Your Home Housing Update 2013:
What to know before you buy, sell, or rent a home this year By Janine Boldrin
Want to Buy? Check this out before making your final decision Owning a home is a part of the American dream, but for military families home ownership can turn into a nightmare. If you’re thinking of buying at your new duty station, find out how your military service should influence your decision and if buying is right for your mobile lifestyle. Before you buy, be sure to:
#1: Take Your Time The amount of research that should go into deciding on a home is often skipped by service members who feel rushed into finding a place to live. It is essential to learn about the local community to include researching the schools, neighborhoods, and economy before deciding on a home. Other military families who have bought or sold a home in the area can be a good source of information. Take a drive around the community to spot homes with overgrown lawns (foreclosures), new construction (competition for your future sale), and drive the distance from the home to your installation during the high volume traffic times to get a good idea of the commute time. Understand the local real estate market by consulting the local newspaper, talking to real estate agents, and going online to get the latest information on how houses are selling in the area. If you don’t have a lot of time to do research, you may want to consider renting until you are able to better understand the community so you don’t make a hasty and possibly regrettable decision.
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#2: Acknowledge your circumstances
Whether you are active duty or reserve, being a part of the military has certain lifestyle implications. Some service members do not expect to move very often while others know that orders routinely come every two to three years. Deployments are another factor in many service members’ lives. “Let’s face it, the mobility of the military lifestyle is unique, and in my mind that’s where the issues surrounding home ownership spring from,” says J.J. Montanaro, a Certified Financial Planner with USAA. “A civilian who is lucky enough to have a good steady job can wait out any ripples, or even huge waves, in the market. On the other hand, that’s not going to be the case if you get PCS orders.” A home is a long term asset, says Montanaro, and military families frequently have a short-term time horizon. Before you buy, determine whether you can financially handle an expected or unexpected move if you cannot sell your home for the amount you desire. Will you rent? Do you have the money to handle months of a home being vacant? Or do you even want to stay at the location if deployment orders arrive? “Walk through all of the ‘bad’ things that could happen and be prepared,” says Montanaro.
#3: Build your team Find trusted people to give you information so you can make the best possible housing decision. Begin by talking with your financial institution to determine whether buying a home fits your financial goals. Speak with a financial advisor who has experience with the military community so they can figure in your lifestyle and loan options. continued on page 10