A Veteran’s Real-Life Experience Buying A Home

Can we agree our Veterans have earned the benefits given to them; the VA loan being an important one? The VA loan offers our veterans the opportunity to finance 100% of the appraised value of their new home. Many sellers don’t understand this loan, and some reject offers from our Veterans. I ask “why?” Those using VA loans can make excellent, solid buyers.

OUR REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE. Allow me to introduce my friends and clients, Jonathan and Alessia. Jonathon, an Army Vet served in Afghanistan, was injured, and because of his injuries was honorably discharged. Both he and Alessia have excellent jobs, excellent credit, and are financially strong, all of which is documented. We made 13 very strong offers on homes before having our offer accepted. Many of our offers where not even considered…because of their VA loan, even though we documented their financial strength. We even documented they had the cash to pay over the appraised amount. Their persistence and patience was finally rewarded. We placed our 13th offer with an experienced listing agent who understood VA loans. There were 25 offers on the home and yes, we offered well above the asking price. She encouraged the owners to consider Jonathan and Alessia’s offer and yes, the sellers accepted.

It appraised for the contracted price. The appraiser worked hard for them. We’re under contract, grateful to the sellers and to the listing agent. Happy Dance!!

LET’S CLARIFY A COUPLE OF VA LOAN MISCONCEPTIONS.

1. Misconception: Many believe if the Veteran is financing 100%, they don’t have the income of available cash to afford my home.

Truth: The Veterans with whom I’ve worked have excellent income, are financially strong, have cash in the bank all of which make them highly qualified. They are choosing to use a benefit they’ve earned.

2. Misconceptions: It’s assumed the VA appraisals are more stringent than conventional appraisals.

Truth: Regardless of the loan type, conventional, FHA, or VA, an appraiser is required to determine the market value of a home. In my experience, if a home doesn’t appraise, it’s easier to request a review an appraisal for a VA loan than other loan types.

3. Misconception: VA building inspections are more stringent.

Truth: All buyers will have a building inspection and a WDO (wood destroying organism,) inspection. The VA requires wood rot to be repaired. Seriously, if you found wood rot you would require it repaired. Now that’s sensible, right?

During my 19 years as the Owner and Broker of Avalon Realty, working with Veterans and their families have been the most memorable. In my experience, Veterans have had the strongest financial qualifications, have been thoroughly committed to their purchase, and some of the best people with whom I have had the pleasure to work with. When you’re selling home; when a Veteran offers to purchase your home, please give them every consideration. It’s a WIN / WIN. You’ll be rewarded financially, and you’ll have given the Veteran’s family the respect they’ve earned.

Call/Text me at 407-312-4928 or email AvalonRealty@Gmail. com me for all of your real estate needs.

John Alexandrou - Broker / Owner since 2003

Avalon Realty Group: 3925 Peppervine Dr., Orlando FL 32828

407-312-3928 (cell)AvalonRealty@Gmail.com