Vets, I want you!

Being a real estate broker and the proud mom of an army daughter currently serving in Iraq, I would like to help all Vets get access to the benefits they are entitled to. One of those benefits is a VA loan and the American dream of home ownership.

Veterans, did you know that you can get a VA-guaranteed loan to purchase a home, condominium or manufactured home, the VA can guarantee up to $417,000 of the total loan -- much higher than you can get with most conventional home loans.

A VA home loan can help veterans:

• Buy a home or residential condominium
• Build a home
• Repair, alter or improve a home
• Refinance an existing home loan
• Buy a manufactured home with or without a lot
• Buy and improve a manufactured home lot
• Install a solar heating or cooling system or other weatherization improvements
• Purchase and improve a home simultaneously with energy efficient improvements
• Refinance an existing VA loan to reduce the interest rate
• Refinance a manufactured home loan to acquire a lot

In order to obtain a VA home loan, you must first fill out VA Form 26-1880, the request for your Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued only through the Veterans Administration, and is the first step towards applying for your loan. Veterans, active duty, guard or reserve, and military spouses potentially qualify for this certificate.

You will also want to make sure that your credit history is in order and satisfactory. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report each year. Check it out and make sure it is correct. There are steps you can take to get your credit in order and there are companies out there that will help you do that.

You will also need to find a qualified lender. Next step will be to get pre-qualified for a loan so you know exactly how much you can afford and what price range of house you will qualify for.

Vets, if you are in the Albany, Corvallis, Salem or Mid-Willamette area, let me help you get into your first home.