Study: Rental Payment History Can Help Boosts Credit Scores

This is an great article out of the Realtor Online Magazine. If you have a good rental history it can help you out with your credit score... If you have any questions please feel free to contact us here at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | FRIDAY, AUGUST 08, 2014

The addition of rental payment data to credit files may help more potential renters become home owners.

Experian became the first credit reporting agency to add on-time rental payments to its database. It recently conducted an analysis to determine how the added rental information has aided consumers’ credit files.

For the previous unscoreable, adding the rental data has now allowed them to have a credit score, with the majority now falling in the least risky prime category too, Experian’s analysis shows.The study found that subprime and nonprime residents saw the greatest positive score impact by the addition of rental histories. Nineteen percent of the study participants that were considered subprime moved to at least one higher – or less risky – risk segment by the addition, opening them up to more affordable credit and additional credit opportunities, the study noted.

“Consumer financing rapidly changed during the economic upheaval, and regulatory changes forced lenders to tighten the standards for the underwriting process,” says Genevieve Juillard, president of Experian Consumer Information Services. “This excluded many Americans from the opportunity to attain credit due to a limited or no credit history. Residents who pay their rent on time month after month should be rewarded and not overlooked simply because they rent instead of own the place they call home.”

Source: Experian

Thanks for stopping by today...

Budgeting Basics for Homeowners

I believe when you are going to own a home there are so many things you have to watch and one is you really have to budget. Although most people really have to tighten their belts so to speak, it is well worth it. So this article was sent to me by Pillar to Post Home Inspecitons, please take to read it and if you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with us at  www.MilitaryRCN.com

A new home often means making significant adjustments to how you spend your money. Expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance add up quickly and can easily throw your best financial intentions out of whack. Creating and following a budget is a great way to make sure you stay on track while cutting down on financial stress at the same time.

Having a budget gives you a roadmap for your financial needs and goals. Yes, your monthly home-related expenses need to be met, but you’ll also need to consider much more: food, clothing, education, healthcare, transportation, and savings for both retirement and emergency expenses.

As a homeowner, you’ll definitely have unexpected costs that arise at inconvenient times – the water heater needs replacing, or the roof needs repair right away. Having a way to cover these expenses is critical not only to your home but to your peace of mind.

Start your budget planning by examining your income against your expenses. First, list your monthly income – your take-home pay if you get a paycheck, self-employment income, and any other outside sources of income. This amount will form the basis of your budget.

Next, make a list of your monthly fixed expenses. These include the mortgage payment, insurance, phone and internet service, trash collection, automobile payments, etc. For expenses that are typically billed less frequently, such as property taxes, insurance, and school tuition, divide the total yearly amount by 12. Fluctuating costs such as gas and electric bills can be averaged to a monthly total and added to this list as well. If you carry credit card balances, you’ll need to factor in those payments, too. Importantly, savings should be considered fixed expenses – making this commitment to your future will pay off, literally, in the years to come.

Now you can list your variable expenses. These are expenses over which you have some control: food, clothing, cable or satellite TV, gasoline, entertainment, gym memberships, and even haircuts are some typical examples. Track these expenses for a few months so that you’ll have accurate numbers to work with. It’s very important to be realistic about what you currently spend, because once you’ve come up with your overall expense budget you may need to look for reductions in these variable items.

Add your fixed and variable expenses together and compare them to your monthly income. If your income is enough to cover everything, you can still look for ways to budget in your favor. Reducing some variable expenses and shifting the difference into savings, for example, is a great way to boost your financial situation without making major changes.

And if expenses exceed income?  If an increase in income isn’t on the horizon, you’ll need to reduce your expenses so that they’re in line with what you can actually afford. First, go to your list of variable expenses and closely consider each line item. Do you really need that upper-tier cable TV package? Can you prepare more meals at home?  Go to the movies less often? Reducing expenses in these categories can really add up on a monthly basis.

If reducing your variable costs still isn’t enough, you’ll need to look at your fixed expenses. Consider trading down to a car with payments you can afford and raising the deductibles on your home and auto insurance. Check into cheaper plans for your cell phones. The differences can be significant over the course of a year.

