Mills Team Logo
CFPB: Understanding Loan Options
Where can I find the VA Homebuyer Guide?
Where can I find info about VA Home Loans?
Where can I find info about VA Home Loans?
What is Equity?

Base Housing Information

Base Housing Availability?
Navy Base Housing Availability
Air Force Base Housing Availability
Army Base Housing Availability
Marine Base Housing Availability
Coast Guard Base Housing Availability

Buyer's FAQ

What's the Initial Step for Buying a Home?

While attending open houses is more exciting than paperwork, the first step for homebuyers is participating in a buyer's interview to identify your wants and needs for your new  home.
Get pre-approved by a lender that understands the VA process as well as their options for loans.
This helps determine your affordable price range and sets a firm budget. Sellers will also take your offer more seriously when they know it's within your pre-approved limit.

How Does My Credit Score Impact My Home Loan?

When determining eligibility and affordability for a home loan, lenders consider your credit score. Typically, a score of 580 or higher is required to qualify, but it's recommended to aim for 620 or higher. A higher credit score may lead to better lending terms.

What Should My Down Payment Be?

The required down payment depends on the loan type, with most mortgage lenders requiring at least a 3% down payment. FHA loans typically need a minimum of 3.5% down. The exact percentage depends on factors like credit history, property type, and more. In 2014, the average down payment was 14%.

How Do I Search for a Home?

I will set up a search of the local MLS data base that matches your the needs & wants as established by your buyer's interview. You can narrow down results based on your price range, desired bedrooms, bathrooms, and more.

How Many Homes Should I View?

There's no set number of homes you should view before making an offer. Some find their dream home quickly, while others search for months. View as many homes as necessary to find the one that meets your needs.

How Safe is the Neighborhood?

Your real estate agent can't answer questions about crime statistics due to the Fair Housing Act. Before starting your house hunt, research crime data for the cities and neighborhoods you're considering to assess safety.

How good are the schools in the area?

Each of the listings that will be sent to you be the agent search will have the schools identified that your children will be attending if you live at that property address. Please utilize this link to access any information that you find desirable to about the school(s).

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Charge?

Typically, you're not directly responsible for paying a real estate agent when finding your dream home. The home seller pays their agent a percentage of the sale price, and that agent compensates the buyer's agent. A standard commission is 6% of the transaction, split between the agents.

What Home Service Companies Are Available?

Home service providers vary by location, so it's important to know the available options and compare and save money on services like cable, satellite, or internet in your new area. Your real estate agent can help you research and explore your options.

How Long Does the Home-Buying Process Take?

The timeline varies based on the state and property type. Once your offer is accepted, it typically takes around 30 days to close. FHA and VA loans may require a few extra days, while short sales can take 90 to 120 days on average to close.

How Will My Home Purchase Affect My Taxes?

Buying a home comes with tax benefits, but filing taxes can be complex if you're not used to itemizing. You can deduct mortgage interest payments, property taxes, closing points, interest on home equity loans, and more. Consider consulting a tax professional for guidance on itemizing.

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming, but working with an experienced real estate agent can help you navigate the process and address your questions.

Seller's FAQ

What's the Initial Step for Buying a Home?

While attending open houses is more exciting than paperwork, the first step for homebuyers is participating in a buyer's interview to identify your wants and needs for your new  home.
Get pre-approved by a lender that understands the VA process as well as their options for loans.
This helps determine your affordable price range and sets a firm budget. Sellers will also take your offer more seriously when they know it's within your pre-approved limit.

How Does My Credit Score Impact My Home Loan?

When determining eligibility and affordability for a home loan, lenders consider your credit score. Typically, a score of 580 or higher is required to qualify, but it's recommended to aim for 620 or higher. A higher credit score may lead to better lending terms.

What Should My Down Payment Be?

The required down payment depends on the loan type, with most mortgage lenders requiring at least a 3% down payment. FHA loans typically need a minimum of 3.5% down. The exact percentage depends on factors like credit history, property type, and more. In 2014, the average down payment was 14%.

How Do I Search for a Home?

I will set up a search of the local MLS data base that matches your the needs & wants as established by your buyer's interview. You can narrow down results based on your price range, desired bedrooms, bathrooms, and more.

How Many Homes Should I View?

There's no set number of homes you should view before making an offer. Some find their dream home quickly, while others search for months. View as many homes as necessary to find the one that meets your needs.

How Safe is the Neighborhood?

Your real estate agent can't answer questions about crime statistics due to the Fair Housing Act. Before starting your house hunt, research crime data for the cities and neighborhoods you're considering to assess safety.

How good are the schools in the area?

Each of the listings that will be sent to you be the agent search will have the schools identified that your children will be attending if you live at that property address. Please utilize this link to access any information that you find desirable to about the school(s).

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Charge?

Typically, you're not directly responsible for paying a real estate agent when finding your dream home. The home seller pays their agent a percentage of the sale price, and that agent compensates the buyer's agent. A standard commission is 6% of the transaction, split between the agents.

What Home Service Companies Are Available?

Home service providers vary by location, so it's important to know the available options and compare and save money on services like cable, satellite, or internet in your new area. Your real estate agent can help you research and explore your options.

How Long Does the Home-Buying Process Take?

The timeline varies based on the state and property type. Once your offer is accepted, it typically takes around 30 days to close. FHA and VA loans may require a few extra days, while short sales can take 90 to 120 days on average to close.

How Will My Home Purchase Affect My Taxes?

Buying a home comes with tax benefits, but filing taxes can be complex if you're not used to itemizing. You can deduct mortgage interest payments, property taxes, closing points, interest on home equity loans, and more. Consider consulting a tax professional for guidance on itemizing.

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming, but working with an experienced real estate agent can help you navigate the process and address your questions.