Mortgage help for the military

Last but not least – we’re talking about mortgage help for those in the military. Over the past several weeks, we’ve discussed the Homes for Heroes program and explained how this awesome program benefits teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and police officers. And today – we’re ending on (one of) our favorites – the military!

Military mortgage assistance

Photo source

Part of the draw of the Homes for Heroes program for us was the involvement in helping military personnel obtain “perks” when it comes to buying a house. As VA loan specialists, we meet a lot of veterans who are trying to figure out how to use their VA loan benefits to purchase a house. We walk them through VA loan eligibility and help them obtain all of the documents they need to apply for the VA loan.

Using your VA loan AND the Homes for Heroes program

The VA loan is a beneficial program in itself. Some of the great things about it include:

• 100% financing – you don’t have to have a down payment for the loan!
• NO PMI – no mortgage insurance, ever
• Refinance – you can do a streamline refinance of your VA loan with no problem
• Relaxed credit qualifications

Learn more about the VA loan and find a lender who can help!

But what’s great is that these two programs can be used together! You can use the VA loan to obtain your mortgage, and the Homes for Heroes program to get discounts on your entire real estate process. Some of the benefits of Homes for Heroes include:

• Discounts from mortgage lenders (like me) – make sure to ask about using your VA loan!
• Discounts from home inspectors
• Discounts from title companies
• Real estate agents “give back” 25% of their company’s gross commission as a rebate/discount on the HUD Settlement Statement.

It’s important to note:

• The VA loan requires to active AND non-active military personnel – even if you served 20 years ago, you can still apply!
• You must apply for the Homes for Heroes program to see if you qualify. Get started now!

If you’re a veteran and looking for a way to get discounts or breaks when it comes to buying a house, look no further. Make sure to take advantage of one – or both – of these great programs designed just for you.

 

 

 

Mortgage help for health care workers

It’s not an easy job. Sure, you get to wear scrubs to work – but that’s about the easiest part of your day. By the time you care for patients, clean up their messes, bear their burdens and finish your dictations for the day – you’re spent. Health care might be a popular and growing industry to work in, but it’s anything but easy. That’s why the Homes For Heroes program includes those who work in health care. There is someone out there who recognizes just how hard it is to do your job and how little you get back in return.

Health care mortgage help

We joined up with the Homes for Heroes program to help people like you get into a home just a little bit easier. Health care is no joke – it’s a hard job. It’s one of those jobs where people say, “Well, somebody has to do it” but few volunteer. Working with the sick or injured can be draining. And sure, it’s your job, but it’s also a sacrifice. Many spend long hours and back-to-back days caring for others. So when it comes to buy or sell your house, it’s time to let someone care for you.

Homes for Heroes helps health care

The Homes for Heroes program is not a gimmick to get more business; it’s truly a way to give back. In fact, it was inspired by all of the fire and medical personnel who rushed in after 9/11 to care for others – even when their personal families were suffering. This program was created by real estate professionals looking for a way to use what they were best at (buying, selling, lending) – and help those who sacrifice the most. Agents sign up to “give back” a portion of their commission fees so that “heroes” can afford closing costs or furniture. Mortgage lenders like myself have agreed to give generous discounts on mortgages – and that’s just the start. This program has helped participants save thousands of dollars when it comes to buying a home. And I’m honored to be a part of it.

If you’re in health care and want to buy a house, please consider applying for this program. There’s no catch – no red tape – no fine print. It’s simply a great program run by honest people who want to show they notice hard work and that they care.

Learn more about Homes for Heroes program.

In Kansas City and have questions about the program? Just give me a call.

Prepare to move fast

Stories such as the one featured on KCTV5 make our day. Homes are selling fast… homes that have been on the market FOREVER. Just watch for yourself:

KCTV 5: Homes Selling Fast

Not only does this mean that the market is slowly rebounding from the recent downfall, but it means great things for homeowners and homebuyers, too. In a healthy market, sellers may expect multiple offers on previously owned homes. And buyers need to be ready and move fast when they’ve found “the” home they want to purchase.

Home sales in KC speed up

Moving quickly to buy a home

Nothing is guaranteed in real estate and it’s not a one-size-fits-all industry. So many variables come into play – the sellers, the agents, the inspector, the appraiser and the mortgage lender. And while buying or selling a home is a harmonious synchronization of all of these players coming together toward a common goal – it can get convoluted in the midst. That’s why it’s important to take several smart steps when you’re on the hunt for a home:

Work with real estate professionals you trust.

Make sure to work with individuals who come with great reviews and referrals. Before you sign on to work with an agent, lender, inspector or more – do your homework. Do they have reviews online or testimonials on their website? Do friends or trusted acquaintances know them? We always recommend working with a local real estate professional – nobody else is going to know the market better. And it’s always a plus when you work within their network. If your agent is referring a lender or appraiser, it’s a good sign that they’ve done business with them in the past and historically had a smooth process.

