[Re-sent] August MHN Newsletter

End of Summer - Monthly Giveaway!

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Summer is quickly passing us by, and soon it will be time for school. One lucky winner will receive a $50 gift card to put towards a last minute summer hurrah, or even back-to-school shopping! Click the August Giveaway below and enter for your chance to win!

Interview with a Lender: VA Loans

What are some VA loan myths you tend to hear when working with applicants? Myth: You can only use one VA loan at a time.This is incorrect. If you had a VA loan before and decide to sell the house,your entitlement is restored because the loan is paid off. This means you can getanother VA loan for your next house. The money from selling your old house can beused to help you buy the new one. You can repeat this process multiple times, restoring your entitlement each time you sell and pay off the loan in full. Myth: Getting a VA loan is a difficult process.Back in the 1980s, receiving a VA loan was difficult because borrowers had to jumpthrough many hoops, however, this is no longer the case. As long as you meet the US military eligibility requirements, getting a VA loan is the same process as that of any other loan. Some people even say that VA loans offer more flexibility than other loans. Let’s talk about VA Home Inspections and Appraisals. What is the benefit or meaning of each? VA Appraisal: In a VA appraisal, the VA appoints an approved local appraiser from the market to carry out an appraisal report. This report examines comparable homes in the area in relation to the subject property and establishes a lending value. Additionally, the appraisal assesses the condition of the collateral to ensure it meets VA guidelines and local health and safety requirements. VA Home Inspection: A home inspection is arranged by the buyer for their own purpose or personal benefit. The buyer hires a home inspector to assess the property. They identify any issues with the house and highlight the items that require attention or fixing. The inspection report is designed to provide the buyer with a full understanding of the property's condition and any potential concerns that should be brought to their attention. Let's talk about the importance of the VA Loan and how AFB can help us. The VA loan program plays a crucial role in helping veterans and active-duty service members achieve the dream of homeownership with more affordable and accessible financing options.At Armed Forces Bank, our loan officers are exceptional and have an average of 15-20 years of loan experience. What sets us apart is our unique perspective, as many of our team members are veterans or military spouses, giving them an in-depth understanding of our borrowers' needs and challenges. These team members are well-prepared to handle complex situations, particularly for active-duty personnel facing relocations across the country. As a testament to our commitment to veterans, we waive all lender fees for them, ensuring they receive the best combination of service and price.The expertise of Armed Forces Bank loan officers goes beyond VA loans; our lenders are well-versed in all types of loans. Whether it's conventional mortgages, FHA loans, or other financing options, the team isequipped to assist both military members and civilians alike. Ask about our specials for HERO and professional loans as well.

Excerpt from Armed Forces Bank

School season is upon us, and while there may be a couple of weeks of summer and fun left, right now is the time to start preparing for the first day of school! We’ve put together a list of helpful tips and ideas to get your scholar back on track and ready for the school year ahead, as well as a list of department stores offering military discounts on school supplies and more! 

Military life is full of acronyms, but when it comes to setting up the household budget or looking into purchasing power for a future home, it's important to understand BAH, basic allowance for housing. Listen in for an explanation of BAH - what it is, what it isn't, and where some of the current concerns lie with advocates, leaders, and legislators.

In order to be successful when multitasking, it’s so important to find the right balance between the tasks at hand. Navigating the roles of an employee and a student/parent of a student can be exhausting, but with a little bit of planning and prioritizing, both can be done in a rewarding way that lets you succeed! 

    Looking for some fun last minute summer getaways!? If you haven’t already planned your summer vacation, it’s still not too late! Click below for a few getaways that you can plan at the last minute and still have an amazing time and make great memories! 

      Heading to Fort Riley? Check out our base guide below! Fort Riley and its surrounding areas are filled with hidden gems waiting to be discovered! From immersing yourself in the area’s rich military history to exploring the stunning Flint Hills, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to pack your adventurous spirit to create memories that will last a lifetime in this vibrant and welcoming community! 

      If you love being in the know and sharing the most up-to-date information that impacts our military families then our MilHousing Network Ambassador program is for you! Being an Ambassador is FREE and easy. 

      We send you the most up-to-date articles that are impacting families and with the click of a button, you can share the information and earn points. Points can be earned in many ways, from sharing content, liking pages, recruiting your friends, and much more! 

      These points enter you to win lots of different prizes. From gift cards to swag, we have it all!

      Just a few happy MilHousing Network military families...