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Selecting a good home is a shot in the dark, whether you use a VA home loan guaranty or not. Of the approximately 120,000 troops currently serving in Iraq, approximately three fourths are in the National Guard or Reserves. The bulk of these troops will come home with enough time in combat to qualify for a VA Home Loan guaranty. Of these, a number will be first time home buyers who may be thinking, "There are too many things to consider in buying a new home!" The process can seem more complicated than a government form, but it can be simplified.
Make a Plan! The first thing you need to do is make a plan of attack – and start with the obvious. Take a look at the neighborhood and make sure it has all the things you need. Before you use your Veteran Home Loan entitlement, you need to make sure the house is in an area that has the access to transportation, fire and police protection, availability of schools, and all the other things that make a house a home. Next, look at the land the house is on. Is the lot large enough for your family and your lifestyle? Are there adequate gates into the yard where you want them? Check out the driveway and make sure it is adequate for your vehicles. Look closely at the lawn and landscaping and fencing. Is it in good shape or will you need to do a lot of work on it? These are little things, but they can save you a lot of headaches in the future. Now for the outside of the house. Is the siding in good shape? How about the trim? Has it been recently painted, or is that an item you need to discuss when you are negotiating the contract? Make sure there are no cracks in the brick that might indicate problems with the foundation. A relatively detailed assessment of the exterior can tell you a lot about the overall condition of the structure. Finally, it is time to go inside your potential home. Don't let yourself get so caught up in the charm and atmosphere of the house that you overlook the details. Is the heating and air conditioning equipment in good working order? Make sure that the bedrooms are large enough to accommodate your furniture. If you are planning on children, take a look at the house with little ones in mind.
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