In a discussion of the USDA loan vs VA loan, the VA loan comes out on top if you are talking about money saved and flexibility. Nevertheless, it’s good to know your options, and there may be some cases where the USDA will work better for you. The two programs are from different departments of the federal government and have similar benefits, but the VA is tailored to help veterans and active duty military members in very specific ways. Both the benefits, and the requirements, can help you afford a new home.
Blog
Downsizing Your Home | Why, Where, and What to Do
Downsizing your home can help you simplify your life, open new options and potentially change your lifestyle. It is also hard work. There’s a lot more to it than “channeling your inner minimalist”, and it’s best to approach downsizing with your eyes wide open. Since it inevitably means pairing down a lot of your belongings – stuff you’ve collected for years or decades – downsizing triggers a lot of emotions. Let’s look at all the facets of downsizing so you can get started.
Read More “Downsizing Your Home | Why, Where, and What to Do”
Thank You Doctors | 7 Ideas to Show Your Doctor Appreciation
The opportunity to say thank you doctors comes around once a year or year round, depending on how you feel. Of course, if you feel better and that’s because of a doctor, showing your gratitude doesn’t always come naturally. So here are a few ideas to let the doctor who has used their training and expertise to assist you or someone you care about.
Read More “Thank You Doctors | 7 Ideas to Show Your Doctor Appreciation”
VA Loan Appraisal Requirements, Process, Cost and Fees
VA loan appraisal requirements are not like a lot of the VA requirements you hear about. There’s no getting around this one. The VA loan system won’t give you their blessing for your VA loan mortgage without it. The good news is they have a large network of VA-approved appraisers and one of them will be assigned to your case. You don’t have to do much, but understanding the ins and outs of the appraisal will help you navigate the VA loan process.
Read More “VA Loan Appraisal Requirements, Process, Cost and Fees”
Printable Moving Checklist PDF | One Page Moving To Do List for Changing Your Address
A moving checklist is your guide to the last stage of buying a home. Even the simplest moves are too complex to be able to just wing it. If you love to plan, this will be a great exercise. If you don’t, then you may want this moving to do list even more. There’s just too much going on when changing your address, and the printable moving checklist PDF we offer here can really help.
Read More “Printable Moving Checklist PDF | One Page Moving To Do List for Changing Your Address”
Down Payment Assistance Programs and Grants for Each U.S. State
Exploring down payment assistance programs can be a game-changer if you are a potential homebuyer who is struggling to save enough money for a down payment. This comprehensive guide offers state-by-state insights and important details on various down payment assistance programs, grants, home buying programs and specific loan types designed to assist potential home buyers in their pursuit of becoming a homeowner.
Read More “Down Payment Assistance Programs and Grants for Each U.S. State”
The Kaufman Fund Receives $10,000 Grant to Aid Veterans
The Kaufman Fund is committed to aiding Veterans with life’s basic necessities through food, shelter, clothing, medical care and more. The fund was founded in 1990 in memory of Ralph Kaufman by his younger brother, Wayne Kaufman. The organization offers several referral programs for legal, dental, mental health and chiropractic services; plus four of their own programs including Food for Vets, Trees for Vets, Tax Prep for Vets and the Artist First for Vets.
Read More “The Kaufman Fund Receives $10,000 Grant to Aid Veterans”
Missouri Nurses Foundation Receives $7,000 Grant
The Missouri Nurses Foundation is committed to funding, supporting, and implementing innovative initiatives to advance the nursing profession, and promote the health of Missourians. They primarily do this by supporting opportunities for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of high-quality professional nursing in Missouri.
Read More “Missouri Nurses Foundation Receives $7,000 Grant”
Wichita Falls Professional Firefighters Association Benevolent Fund Receives $10,000 Grant
The Wichita Falls Firefighters Benevolent Fund is committed to providing support to their member firefighters and their families when tough times hit. The Wichita Falls Professional Firefighters Association is composed of the men and women of The City of Wichita Falls, TX Fire Department. The WFPFFA are proud members of the International Association of Fire Fighters as IAFF Local 432, and are members of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters as well.
Pendergast Foundation Receives $10,000 Grant
The Pendergast Elementary Community Foundation is located in Phoenix, AZ and is committed to inspire, promote and support extracurricular programs, charitable health and wellness services, financial assistance and scholarship programs for students and teachers. The foundation has contributed over $200,000 in scholarships to aspiring teachers at the iTeachAZ program at ASU Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.