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DOD BAH Rates: How Military Housing Allowance is Calculated

BAH, or Basic Allowance for Housing, aids military members with off-base housing costs. Rates vary by rank, location, and dependency status. Learn how BAH rates are determined for 2025, factoring in rental market averages and utility costs. The DoD aims for about 95% coverage, not always 100%. BAH differs from COLA and is separate from […]

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Common Reasons VA Loans Are Denied Due to Residual Income and How to Fix Them

VA loans, despite flexible standards, strictly enforce residual income requirements, ensuring borrowers can manage living expenses after paying debts. This means meeting VA residual income requirements is crucial, as it measures post-expense financial breathing room, not just DTI. Common issues include underestimating expenses, low co-borrower income, omitted non-taxable income, large households with modest income, and

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How to Use Your Military LES for Budgeting and Financial Planning

Ever look at your LES and wonder how it fits into your financial future? For service members, that monthly Leave and Earnings Statement is more than a pay stub. It’s your roadmap to budgeting, planning, and even preparing for homeownership. Here’s how to break it down and use it to make smarter money decisions. Why

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VA Loan Alternatives: What to Do If You Don’t Qualify?

VA loan alternatives exist for veterans facing eligibility barriers, such as insufficient service length, dishonorable discharge, or prior benefit use. Situations where VA loans may not be an option necessitate exploration of FHA, conventional, USDA loans, or state/local programs. Factors like credit score, savings, and location guide the best alternative. When VA Loans Are Off

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Other VA Loan Eligibility Factors Beyond Credit Score

VA loan approval hinges on more than just credit score. Key factors affecting VA loan approval include stable income history, sufficient residual income after bills, consistent employment, positive past payment history, and a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Lenders assess the overall financial picture, not just the credit score. 1. Income Stability – Can You Really Afford

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How VA Loans Help Homebuyers Save on Mortgage Insurance Costs

VA loans offer significant savings for eligible veterans by eliminating private mortgage insurance (PMI), a cost typically required with conventional loans for down payments under 20%. This benefit alone can save tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. While VA loans do have a one-time funding fee, it’s often less burdensome

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States with the Best Tax Benefits for Military Retirees

 Florida, Texas, Virginia, and South Carolina provide military retirees significant tax advantages, including exemptions on military pensions and property tax relief. It offers actionable strategies and data-driven comparisons for first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, and real estate professionals, highlighting states that offer the best tax breaks for veterans. Understanding Tax Benefits for Military Retirees Military retirees

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Veterans Plus Home Loans: Best VA Loan Rates in Florida

Veterans Plus Home Loans brings you this complete guide to comparing VA loan rates in Florida. Learn about the benefits of VA loans, understand important factors like APR, loan terms, fees, and credit scores that affect your rate, and get practical tips—like shopping around, negotiating, and using rate calculators—to help you find the best VA

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What Happens If You Exceed VA Loan Limits? Options for Larger Loans

If you’re a veteran or an active service member planning to buy a home, you might wonder: What happens if I need a loan larger than the VA loan limit? VA loans offer fantastic benefits, including no down payment and competitive interest rates, but what if your dream home’s price exceeds the limit? The good

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VA Loan Refinance Eligibility: Who Qualifies and What’s Required?

For veterans, active-duty service members, and certain military spouses, a VA loan refinance can be an excellent way to secure lower interest rates, reduce monthly payments, or tap into home equity. Understanding who qualifies and what’s required is crucial to making the most of this valuable benefit. To qualify for a VA refinance loan, including

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