Helping Veterans Achieve Homeownership
I Pledge to Serve Those Who Have Served
I am a proud Military Relocation Specialist. I completed my MRP (Military Relocation Professional) certification through the National Associations of REALTORS® in hopes of helping one of the 20 million veterans living in the United States!
Veterans are eligible for many benefits earned through their service, among them is the advantages of the V.A. Home Loan program. It’s my privilege to educate our military heroes on these home-buying benefits and to help make those benefits accessible and attainable.
I believe that every Real Estate agent has a responsibility to provide the best home buying experience and resources available to his or her clients. That’s why I’ve pledged to ask every client, “Did You Serve?”
Why I Enjoy Helping Veterans
Growing up, my parent’s restaurant was next door to a military recruiting office. My brother and I often spent our days with the military members, learning their duties and services to our nation. My mom taught me early on to respect them by standing up to shake their hand and to always salute them for their dedication to our country. However, it was not until I was personally involved with a military member overseas that I realized the extent of the impact one faces in uniform. My goal is to honor their commitment to our country by assisting them and their family with loyalty, respect, and professionalism.
Benefits For Hiring A REALTOR WHO IS MRP Certified
A REALTOR® with the MRP certification understands that when military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. The MRP certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members which helps their clients find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support that are available.
Service members and veterans who hire REALTORS® with NAR’s MRP certification will have increased confidence that the REALTOR® will understand their specific real estate requirements and processes as well as understand available finance benefits and support.
Some Homebuying Benefits for Veterans
NO DOWN PAYMENT REQUIRED.
For many, the biggest obstacle to buying a home is saving up for the costly down payment. Veterans who use their V.A. loan can purchase a home with no down payment. This benefit alone allows many Veterans to purchase a home without needing cash reserves many other loan programs require.
LOWER MONTHLY PAYMENTS
Because the Department of Veterans Affairs provides a financial guaranty on each VA Loan, lending institutions carry less risk and don’t require private mortgage insurance which can save hundreds every month.
FLEXIBLE CREDIT STANDARDS
While more than 80 percent of veterans and service members won’t qualify for conventional financing, the V.A. Loan provides relaxed qualification standards opening homeownership opportunities for millions.
NO PMI. (PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE)
Conventionl or FHA loans where borrowers put down less than 20% typically have the added cost of PMI which typically ranges from 0.5-1% of the loan amount annually. The V.A. Home loan does not charge you for PMI.
Who is Eligible?
The VA determines eligibility based on time in service and character of discharge. Current service members, Veterans, surviving spouses and other eligible candidates who meet the criteria below may be eligible for VA loan benefits:
- 90 days of active duty service during wartime
- 181 days of continuous active duty during peacetime
- 6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves
- Surviving spouse who meets all VA criteria
- Other eligible beneficiaries who meet VA criteria
For full details on benefits and eligibility, visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans
