Unlocking the Door to Your Dream Home with VA Loans: A Guide for Veterans and Military Families

Liz Gibbs • February 14, 2024

At Eagle Mortgage, we're not just in the business of offering loans; we're in the business of making dreams come true. The journey to homeownership might seem daunting for the brave souls who've served our country. But it doesn't have to be. VA loans are designed to honor your service and make the path clearer and more accessible. The start is just the start: zero down payment, no private mortgage insurance (PMI), and lenient credit score requirements. So, if you're a veteran, an active-duty service member, or a surviving spouse, let's explore how VA loans can unlock the door to your dream home.

Eligibility for VA Loans

The first step on this journey is determining eligibility. VA loans are a privilege for:

Veterans
Active-duty service members
National Guard members
Reserve members
Some surviving spouses

You'll need to have served a minimum period and meet the service requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is your ticket here, and at Eagle Mortgage, we can help you navigate this process smoothly.

Benefits of VA Loans

VA loans come with a suite of benefits designed to make homeownership more attainable:

No Down Payment: One of the most significant hurdles to homeownership is the down payment. VA loans often require none, making it easier to take the leap.
No PMI: Unlike conventional loans, VA loans don't require you to pay private mortgage insurance, even if your down payment is below 20%.
Competitive Interest Rates: The VA backs these loans, leading to lower interest rates compared to many conventional loans.
Lenient Credit Requirements: VA loans are more forgiving regarding credit scores, making them accessible to more people.

The Application Process

Applying for a VA loan with Eagle Mortgage is a journey we walk together:

Pre-Qualification: We'll discuss your financial situation and what you're looking for in a home to get an idea of your loan amount.
COE: You'll need a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA, which we can help you obtain.
Loan Application: We'll guide you through the application, helping you gather and submit the necessary documents.
Property Appraisal: The VA requires an appraisal to assess the value of the home you're interested in.
Closing: Once everything is in order, we'll close the loan, and you'll get the keys to your new home.

Success Stories

A Navy veteran, John dreamed of a home where his family could grow roots. He bought a spacious four-bedroom house with a VA loan through Eagle Mortgage without draining his savings on a down payment. Maria, a single mother and Army reservist, thought homeownership was out of reach until she explored VA loans with us. Now, she's a proud homeowner, providing stability for her children.

VA loans are a bridge to homeownership for many who've served our country. With no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates, they're an excellent pathway to owning your dream home. Eagle Mortgage is here to guide you every step of the way, from exploring your eligibility to handing you the keys. Your service deserves honor, and your dreams of homeownership deserve to be realized. Let's make those dreams come true together.

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Broccoli Beef Braids

January 24, 2025

Prep Time Cook Time Yield 15 min 15 min 2 loaves (4 servings each) Ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/2 cup chopped onion - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 3 cups frozen chopped broccoli - 1/4 teaspoon pepper - 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese - 2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 350°. In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in broccoli, cheese, sour cream, salt and pepper; heat through. 2) Unroll 1 tube of crescent dough onto a greased baking sheet; form into a 12x8-in. rectangle, pressing perforations to seal. Spoon half the beef mixture lengthwise down center of rectangle. 3) On each long side, cut 1-in.-wide strips at an angle, from the edge to about 3 in. into the center. Fold 1 strip from each side over filling and pinch ends together; repeat. 4) Repeat with remaining ingredients to make second braid. Bake 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Nutrition Facts 2 pieces : 396 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. recipe from Taste of Home - https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/broccoli-beef-braids/#RecipeCard