Get a pre-approval letter.

As a lender, I encourage all homebuyers to have a pre-approval letter in-hand before they look at houses. Not only does this help limit your search (and save you time), but it also is a good sign to the sellers that you’re serious. A pre-approval shows that you’re in good financial standing to purchase a house, that you know what you can afford, and that it’s highly likely that the deal will go through under all foreseen circumstances.

Buying a house in Kansas City? Get pre-approved now.

Be prepared for the appraisals & inspections

Part of the home buying process includes appraisals and inspections. I specialize in government home loans (FHA, USDA & VA), which require appraisals as part of the home buying process… as well as termite inspections and more. Be prepared that once you’ve made an offer on a house, there are more processes to come. An appraisal is required to guarantee the property is eligible for your home loan. A home inspection is advised to protect you as the buyers before you make a large investment. Budget for these two expenses that will come your way, and be prepared to make time for them as part of the process.

Look into qualifying for government loans

There are several programs out there for buyers wanting to purchase a home without a conventional loan. Programs like USDA, FHA and VA can help reduce fees and down payments, and truly make home ownership an option for those who don’t qualify for “traditional” loans.

It’s an exciting time to buy a home! The market is healthy and rates are still low.

If you’re in Kansas City and ready to begin the home buying process, give a me a call to get pre-approved.

Life at Fort Leavenworth

Army families stationed at Fort Leavenworth might be wondering what’s involved in relocating to the Kansas/Missouri area. This base isn’t too far from Kansas City and offers some great features to military families. There are several options for soldiers looking to purchase a home within miles near the army base, but there are also several great suburbs of Kansas City that offer a great place to raise a family and enjoy city life.

Tips for relocating to Fort Leavenworth

Tips for Relocating to Fort Leavenworth

See below for a few quick tips on cities near Leavenworth if you’re looking to buy a home with your VA loan when stationed at Fort Leavenworth!

Living in Leavenworth, KS

This is the closest city near the base and has about 35,00 residents. It touts being one of the most historical cities in Kansas – after all, it does carry the honor of being the First State of Kansas. This town is known for housing the military base as well as a federal prison. The small historical city is full of museums, a nostalgic river front area and many restaurants and bed & breakfasts. Its close access to larger city amenities make it favorite for those looking for a quaint, historical small town.

Living in Lansing, KS

A little over 11,200 people call Lansing, KS home. This small Kansas town is also considered a suburb of Kansas City. It sits just 8 miles south of Fort Leavenworth. The Lansing Correctional Facility is a well-known landmark as well as the riverfront to the Missouri River (which creates the Kansas-Missouri border.) This city continually ranks as one of the best small towns to live in due to an affordable cost of living, income growth, schools and amenities.

Read about Lansing, KS – one of America’s top 100 small cities 

Living in Atchison, KS

Atchison, KS is the birthplace of Amelia Earhart. This city sometimes gets mixed reviews – some love it for its history as Amelia’s birthplace and its long-standing railroad history. Others know it as one of the most haunted cities in America and get spooked just thinking about it. Atchison is a community-based city that’s also on the Missouri River with around 11,000 residents.

Living in Shawnee, KS

Shawnee, KS is less than 20 miles from Fort Leavenworth and closer to Kansas City. It’s home to approximately 63,000 residents who enjoy living and working near downtown Kansas City. Shawnee has also been ranked as one of the best cities to live (like Lansing) – it was #17 in Money Magazine’s list in 2010. It’s short commute time, air quality and housing compared to the rest of the United States make it a top choice. Wonderscope is a fun attraction for many families as well as museums, libraries, restaurants and more.

Platte City, MO

If you’d like to buy a home on the Missouri-side, many from Fort Leavenworth look into Platte City. This small town has about 5,200 residents and sits along the Little Platte River. It’s situated nearby I-435 and I-29 and provides easy access to major interstates and attractions around Kansas City, particularly the Northland.

Living in Weston, MO

Weston is a quaint city in Northwest Missouri that is charming and unique. It’s less than 10 miles from Fort Leavenworth. While it only has approximately 1,700 residents, it’s a very popular destination for those traveling in the area. Ingrams Magazine ranked it as #1 best day trip and visitkc.com ranked it as the top overnight destination around Kansas City. Weston features a historic downtown area, several great restaurants, wineries, a brewery, antique shopping, historic tours, ski slopes, a state park, street fairs and more.

Moving to the Kansas City-Area for Fort Leavenworth

If you want to get even further out from the base, there are several other suburbs and homes in the Kansas City, KS and Topeka areas. Because Fort Leavenworth is so close to Kansas City, there’s virtually a great place for every military family. Depending on if you’re looking to duplex or single-family, small town or large city – there’s something for you!

