Buying your Dream Home after Military Retirement
Finally, the day is here! You like many Military Veterans make the transition from active duty life to the exciting civilian life. The question often comes up whether to buy a home during your transition. After all, you and the family are in it for the long haul now for sure.
We all know that VA home loans are one of the best ways for military members and veterans to buy a home.
As a preparation for their new civilian career, the military allows members time to get settled, interview for jobs, and look for housing that will work for them once they leave active duty.
If you are in fact retiring from the military, and are set on buying a home, start planning a year out.
"VA rules for occupancy required a veteran approved for a VA mortgage to move into the property within 60 days of closing the deal on the home. Some vets close to retirement may want to purchase a home, but can't move in within 60 days because their military retirement date is several months away. The VA may accept a later move-in date, but generally nothing longer than 12 months past the closing date of the VA loan."
The VA rules are fairly strict, requiring retirees to submit proof of a retirement date and to submit in writing intent to take possession of the home in a specific date range.
Also keep in mind that the new way of life will have some challenges of its own, like finding a new career, relocating to a new area maybe, taking care of your family. You may realize your finances may be in "transition" too. Make sure you have a financial cushion set aside, you may find things getting a bit tight during the transition.
Take a look at your budget before deciding to buy a home. Sometimes it’s better to wait until you have made the transition, have been at your new job a few months, and to see how the change will affect your budget. Then decide when it makes sense to buy a home based on your budget, career, family, and other factors. You may find it challenging to proof your new retirement income, or maybe you are eligible for disability. An experienced lender can help you along, as long as you can proof the new income, and been in that new job with at least one paycheck, as it will be a requirement to get you approved for your new home.
If home ownership is the way you decide to do, then go for it! Just be sure to take your time finding the right realtor, the right house and the right lender.
Serving those who Serve! Let me help you create a road map where you can put your roots down!
Jordana Adams- Realtor
Certified Military Residential Specialist
Direct 703-725-6179
Visit my Website Berlin Realty Group.com
Search for homes right now- Start Here
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Realty
17201 Wayside Drive
Dumfries, VA 22026
703-763-5454
" I am never too busy for Referrals"
Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
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