For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you know has served in the military, it’s important to learn about this program and its benefits. Here are some key things to know about VA loans before buying a home.
VA home loans make it easier for veterans to buy a home, and they’re a great perk for those who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, some benefits include:
Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when trying to save for a home The Associated Press says:
“ about 90% of VA loans are used to purchase a home with no money down.”
Owning a home is the American Dream. Veterans give a lot to protect our country, and one way to honor them is by making sure they know about VA home loans.
Don’t Require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Many other loans with down payments under 20% require PMI. VA loans do not, which means veterans can save on their monthly housing costs.
Limited Closing Costs: There are limits on the types of closing costs you pay when you qualify for a VA home loan. So, more money stays in your pocket when it’s time to seal the deal.
An article from Veterans United sums up how remarkable this loan can be:
“For the vast majority of military borrowers, VA loans represent the most powerful lending program on the market. These flexible, $0down payment mortgages have helped more than 24 million service members become homeowners since 1944 ”
CONTACT YOUR REALTOR OR CLICK HERE!
We’re here to help you find the home of your dreams. Ready to start a new life in a new place?
We’re here to help you purchase the home of your dreams. We know that buying a home is one of the most important decisions you will make. Few things give you more pride than owning your own home, and you will probably make no greater single investment in your lifetime We want to help you make that dream come true. There are many different types of loan programs you can choose from, and the best loan program for your neighbor may be different than the one that is right for you. From getting preapproved to finding the perfect home, understanding the home-buying process can help give you peace of mind. So can partnering with a mortgage lender you can trust. Put our expertise to work for you. Whether you ’ re building or buying your home, FBC is here to help you along the way!
What people are saying:
A great home-buying experience! Our experience couldn’t have been any better We never felt like a number or just another client to them They were patient with any If our questions, and put any concerns we had at ease with the mortgage process.
Learn more about mortgages, loan programs, and the loan process.
When you call us a personal advisor will review your credit profile to determine how our program will effectively increase your credit scores. Then your dedicated credit coach will provide a customized plan to quickly exceed the minimum credit qualification thresholds of a mortgage
These eco-friendly bathroom upgrades cut energy costs and help attract today’s sustainability-minded buyers
It may come as no surprise that American households use most of their water in the bathroom. Approximately 24% of a household’s water use can be traced to the toilet alone(link is external), and another 20% goes down the shower drain.
Today’s homeowners are increasingly interested in sustainability reducing their use of resources and making their living spaces more friendly to people and the planet.
Switching to low-flow showerheads and faucets is perhaps the easiest, quickest, and most cost-effective bathroom upgrade. The energy savings are immediate. “Not only does this conserve water, but it is also conserving gas and electricity. Running hot water uses gas and electricity, and by lowering the flow rates you are using, [you] will conserve energy with gas and electricity,” says Brooke Moore, an interior designer with Freemodel(link is external), headquartered in Burlingame, Calif. Look for faucets and showerheads with a WaterSense label. These products meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria for water efficiency
Eco-friendly home design often focuses on reducing energy and water waste. But air quality matters, too. McLean recommends choosing low–volatile organic compound paints and finishes to reduce environmental and indoor air pollution. “One of my favorites is the Benjamin Moore [line of] low-VOC paints,” she says. Glidden Premium is also recommended for bathrooms, as this no-VOC paint is suitable for high-humidity spaces.
Most people get ready for their day in the bathroom A mix of whole-room and task lighting is key There are three easy ways to boost the eco-friendliness of bathroom lighting:
GoLED.“ReplaceyourlightingwithLEDbulbsorfixtures,”saysMcLean.“Theyuselesselectricityandlastmuchlonger.”
Install vacancy sensors. “Vacancy sensors turn lights on by sensing movement in the bathroom and will turn off automaticallywhennomoremovementissensed,”explainsMoore “Youdon’thavetoworryaboutforgettingtoturnoffthe bathroomlightanymore!”
Use natural light. Natural light sources should be considered whenever a home is being built from the ground up or completelyrenovated.Clerestorywindows rowsaboveeyelevel areagreatoptionforlargebathroomsbecausethey inviteplentyofsunlightwithoutcompromisingprivacy.
