Apr 11

Misperceptions Persist Over VA Loans

Mortgage loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs can help make homeownership more attainable for military families with its offers of zero-down-payment loans. But many vets or service members may not know what’s required to use one or how they work, a new study shows.

A new study of 1,000 active-duty service members and veterans by the Navy Federal Credit Union found that nearly all respondents were aware of what a VA loan is, but many respondents did show some confusion about their use. Some of that confusion included:

  • Seventeen percent of veterans and 45% of active-duty members believe a down payment of more than 20% is necessary.
  • About half of active-duty members and nearly one-third of veterans believe a VA loan can only be used once.
  • Nearly 60% of active-duty members and 41% of veterans believe VA loans have longer processing times.
  • Fifty-eight percent of active-duty members and 40% of veterans think VA loans will have delays due to all the paperwork involved.
  • Many of the respondents believe VA loans don’t provide much savings compared with conventional loans.

The National Association of REALTORS® and the Department of Veterans Affairs recently launched a joint video series for REALTORS® to help more veterans and active-duty buyers purchase a home using VA loans. The two-part series aims to dispel misconceptions about the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program(link is external) and guide REALTORS® and buyers through the process.

“Veterans and service members face unique challenges when purchasing a home, especially in this strong housing market,” NAR President Leslie Rouda Smith, who moderated the video discussions, said. “These videos will help our members navigate the VA home loan process and maximize its benefits for veterans.”

Read more: NAR and VA Release New Video Series on VA Home Loans

©National Association of REALTORS®
Reprinted with permission

admin

For all of your Real Estate needs, place yourself in the competent hands of a career Realtor who is a Philadelphia native and Delaware County resident. Skilled, smart and enthusiastic about his work and his life, Anthony DiDonato has the appealing combination of business sense and people skills gives him an edge in an industry that demands both.

Educated at Drexel University with a dual major in accounting and finance and minors in management and psychology Anthony DiDonato offers over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. He has been a real estate investor since 1985 and a member of H.A.P.C.O. (Landlord Association). He became a licensed Realtor in 1992 and a member of the Local, Pennsylvania and National Associations of Realtors. Anthony DiDonato is also a member of the Computerized Multiple Listings, (MLS) and Internet Marketing Programs. In 1997 Anthony DiDonato became Century 21 All-Elite, Inc. Corporate Secretary.

Anthony DiDonato believes in taking his profession to the highest level of quality service. He is known for finding that “perfect” property in Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania for his buyers and helping his sellers prepare their properties so they sell quickly and efficiently.

When it comes time to negotiate the terms of a contract, Anthony DiDonato has the knowledge, experience, and professionalism applied to meeting – or exceeding – his clients’ expectations. His service to his clients is second to none. His honesty and integrity have been his claim to fame.

For Superior Real Estate Representation in the Delaware Valley, Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania… call Anthony DiDonato.