of your property, there are closing costs that must be paid to process your home loan. These closing costs are fees that are charged by different service providers to help complete the loan process. For example, your lender will require an appraisal of the property to make sure that its value is at or above your purchase price. Other charges commonly included in closing costs are: recording fees, credit report fee, prorated taxes and assessments, hazard insurance, flood insurance (if required), survey, title examination, title insurance, postage and shipping fees, and the VA Funding fee.
WHAT IS THE VA FUNDING FEE?
The VA charges a fee to individuals utilizing the VA guaranteed loan. This fee is a percentage of the loan amount and is linked to the size of your down payment on the home you plan to purchase.
For active-duty personnel or veterans who put no money down, the funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. This rate increases to 2.4% for National Guard/Reserve.
For active duty personnel or veterans who put a down payment greater than zero but less than 10% of the loan amount, the fee is 1.5% of the loan. This rate increases to 1.75% for National Guard/Reserve.
For active duty personnel or veterans who put a down payment of 10% or more of the loan amount, the fee is 1.25% of the loan. This rate increases to 1. 5% for National Guard/Reserve.
The rates listed above are for first time users of the VA loan guarantee program. Individuals who have used the VA guaranteed loan program before pay higher rates than first time users. The rates above are subject to change. In some limited cases, individuals are exempt from paying the funding fee. You should contact your local VA center for current information.
CHOOSING A VA LOAN VS. A CONVENTIONAL LOAN
You must carefully evaluate the terms of the VA guaranteed loan vs. the terms of a conventional loan. One advantage of a VA guaranteed loan is that many lenders will not require you to put a down payment on the purchase of the property, assuming you meet their other lending criteria (e.g. credit scores, sufficient income, adequate debt to income ratio, etc.). There are also many zero down payment conventional loan programs. In some cases, the VA guaranteed loan will offer a lower interest rate and better terms, and in other cases, you can obtain a better deal through conventional financing. A good loan officer can help you evaluate the advantages of either loan, given your particular situation.
FINDING THE RIGHT HOME
If you are familiar with the San Diego area, then you probably already know where you want to live. If you are less familiar with the communities in San Diego, your Realtor can serve as an excellent resource to answer your questions. There are many steps to take during the home search process, which include:
1. Work with your loan officer to identify how much you can afford.
2. Determine what type of property you want to buy (single-family home, townhouse, condominium, other). Your Realtor can advise you about the differences between these types of properties.
3. Determine how many bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, etc. you need.
4. Determine what areas of San Diego you would consider living in.
5. Calculate the drive time (with and without traffic) to your job.
6. Identify the quality of schools in the neighborhoods that you are considering.
7. Locate the crime statistics for the neighborhood that you are considering.
8. Identify the location of local community resources such as libraries, shopping centers, athletic centers, etc.
9. Ask your Realtor to advise you about the resale potential of the home you are considering.
Although there are many other factors to consider, the above is a good starting point. Your Realtor should be able help you get answers to the questions above as well as provide you many other resources. Keep in mind that most Realtor’s who assist homebuyers and paid by the home seller, but make sure to ask your Realtor about this.
HOW MUCH SHOUD I PAY FOR A HOUSE?
Your Realtor should be an excellent source of information to help you understand a fair offer price. The Realtor should provide you information about what other similar properties in the same community have sold for recently, current pricing trends for the community, as well provide you a recommendation based on their experience in the local market.
DO I NEED A HOME INSPECTION?
There are many other issues besides the offer price to consider when making an offer. For example, many buyers find it advantageous to get an inspection of the property by a qualified inspector. The inspection typically covers the major systems of a property. Check out the National Association of Home Inspectors web site for more information about what is covered in a typical home inspection. Getting a home inspection is generally a good idea.
HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE?
If you want to use the VA guarantee, then make sure you have obtained the Certificate of Eligibility far in advance of your relocation to San Diego. Whether or not you are using the VA loan program, be sure to obtain a loan pre-approval (sometimes called loan prequalification) from a lender or mortgage broker. This lets home sellers know that you are a serious buyer and are ready to act quickly if needed.
Prior to moving to San Diego, get a sense of the local real estate market. Your Realtor can set up an automatic email notification system that will send you descriptions and pictures of properties that meet your criteria. Doing this type of research should save you a lot of time when you arrive.
Once you have your loan pre-approval, the next step is to locate a property that meets your needs. Your Realtor should show you a variety of available properties that meet your criteria. Once you find a house you an interested in, your Realtor will prepare the purchase offer documents, and guide you through the loan and closing process.
In summary, it’s simply a process of getting a loan, finding a house that you like, making an offer that is accepted, and going through the closing process, which can occur in less than 30 days.
CONTACT A SAN DIEGO REALTOR
If you are moving to San Diego, contact a Real Estate agent who is familiar with VA guaranteed loans and has experience working with military buyers. Many agents have prior military service themselves, and are very familiar with your situation and needs.
La Mirada Real Estate