Our real estate agents know that financing is the top issue on the minds of most first-time homebuyers. Even if your household finances are strong, being concerned is normal. After all, getting a good financing package can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your mortgage!

Atlanta homes for sale are some of the most desirable in Georgia. There's something here for everyone, so having the best financing available makes sense. If you're a veteran of the U.S. Armed Services, our team wants you to know about the VA loan program. It can help!

VA Loans Are Perfect for First-Time Homebuyers in Atlanta

If you're a veteran of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force, or if you've served as a reservist under certain circumstances, you might qualify for the Veterans Administration (VA) home loan. Also known as the VA mortgage loan, it provides a variety of benefits intended to help veterans buy a home.

VA loans have a variety of terrific benefits. You can buy your new home with no down payment. There are lower interest rates than conventional commercial loans, no required mortgage insurance policy, and no penalties for paying off your loan earlier than the expected date. Plus, "less than perfect" credit is usually accepted.

Here's how you can set the stage for the best results with a VA home loan:

• Ensure You Qualify Under Current VA Loan Guidelines
  Although VA home loan guidelines change occasionally, the gist remains the same. Generally, you will need three full months of service during wartime, six continuous months plus one day of active service during peacetime, or six or more years within the National Guard or Reserves.
  
  
• Get Your Certificate of Eligibility
  You will need a certificate of eligibility (COE) to qualify for a VA home loan. You can request your COE directly from the VA online. The COE includes details of your service you'll need to submit with your loan application package, including the duration of your service and discharge status.
  
  
• Get a Real Estate Agent
  At this point in the process, a real estate agent who specializes in helping veterans buy their first home is your best ally. He or she can help guide you through the process—and may help you cut months off the time it will take to find the right Georgia home for you and your family.
  
  
• Compare VA Home Loan Lenders
  The federal government sets the standards for the VA home loan, but the government does not issue the loan itself. Instead, lenders such as banks agree to abide by the loan program's rules in exchange for federal backing for the loans they issue. You should check with three to five lenders to determine which may offer the best deal.
  
  
• Make Sure Your Home Meets VA Guidelines
  Not all properties for sale in Georgia meet VA guidelines, and you can't use a VA home loan for those that don't qualify. Properties must be safe, structurally sound, and sanitary. Likewise, you can't put your VA loan toward a parcel of undeveloped land or most mobile homes. Your real estate agent can help you find qualifying homes!
  
  
• Work Through the Process
  Even once you choose a home and your bid is accepted, there are other steps, such as the home inspection. A real estate agent accelerates the process by connecting you with the professionals you need to get it all done.

Contact us to find out more, or get started today.