No matter how carefully you plan your budget, it won’t work if you don’t stick to it. Use personal finance software to track your budget, and continue to make adjustments over time. By keeping to your budget, you’ll come out ahead and sleep better at night, too.

Thanks for stopping by today and please take time to take a look at our blog again tomorrow.

Add the KW App to your phone for a great home search tool!!!!

For a great app for use of  your home search go to www.LynnNicholsApp.com, you can use this app anywhere in the country, it is GPS driven. It has so many great functions, and you can share it with whoever you like. If there are any questions please contact us here at the Military Relocation Connection Network.

Introducing our newest Realtor, Jim Muscatell

The Military Relocation Connection Network is happy to announce it's newest Realtor from the state of Washington, Jim Muscatell. So here in his own words is a little about him.

I retired from the military as a Brigadier General after 35 years and we returned home to Puyallup Washington.  I started the next chapter of my life as a Real Estate Agent with Gateway.  My wife is an interior decorator and offering free staging advice for my listings through 2014.

People are my passion! As a servant leader I led thousands in the military.  Now I continue serving others by helping them accomplish their real estate dreams.  I promise the highest level of customer service while assisting you in achieving your real estate goals.  We commit to treat your dream as if it was our own.

The most important part of my job is to listen carefully to your wants and needs. I promise to always communicate and promptly return your text, calls and emails.

On my website you can search MLS listings, get the latest Real Estate news and even explore bank owned properties in Puyallup, Spanaway, Graham, Lakewood and Bonney Lake/Lake Tapps.

Sincerely,

 Jim Muscatell Real Estate Broker                              

Phone: 253-254-8547

Email: Jim.Muscatell@gatewayre.com

Website: JimMuscatell.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jimmuscatellreator

         

New Listing in Clayton, New York

This new listing is presented by our Realtor in New York, Melanie Curley. Melanie sevices the Fort Drum military base. She has been with the Military Relocation Connection Network since the beginning when we first started in 2009. Please take a look at her new listing in Clayton New York. Just click on the picture and it will give you a virtual tour.

Here at the Military Relocation Connection we can help you from your current station to your next station. Please contact with any Relocation questions you may have.

Aloha from Hawaii, where this beautiful home is for sale

Good Afternoon Everyone. Our Realtor located in Hawaii, Wanda Ortiz Thayne has a great new listing that I would like to share with you. You can click on the picture and take a tour. If have a PCS move to Hawaii please call Wanda, she will take care of you. If you have any other Real Estate needs anywhere in the country please contact us here at the Military Relocation Connection Network and let us help you.

5 Tips for Creating a Fun-Filled PCS Trip

Found this great article on Military by Owner website. Knowing that it is PCS season thought this may have some fun ideas. As always if there is anything the Military Relocation Connection Network can do please contact us, we can help you to and from your next station.

Whether you are planning your PCS route or taking a Griswold type family vacation, it can be a great opportunity to see some amazing sights across this great country. Better yet, there are a number of opportunities for military service members and their families to minimize the financial toll of the trip.

National Parks

There are more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States and the National Park Service is offering a free Annual Pass to all military members and dependents in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as Reserve and National Guard members with valid military ID.

Annual Pass for U.S. Military holders will receive the following benefits:

“Free admission at sites that charge entrance or standard amenity fees for one full year from the month obtained (through last day of that month).

• Allows pass owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle to enter federally operated recreation sites across the country.
• Covers the pass owner and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fee charged for children 15 and under.

The pass does not cover or provide a discount on expanded amenity fees such as camping, boat launch or interpretive fees.”

(National Park Service Website http://www.nps.gov)

Passes can be obtained at Federal sites that charge an entrance fee, a list of which can be found here.

If you are PCSing with more than one vehicle, keep in mind that the pass is only valid for one vehicle and its passengers. However, if another military member or dependent is operating the other vehicle, you may want to inquire about obtaining a second Annual Pass.

With the number of incredible national parks, this Annual Pass is a great way to make the most of your summer travels.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Military Fee Waiver

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now accepting the National Park Annual Pass for U.S. Military at the more than 2,500 USACE managed recreation areas, which include boat launches and swimming areas across the United States.

