Because of our veterans' sacrifices, hard work, determination, pride for our country, and commitment to our freedom, we are able to live as free citizens in this beautiful and free country we call the United States of America. You have allowed us to provide for our families, whether it’s food on the table, or a roof over their heads.

All U.S. Veterans deserve that same chance

We’ve put together a handy guide for you. Please bookmark this site as you go through your journey to owning a home. We’ve broken down the process into 4 easy steps:

STEP 1: Prepare Your Finances

STEP 2: Understand Your Benefits

STEP 3: Get the Best VA Loan (For You)

STEP 4: Find Your Dream Home & Take the Keys

STEP 1: Prepare Your Finances

  • Set a realistic budget. A poll from Gallup shows that only 32% of Americans put together a budget each month to track income and purchases. If you start budgeting, you are already ahead of 68% of Americans. Need help? Check out this software (free for 34 days): http://www.youneedabudget.com/

  • Be aware of your credit score. A Credit Score is what lenders look at to determine your creditworthiness. Basically, the better your credit score, the more options and better rates you will receive. Even if you do not have the greatest score, you can still get a decent VA loan, since credit scores typically have far less impact on rates for government-backed loans. Check your credit score for free with CreditKarma.com

  • Veteran Employment Assistance: https://www.vets.gov/employment/

STEP 2: Understand Your Benefits

  • Veteran Benefits Exploration. The more you know, the better you will be able to navigate the housing market as a U.S. veteran. Explore the benefits you qualify for through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at va.gov or eBenefits.va.gov
  • Determine Your Benefit Eligibility. Depending on your credit, income, and have a valid Certificate of Eligibility (see Step 3), you will qualify for certain VA home loans. Check Your Eligibility Here

STEP 3: Get the Best VA Loan (For You)

  • Undertand the home-buying process for Veterans. This is a great article from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs explains how to use your benefits. Read The Article Here
  • Learn about VA Guaranteed Home Loans. Understanding the in's and out's of the VA home loan application process is important. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs created this fact sheet to get you started. VA Benefit Home Loan Fact Sheet
  • Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Before you start applying for VA loans, you need to apply for a COE from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which will verify your entitlement to receive VA beneifts. Start the Application Process Her
  • Apply for Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant here >>

STEP 4: Find Your Dream Home

  • Find Your Dream Home: I'm proud to be a Realtor with Remax Capital Realty, the #1 ranked real estate franchise in the world. No one sells more real estate than Remax. Find your dream home in the Tampa Bay area here: http://www.tampahousingforsale.com/
 

Veterans Crisis Hotline

1-800-273-8255

 

National Center for Homeless Veterans

1-877-4AID-VET

 

Wounded Warrior Line

1-800-342-9647