As a big thank you for serving our country, the Veterans Affairs Mortgage (also known as a VA Loan) provides perhaps the easiest way to purchase a home to those who have served or continue to serve. The VA Loan paves the way for many of those who have or continue to serve our country along with their families, to become homeowners.
Who can apply for a VA Loan?
VA loans are designed for those serving in the military, veterans, and their families. If you want a more complete list, those who may be eligible for a VA loan include:

Veterans
Those actively serving in the armed forces
National Guard members
Those in the reserves
Surviving spouses of those killed in the line of duty

Those applying for a VA loan should have a credit score of 620 or higher (in most cases), have a current Certificate of Eligibility, and have adequate income. If you still have questions as to whether or not you are eligible for a VA loan, check out the eligibility requirements on the Veterans Affairs. ...

You’ve been renting for what seems like an eternity, all the while pinching pennies and crossing your fingers. As the numbers on your savings account slowly climb, you begin sneaking side glances of homes for sale that you dream you could buy. You may even decide it’s finally time to call it and start actively looking for your new home.

If this sounds like you, you need to pause the process and pump the breaks! Here are 12 things every first-time homebuyer needs to do before purchasing a home.

The Financial Side of Buying a Home
Save for a Down Payment

Many renters save for so long because they believe they need a 20% down payment before they can buy a house. While a 20% payment ensures that you won’t be paying for mortgage insurance, you aren’t disqualified from purchasing a home if you don’t have that much saved. There are several loans that allow you to put a lesser amount down. There are even programs that offer down payment assistance or g! ...

If you’re a first-time home buyer, you may have realized that the check that you hand over to your landlord for rent each month is as much or more than a mortgage payment. Knowing this, many in your shoes pack up and start searching for a house to buy.

But there is more to paying for a house than sending in your mortgage payment each month, and these fees tend to sneak up on homebuyers if you aren’t aware of them. Some of these fees are avoidable; some are not.

Here’s how to avoid hidden fees when buying a home.

Know Your Loan

If you are using a loan to buy your house, consider each of your options carefully. Some loans offer low or no down payment but compensate for it in the loan somehow.

For example, FHA loans are great for first-time homebuyers who don’t have a 20% down payment or who have a lower credit score. This loan has helped many people become homebuyers who wouldn’t be able to otherwise. This loan has hidden fees, though, that . ...

Mortgages on the surface can be an intimidating subject. We've collected information to give you a better understanding of your options before purchasing your dream home.