One Pan Chicken and Potatoes

December 23, 2024

Prep time Cook time Serves 15 minutes 1 hour 2 minutes 4 to 6 Ingredients 3 cloves garlic 3 to 4 large lemons, divided 1 medium red bell pepper 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (4 to 6) 1/2 to 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1/2 medium bunch fresh dill or parsley, or a combination 3 ounces feta cheese (optional) Instructions 1) Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400ºF. 2) Prepare the following, adding each to the same large bowl as you complete it: Mince 3 garlic cloves. Juice 2 to 3 of the large lemons until you have 1/3 cup. Cut 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes into 1-inch wedges. Trim and cut 1 medium red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. 3) Add 1/4 cup of the olive oil, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper. Toss to evenly coat the potatoes and pepper. 4) Cut the remaining 1 large lemon into 6 wedges. Pat 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season all over with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 5) Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large (at least 12 inch) cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken skin-side down in a single layer. Cook until the fat is rendered and the skin is crisp and golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate skin-side up in a single layer (the chicken will not be cooked through at this point). 6) Add the potato mixture and any liquid at the bottom of the bowl to the skillet and stir to coat in the pan drippings. Arrange into an even layer. Pour 1/2 cup of the low-sodium chicken broth over the top. Nestle the lemon wedges and chicken skin-side up into the potatoes. Pour in any accumulated juices on the plate. 7) Transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender and browned in spots, 40 to 50 minutes. If the skillet becomes too dry, add the remaining 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth. 8) Let the chicken and potatoes rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop the leaves and tender stems from 1/2 medium bunch fresh dill or parsley until you have about 1/2 cup. 9) Crumble 3 ounces feta cheese over the chicken if desired (about 1/3 cup). Sprinkle with the herbs. By Rachel Perlmutter

Unlocking New Opportunities Through Mortgage Refinancing

December 2, 2024

Refinancing your mortgage is more than just a way to lower your interest rate—it’s a versatile financial strategy that can open doors to new opportunities. Whether you're looking to build long-term financial security, create a safety net for unexpected expenses, or achieve a specific life goal, refinancing offers numerous possibilities. Here are some unique ways refinancing can help you take control of your financial future. Build Equity Faster For homeowners who want to pay off their mortgage sooner, refinancing into a shorter loan term, such as moving from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage, can be a game changer. While this approach may increase your monthly payments, it can significantly reduce the total interest paid over the life of the loan and help you build equity in your home more quickly. Faster equity growth also provides added financial security, giving you more options for future borrowing or home sales. Stabilize Your Monthly Payments If you currently have an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), refinancing into a fixed-rate mortgage can provide stability in your monthly payments. Fixed-rate mortgages protect you from interest rate fluctuations, offering predictability in your budget—especially valuable in an uncertain economic climate. This switch can help you plan better for the long term without worrying about rising rates. Tap Into Your Home’s Value with a Cash-Out Refinance A cash-out refinance allows you to access the equity in your home for a lump sum of cash. This option is ideal for homeowners looking to fund significant expenses like starting a business, paying for college tuition, or even creating an emergency fund. While it does increase your mortgage balance, it often comes with lower interest rates compared to personal loans or credit cards, making it a cost-effective way to finance large expenses. Plan for Retirement As you approach retirement, refinancing can be a strategic move to align your mortgage with your future financial needs. For instance, if you’re looking to reduce monthly expenses, refinancing to a lower interest rate or extending your loan term could free up cash for other retirement goals. Alternatively, a cash-out refinance could provide funds for investments or healthcare costs, ensuring you’re financially prepared for this new chapter of life. Is Refinancing Right for You? Every homeowner’s situation is unique, and refinancing isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s essential to consider your financial goals, current mortgage terms, and the costs associated with refinancing. Working with an experienced mortgage professional can help you weigh the pros and cons to make the most informed decision. Why Choose Eagle Mortgage Inc.? At Eagle Mortgage Inc., we understand that refinancing is more than just a transaction—it’s an opportunity to improve your financial outlook. Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the process, helping you tailor a refinancing solution that aligns with your goals. Whether you’re looking to save on interest, fund life’s milestones, or simply take charge of your finances, we’re here to help. Contact us today to explore refinancing options designed to meet your needs and maximize the potential of your home.

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