WHAT THE VA?

For some, navigating the murky waters of the loan approval process is scary and uncertain.  This is mostly because there's another language involved, documentation required and this can intimidate a lot of people.

            

Here in Pierce and Thurston counties, the bulk of buyers will qualify (and opt) for a VA Loan.  The VA Loan program is a great financing option to choose and here's why. 

Take a look at this side by side comparison highlighting some of the benefits of the VA Loan Program:

VA Loans	Conventional Loans
0% Down(for qualified borrowers) VA Loans are among the last 0% down home loans available on the market today.	Up to 20% Down Conventional loans generally require down payments that can reach up to 20% to secure a home loan, pushing them out of reach for many homebuyers.
No PMI Since VA Loans are government backed, banks do not require you to buy Private Mortgage Insurance.	PMI Required Private Mortgage Insurance is a requirement for borrowers who finance more than 80% of their home's value, tacking on additional monthly expenses.
Competitive Interest Rates The VA guaranty gives lenders a greater degree of safety and flexibility, which typically means a more competitive rate than non-VA loans.	Increased Risk for Lenders Without government backing, banks are taking on more risk which, in turn, can result in a less-competitive interest rate on your home loan.
Easier to Qualify Because the loan is backed by the government, banks assume less risk and have less stringent qualification standards for VA Loans, making them easier to obtain.	Standard Qualification Procedures Conventional options hold stricter qualification procedures that can put homeownership out of reach for some homebuyers

Courtesy of Mike Villano from Veterans National Lending Group, we have a list of Top 5 VA Loan DO's and DON'Ts regarding getting your financing in place.

DO:

 1.  Gather your personal documents including taxes, bank statements and pay stubs

2.  Make sure balances on current debts have been paid on time and are not at the credit limit

3.  Have an idea of what you would like to spend each month on a mortgage payment 

4.  Prepare for the transaction to take 40-50 days from the time you have a contract on a home

5.  Link up with a lender who can complete a thorough pre-approval before you go looking at houses

 DON'T!

 1.  Change jobs before or during the transaction 

2. Charge up credit cards or current debt

3. Apply for or open any new debts

4. Deposit cash or any funds which cannot be paper trailed to your bank accounts

5. Get pre-qualified by any lender who does not require all of your documents prior to a pre-approval

If you have any questions regarding this process or anything else, we would love to help!- Give us a call at (360) 400-3475 to get answers from knowledgeable experienced professionals who understand.

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner 
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

13912 166TH AVE SE, RAINIER WA 98576

Create your own paradise! Mostly-level quarter acre lot with gentle slope leading down to 70+ feet of water frontage on Deschutes River. A fisher's dream! Power and community water on site plus septic installed. Per Geodata, no gopher soils! Manufactured home frame shows clearly where the last home site was - convenient! Or, if you are not looking to settle down, this makes the perfect spot for camping. Bring your tent or your RV, and be ready to make some Summer memories! What are you waiting for?

Acres: .256 

Price: $45, 000

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475

or cschmier@remax.net

15737 WOODLAND COURT SE, YELM WA 98597

Completely upgraded in Fall 2016. All brand new features: Ubatuba Slab Granite kitchen counters and island, dual undermount sink, with Motionsense faucet, stainless steel GE convection gas range and dishwasher, dual flush toilets. All brand-new carpets and new floors in all bathrooms, with granite counters in upstairs bathrooms. Brand new water heater with Home Depot warranty. Fully enclosed backyard with newly installed 6 ft fence. Landscaped professionally with sprinkler system and two apple trees.

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.25

Square Feet: 1,558

Price: $239,950

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Polly Godfrey at (253) 569-8723

or pollygodfrey@remax.net

16935 110TH AVE SE, YELM WA 98597

Completely charming, 1939 farmhouse on 5 acres with updates galore! Used for years as 4 bedroom home. NEW roof and Hardiplank siding. Freshly painted interior plus new carpet. Kitchen boasts Corian counter-tops plus new fridge and microwave! Vinyl windows and water filtration system. Move-in ready! Main floor Master with slider to deck. Large finished lower level with full bath and Jacuzzi tub. 2-car detached garage with shop and 3 bay utility parking. Partially fenced with fruit trees and garden space. Conveniently close to town!

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 3

Square Feet: 2,535
Price: $279,000

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475

or cschmier@remax.net

HELP! (I'm PCSing!)

           

            

              Moving is always difficult: the stress levels are right up there with sitting through the SAT's or going to the dentist.  This is an undisputed fact, and all you military families out there know it well.  PCS-ing means all kinds of things: Sort the stuff, hold a garage sale, decide what you need to have with you and what's going in the moving van.  Start investigating the new place online, canvas all your friends and family to see if anyone has been stationed, lived or just visited there.  But the silver lining is that now, more than ever, there are all kinds of tools to make this migraine of a move as easy as possible.   

            

             But first, let's talk about the place you're moving to: The Pacific Northwest, WA State, JBLM. Now here are some nice things about this area: Fort Lewis is huge and has been around since 1917.  We have large amounts of veterans who've decided to stick around after getting out as well as a regular (for the military) rotation of personnel through JBLM (Joint Base Lewis McChord)  The benefits of being in this military-heavy area are: Military Discounts, Military support groups (both active duty and separated) AND pretty much every lender in town understands the inner workings of the VA Loan programs out there. This is all extremely advantageous to military individuals and families looking to purchase property in the area. 

           

           I've been doing business in this county for over 26 years and the bulk of my clientele has always been active duty, retired or separated service members.  I have tremendous respect for these folks: I love working with them, I hire them, but most importantly, I want to help them. I understand the difficulty of the PCS move, having a small window of time to do everything and trying to avoid the problem spots without knowing where they are. I know where those problem spots are and I want to help you safely around them in a time frame that works for you. And that is our bottom line: We are here to connect with you.

            

          Now whether you're PCSing into the area or out, typically the first question you need to answer is: Should I rent or should I buy?  Do I sell here or do I rent it out when I leave? OR Coming into a new area, do I rent a house or buy one? This will depend upon your overall circumstances, but I have helped service members over this hurdle many times.  Together we will look at the pros and cons and come up with a plan that's best for you.  And whichever option you choose, RE/MAX Country is a one-stop shop: Our Property Management Dept can help find you a rental or take charge of renting your house for you.  If you are looking to buy, we have experienced agents who are here for you.  

So call a professional that knows your situation and cares: (360) 400-3475

Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner 
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country

Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com

           

16228 VANCIL COURT SE, YELM WA 98597

Check out this beauty! Stunning home on corner lot has it all! Grand entrance welcomes you in. Flowing floor plan with soaring ceilings and arched doorways. Warm oak hardwood floors. Exemplary kitchen offering granite counters and island, custom cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room with alcove ceiling. Family room with gas fireplace. French doors lead to magnificent Master Suite. Over-sized bonus room on upper level. Fully fenced backyard with patio. Fabulous location - close to all amenities!

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 2.5

Square Feet: 3,094
Price: $307,000

Property Site

For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475

or cschmier@remax.net