They also waive the camping fees for active duty military members and their dependents that are currently deployed or have just returned from deployment. To qualify for the camping waiver, the member or dependent must present a copy of leave orders as well as military ID or Annual Pass.

If you are truly adventuresome during your PCS move, you could camp for a night, which would certainly cut down on any lodging expenses. Otherwise, this is just a great opportunity for summer family fun!

View a list of the USACE sites across the country.

Blue Star Museums

Stopping at a children’s museum during a PCS move can be a great way to let the kids run off some energy. Of course, visiting a museum is also a great way to beat the summer heat.

Blue Star Museums is offering free admission for military families at more than 2,000 art centers, museums and exhibits through Labor Day, so be sure to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Find a Blue Star Museum near you or along your route

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Any fan of the Food Network will be familiar with Guy Fieri’s show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where he showcases the hole-in-the-wall restaurants that only the locals would know and love. Everyone loves to eat and what better way to try out some local flavor than to map out stops at some of the DDD’s that Guy has visited?

If you are traveling with kids, this is another way to involve them in the planning process by having them choose different places to stop. This may also eliminate any complaints about where you are stopping for lunch.

Oddly enough it seems, I am not the only fan of DDD, as there is an individual who has mapped out each stop that Guy has made and has created a Google map that provides the name, address, phone number, web address and quotes from what Guy had to say about the restaurant. This is a great way to plot out the stops along your route.

Cool Stops & Side Trips

There is no shortage of fun, odd, beautiful and amazing things to see across this great land and there is no better time than during a PCS trip to take advantage of the opportunity to stop and see the sights.

If you have planned out your route and have set stops for each evening, visit the Chamber of Commerce website for the area to see what type of events or entertainment may be taking place while you are there. Catch a minor league baseball game, visit an art festival, play at a park or catch a concert while you are in town. After driving all day, it may just be the thing you need to gather your energy to drive on. Stopping on side trips to see the Meteor Crater, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine or The Amazing Maize Maze may be the thing that makes this the most memorable trip of your life!

To help you get started with your travel plans, we have included some fun sights and side trips along the most frequently traveled PCS routes. If you have some fun ideas of places to stop or things to see, please share them with us.

Travels along I-40	Travels along I-10	Travels along I-80

Vacation Security Smarts

Hello Everyone:

With the vacation season upon us I got an article written by Pillar to Post home inspectors about security measures for the summer season while you are on vacation.  Have a very safe and great June.

Vacation Security Smarts

As summer gets into full swing, it makes sense to review some simple but important steps you
should take to secure your home during vacation season. Amidst all of the decisions about
where to go, where to stay, and what to do when you get there, taking some time to plan for
leaving your home safe and secure will give you added peace of mind while you’re away.

Here are some useful reminders and tips for protecting your home while you’re away:
 Make your home appear occupied by using timers on a few lights throughout the house,
scheduling them to turn off and on at various times after dark. You can also use a timer
on a radio to provide background noise to deter potential intruders.
 Use caution when communicating about your vacation dates on Facebook and other
social media . Information spreads quickly, and you don’t want it to get into the wrong
hands.
 Advise your friends and trusted neighbors of your travel plans and when you’re
expecting to return. Provide your cell phone or another number where they can reach
you in an emergency.
 Suspend delivery of your newspaper and have the post office hold your mail, or ask a
neighbor to collect them for you each day. A buildup of mail or uncollected papers is an
obvious sign that no one is at home.
 Ask a neighbor park in your driveway on occasion so it looks like there is someone at
home.
 If you have landline phones, turn off the ringers so they can’t be heard from outside.
Leave a note on at least one of the phones as a reminder to turn them back on when
you return.
 Arrange to have someone mow the lawn in your absence if you’re going to be gone for a
week or more.
 Close the window coverings on any ground-level rooms where displays of silver or other
valuables are visible from outside.
 Unplug appliances such as the coffee maker, toaster, microwave, computers, video
systems, stereos, and televisions. Be sure to leave the refrigerator and freezer plugged
in.
 To avoid the potential of water damage from an unpredictable leak or a burst hose, turn
off the water supply lines for the toilets, sinks, washing machine, dishwasher, and ice
maker. It’s easy to do and can help avert coming home to a disaster.
 Adjust the water heater to its lowest setting or to vacation mode if it has one. Maintaining
the hot water at its everyday temperature while you’re away wastes energy and money.
 If possible, pack your vacation gear into the car while it’s in the garage so that you’re not
announcing to passersby that you’re leaving for an extended period.
 Lock the garage, gates, and storage structures. Don’t forget to lock any standard entry
doors to the garage, either from the house or to outside.

