Realtors, brokers, VA loans - first time home buyer

Oh that's right, that's the other thing that was mentioned to me was that you can only get a VA loan up to the appraisal value so you'd be SOL if the market value is higher, which is a likely concern in the Bay Area.

Never had that problem :dunno
 

DigDoug

Well-known member
This just came to mind:

There are a lot of solar panels on roofs these days, especially in CA. For every single roof you see with solar on it, there are probably about as many types of contracts/agreements associated with them depending if the owner purchased them out right, leased them, or any variation thereof. If you do like a place with solar on it, be sure to understand what the terms are and any added steps that may be involved with the installation when putting in an offer on a place that has them.

I had solar installed on a house I purchased in Fresno. It was great as I thought I was going to be in the place for a much longer time than it turned out. My agreement on the solar installation was of the PPA variety. I found out when I ended up selling, that perspective buyers also had to have a separate credit approval from the solar company to verify the buyer could cover the PPA. The buyers were cool with it and everything turned out fine but it was one more headache added to the slough(sp?) of paperwork that had to be done. Just something to consider.
 
Thanks for the heads up, I’ll definitely keep that in mind.

Most of the places I’m looking at in my price range are townhouses / condos but I’m crossing my fingers for an actual house.
 

chrisweir.com

Home Loans for Riders!
I have closed VA and FHA loans in Marin County where they don't do a lot of government lending. The buyers agents were nervous since there are many misconceptions about government loans, and it is true the section 1 portion of the termite report must be completed prior to close, but other than that they're not difficult loans to close and the sellers do not need to jump through hoops to get them done.

The VA loan is a great product, currently in the low 2% range and yes, that's with $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance. Its the best product for the borrower available in the mortgage market, and any vet should take advantage. If your broker does VA loans regularly they will be prepared to close the financing side with the sellers agent and you'll be fine.

I would compare the monthly savings on putting cash down vs $0 down carefully and consider the advantage of having a cash reserve you can invest or buy more motorcycles with in the future.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!


The reason folks talk about VA loans, is apparently as a "bank" they're pickier on appraisals and inspections and such. They're just a bit fussier about it. That's what our Realtor said, simply that there's more of a chance of escrow failing because of the VA (vs the buyer) than with a normal bank.

How much more of a chance? I don't know. I don't recall if we sold to someone with a VA loan or not, I just recall it wasn't a real consideration for our offers (i.e. we're not rejecting it because of the VA, but because someone else offered more XXX).
 

Holeshot

Super Moderator
Staff member
Most of the places I’m looking at in my price range are townhouses / condos but I’m crossing my fingers for an actual house.

Pete, don't forget to factor the HOA fee (as well any projected increases you can) into your payment for comparative value with a non-HOA property. Most of the HOA fees cover very little of actual maintenance so factor that difference in too.
 

Akira-R

Well-known member
Pete, don't forget to factor the HOA fee (as well any projected increases you can) into your payment for comparative value with a non-HOA property. Most of the HOA fees cover very little of actual maintenance so factor that difference in too.

If there is an HOA, you will want to know if there have been any special assessments, or planning to have some in the near future.

Basically a special assessment is where they need the home owners to give more money for repairs or other things that are beyond the budget and reserves. It could be in the tens of thousands as a one time cost.
 

Holeshot

Super Moderator
Staff member
Good point Akira.

On the subject of special assessments: they can MASSIVE. We're getting hit for one on a property that's about 5% of the value...in 12 easy, monthly payments.
 

chrisweir.com

Home Loans for Riders!
If there is an HOA, you will want to know if there have been any special assessments, or planning to have some in the near future.


Agreed but in this white hot, bid over ask, marketplace don't put special assessment language in your offer. You can check it out once your offer is accepted but before inspection period ends.
 

mean dad

Well-known member
+2



Are those before/after pics of your garage? It looks really nice!

It is, and thank you!

Since the pic, I've installed cabinets on both sides and a workbench against the far wall. With my toolbox and a couple of shelf units in there I'm about out of room already. :laughing
 

gnahc79

Fear me!
Pete, FYI since this could affect the supply of homes available for sale

https://a27.asmdc.org/sb91-information

This week the legislature passed SB 91, extending the State’s current eviction moratorium (AB 3088) until June 30, 2021. Under SB 91, tenants must continue to make certain declarations to qualify and can make partial payments to avoid eviction on June 30, 2021.

In addition, SB 91 will use federal funds to pay up to 80% of back rent accumulated between April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Landlords who choose to participate in the program will receive 80% of back rent owed due to COVID-19 impacted tenants unable to pay full rent since last March. In exchange, the rental debt accumulated by their tenants will be dismissed and tenants will be protected from eviction through June 30, 2021.
 
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