This photo was taken New Years Eve 2002 and is a photo of me and my youngest son Nicholas when he was home during what is called "Exodus" leave.  He was in the beginning of his U.S. Army basic training and during the weeks around Christmas time and the New Years most if not all of the basic training units are sent home.   It was our first glimpse of him as GI Nick (nicknamed that by his older brother, Mr. Bachelor) and I was so proud of him and yet very much apprehensive and afraid because of the build up of our forces beginning in the Middle East.

GI Nick is home now, no longer a U.S. Army active duty soldier and I am grateful beyond words for his safe return from his 4+ years of traveling the world courtesy of our government.  (The only bright side for me was that they had to feed him for that time.  Honestly, I thought once they realized how much he ate they would consider sending him home.)

During a recent visit by GI Nick we talked about his future home ownership goals and using the VA benefits that he earned.  He didn't realize how easy the process is, how good of a product a VA mortgage is, nor that he was eligible for the product with only 4+ years of service.  I was shocked when he told me the latter as I thought the benefits was something that the recruiters (who are the worlds best salespeople) would have touted.

I have always been a strong advocate of VA benefits, especially the home ownership program that is available to those who have served our country.  One of the many questions I ask potential buyers is "Have you served in the military?"  I have been surprised at the number of veterans who served who didn't realize that the VA home ownership program applied to them.  Most of these men and women were mistaken and felt that they had to retire from the service in order to receive those benefits. 

One of the best and most accurately updated sources for information regarding the VA home ownership benefits information is:  http://www.homeloans.va.gov/lgyfaq.htm

You may also talk to your mortgage lender and he or she would be happy to go over the eligibility for you. 

One area of concern for quite a few of the veterans is the issue of paperwork that could be needed.  Please don't let that hinder you in making an inquiry! (It will not resemble the paperwork that you signed upon induction!) The VA process is streamlined and typical documents you will need you already have, your DD214 for example.  A certificate of eligibility is needed, however if your mortgage lender or banker is streamlined into VA they can obtain that for you.  There are many wonderful mortgage lenders in Macomb County Michigan and all across this grand country to help you and educate you about the loan and its process.

Please, let us all make a strong effort to ask future buyers about their past military service and remind them that they more than likely are eligible for a VA home loan.   They've earned the benefit, as they've also earned our respect and gratitude.

If you have any questions regarding purchasing a home with your earned VA benefit please don't hesitate to contact me.  I will answer all that I can, and research those questions that I do not readily have an answer to.

Thank you for your service!  Please, use the benefits that you earned!

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Michigan and the Metro Detroit area.
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