More about relocating to Fort Leavenworth

More about using your VA Loan to buy a home near Fort Leavenworth

KC Is In Best Housing Market for 2012

There are several reasons to live near the Kansas City area!

Did you know that several cities around Kansas City landed on this year’s “best housing markets” list for 2012? What this means is that despite the recent real estate drop, these areas are actually expected to grow and have successful real estate markets. Plus, what this also means is that you should get more “bang” for your “buck” in these areas. As a mortgage lender in the Kansas City area, I’m jumping up and down at this GREAT news! And, I also think it’s GREAT news for you, too.

If you’re a Real Estate Agent in Kansas City

First off, chin up – it’s going to get better. All of us in real estate can sympathize in what we’ve been through the past several years. Several have coined it the “worst housing market since the Great Depression.” Lack of qualified buyers and foreclosures have stressed out all of us that work in real estate across the country. However, there seem to many reasons out there to keep looking up. The Washington Post article on copper prices and homes quoted the National Association of Realtors saying the past January and February have been the best they’ve seen in the past five years. NASDAQ reported that the real estate market is lifting a little bit with new construction and home sales. Hope is on the horizon. And especially if you live in the Kansas City area (particularly the KS side.) KCK and Overland Park are even in the Top 10 cities with a strong housing market this year.

If You’re a Buyer or Seller in Kansas City

Housing market projections around KC and the lifting real estate market also mean good news for buyers and sellers. For buyers, it means that you’ll be buying valuable property in great areas. Because this area is still thriving due to many social and economic factors, our quality of living and housing market is projected to be strong. You can be confident that when you buy a home in the Kansas City area, you’ll be investing into a good housing market.

For sellers, it’s also good news because in a good market, homes typically sell better. Reasons like good industry, social opportunities, safety and politics and more give reason to strong housing markets (even when the rest of the country is down.) So because you’re selling in one of the top markets of 2012, you can have more hope that your place will sell. Plus, since reports are that more buyers are out there because of low-interest rates, and new construction has started up again, there’s a lot of reason why to have confidence in your listing this year.

Helping Real Estate in Kansas City

I’m thankful to have my role in Kansas City real estate. I’ve covered why I think this is a great area to live (meaning the BBQ, among other things.) But from the real estate side of things, I’m glad I’ve landed here. It’s a great housing market and Kansas City offers great opportunity. I’m glad I’m not the only one that has taken notice!

Why Live in Kansas City

As a mortgage lender in Kansas City, I’m proud to call this area home. You can search several “best cities” list and find Kansas City and its suburbs on there for many different reasons like schools, housing prices and more. However, as a Kansas City native, here’s an “insiders” look at why this town is amazing to settle down in, and why I love helping people buy houses around here.

Arthur Bryants is just one of the reasons KC is a great place to call home...

We’re Smack In the Middle of the Country

If you love a good road trip, Kansas City is the place to start out. You can drive 8-10 hours in nearly any direction and end up in a totally different state, having seen many landmarks along the ways. You’ll drive through varying terrains, experience different people groups and see unique things.  You can make it to Colorado, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Indiana, and even South Dakota within a days drive. Plus, if you’re into flying, it’s not a too terribly long flight to get anywhere in the U.S.

Beef.. It’s What’s for Dinner

Kansas City is known as a “cow town,” except don’t let all of the artists and Indie-folk hanging around the Crossroads know that. However, our beef supply is good. So if you’re a meat eater, settle down here and pull yourself up to one of the many fine tables around this great city. We’ve got amazing burgers and steaks – not to mention our BBQ – is top-notch. The American Royal even makes an event each year out of our “beef” industry. And we’re tell you – it’s good.

We’ve Got Heart, Even If We Don’t Have Wins

You know, it’s an amazing phenomenon in Kansas City when you to go Arrowhead and sit in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL and watch one of the worst teams. Same can go for the Royals, the fans are die-hard. Each year Kansas City fans get up hope that “this is the year,” although we do realize the reality is that it’s probably not going to happen. However red Chiefs shirts and blue Royals shirts are common attire anywhere you go. We may not have wins, but by golly, we’ve got spirit. Or, if you’re not quite into the baseball and football scene and have to live off hope– we’ve got an up & coming soccer team that’s pretty kicking – and they even have a few wins under their belt and they bring in Beckham from time to time.

KC Feels Like Home

There’s a reason “there’s no place from home” was set in a movie that took place not too far from Kansas City. Many live here because their families are from here. But even those who’ve relocated to this beautiful city of fountains easily find a way to make it feel like home. We’re not quite in the south, but we’ve got a lot of Southern friendliness running through our people. Plus, between the charming suburbs, several churches and many parks – there’s a lot of ways to spend your days and have a great family feel. It’s a great place to raise a family.

There are many reasons to make Kansas City home, and these are just a few of my top favorites. If you’re considering relocating to Kansas City and curious to know more from a native, I’d love to share more!