Not all countertops are created equally, so it’s important to pay attention to the material, manufacturing and transportation required to deliver them to a homeowner’s door In general, it’s a good idea to opt for natural materials that are sourced as locally as possible Sustainable countertop materials may include: Natural stone, Concrete, Certified porcelain tiles, and recycled glass.
Flooring is one of the most important decisions when renovating or building a home, but with so many options, it can be difficult to decide on a material. There are many elements to consider, from aesthetics to price, durability, and upkeep. Plus, every room has different needs and requirements, so you’ll likely use a few different types of flooring across your home Here's what you need to know about hardwood, tile, stone, laminate, and more
Hardwood flooring consists of solid wood planks in various hardwood varieties, including maple, oak, walnut, and cherry Hardwood is one of the most sought-after flooring types, favored for its aesthetic appeal, versatility, and durability. Hardwood floors are on the more expensive end of the flooring spectrum, but they are a good investment as they are guaranteed to last and can even increase the value of your home.
If you like the look of hardwood but don’t have the budget for it, engineered wood flooring is a great alternative. This floor type consists of a thin layer of hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate Engineered wood floors are just as durable as their hardwood counterpart and can be treated with a high-quality coating to preserve their surface. And, they're much easier to install. he main benefit of engineered wood over hardwood is its greater resistance to moisture and temperature changes, making it more suitable for underfloor heating systems.
Little rivals the natural beauty of a natural stone floor As a product of nature, each tile is unique with its markings and veining. Different types of stones suit different styles. Stone is exceptionally hard-wearing and generally requires very little maintenance, so it’s great for high-traffic areas Because stone is a porous material, it will need re-sealing to prevent stains and scratches. It’s also one of the few materials that can be used indoors and outdoors, allowing you to seamlessly transition between your indoor and outdoor space
Tile is a popular flooring choice for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens. Typically made from porcelain and ceramic, tiles are water-resistant, durable, and super versatile. Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles, tile floors present the perfect opportunity to tap into your creativity and add character to a space. High- quality tiles are long-lasting and durable and very easy to clean and maintain. They don’t harbor dust mites or pet hair, making them an excellent option for those with allergies.
Concrete floors are becoming increasingly popular outside of their usual use in the garage and basement. Concrete flooring has many practical advantages, too: It’s hardwearing, easy to clean, ages well, water-resistant, noise-absorbing, and highly versatile It works well with underfloor heating and comes in various finishes, from matte to polished, brushed, raked, and pitted. It can even be dyed or littered with stones or glass beads for a textural effect
Carpet is a popular type of flooring, particularly in places with colder climates Not only does carpet have acoustic and thermal insulating qualities, but the soft, textured surface visually warms up the space and feels soft underfoot Carpets are available in synthetic and natural fibers and vary significantly in price and quality. While carpet technology has evolved and many carpets now have stain-resistant qualities, carpets will eventually wear and need replacing every 5-10 years
Vinyl flooring comprises layers of different materials, including polyvinyl chloride, plasticizers, and pigments It’s available as a roll or as Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) that imitate natural wood planks and tiles. Vinyl flooring is favored for its practicality and affordability. It is cheap, easy to clean and install, durable, maintenance-free, and completely waterproof, so it is often chosen for bathrooms and kitchens. Plus, the many design choices available suit a wide range of design aesthetics
Laminate is another excellent option when price and practicality matter most Laminate flooring comprises particleboard topped with a photographic image of the actual material and a layer of laminate to protect the surface Its main advantage over vinyl is the wide range of textures, colors, and styles available As one of the cheapest flooring options, it is less durable than other materials and is only water resistant, not waterproof. hat means it’s unsuitable for high moisture areas like the bathroom
See how new paint colors look on your home... BEFORE IT'S PAINTED! Be "Color Confident" with a Virtual Color Consultation
Tell us your color preferences, and take our style quiz.
Our designers will create 3-5 initial designs for you to see online, then work with you to create more designs until you find the one you love
Enjoy that feeling of knowing you'll love the paint color after your home is painted. No more guesswork!
REQUEST A CONSULTATION