Enjoy your well-deserved time away, knowing that you’ve taken these smart measures to keep
your home safe and secure.

If there is any questions  Military Relocation Connection Network can answer or any relocation needs you have please contact us here, leave a comment. Please feel free to contact Lynn Nichols the founder direct if you would like, you can e-mail, call or text her at 443 694-0028

What is an Military Relocation Professional???

The Military Relocation Professional (MRP for short)  is a new Certification that is obtained through the National Association of Realtor's. Here is a brief description from the MRP website, along with the logo

 When military staff and their families relocate, the services of a real estate professional who understands their needs and timetables makes the transfer easier, faster, and less stressful. This certification focuses on educating real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and take full advantage of military benefits and support.

Here at the Military Relocation Connection Network, many of the Realtor's have already obtained their certification, along with many other designations, such as CRS, ABR, Associate Broker, E-Pro, etc, so you can be assured our Realtor's are experienced and very knowledgeable. You can relax knowing that you are going to be paired with a Realtor that understands the Military life, whether it is through living it, being a spouse, being brought up in it, or working with many Military Clients. Our Realtor's also know about selling houses.  Please if you have any questions please feel free to contact us. You e-mail, call or text, the direct line to get a hold of us is 443 694-0028, that is the Lynn Nichols's, the founder personal line. Thanks for visiting us and come back soon.

Military Relocation Overview-Tips for PCS

Depending on your service branch, the name of the government office which will handle your relocation varies. Contacting these offices will put you into contact with personal property entitlements counselors who can advise and assist you on your move. I copied an article for Military.com on the different offices you contact for shipping your goods. If we can help you in anyway contact the Military Relocation Connection Network, we would be more than happy to help, we have over 40 Realtor's waiting.

Depending on your service branch, the name of the government office which will handle your relocation varies:

The Department of Defense - Joint Personal Property Shipping Office

Air Force - Traffic Management Office

Army - Installation Transportation Office

Navy and Marine Corps - Personal Property Shipping Office

Coast Guard - Household Goods Shipping Office

Contacting these offices will put you into contact with personal property entitlements counselors who can advise and assist you on your move.

Peak season for relocation is usually May through August. Most people prefer to move during the summer months, and most commands are in competition with other military activities as well as both the commercial market and the corporate market. This creates shortages of drivers, packers and helpers, not to mention trucks and warehouse space. Because of this added competition for service, most van lines are saturated during this peak season, which causes added stress for all.

As a result, it is best to plan and book shipments of household goods as far ahead of time as possible. In fact, many offices require 30 days from the scheduled appointment to set up a shipment. During non-peak time many shipments can often be scheduled within 10 days of counseling.

To ensure a successful move, be sure to provide the following to your personal property entitlements counselor:

• Alternative pack/pickup dates (just in case the dates you want are not available)
• Accurate contact phone numbers
• In-route point of contact phone number/address

When meeting with your counselor, be sure to also bring the following:

• Six (6) legible copies of the member's orders (per shipment)
• Proof of dependents, from the member's service record
• Dependent Entry Approval
• A Power of Attorney or Letter of Authorization, notarized or countersigned by a commissioned officer, if someone other than the member will be signing documents on the member's behalf
• Information on prior shipments if household goods will need to be moved from a location other than the member's current residence
• The registration for any motorized vehicle, motorcycle, boat or trailer that is being shipped
• The make, caliber, and serial number of any firearm being shipped
• For a home of record move, in addition to the above, members will need to bring two (2) copies of their enlistment contract or officer home of record papers, and two (2) copies of every set of orders received up to the current duty station (this additional paperwork is required to correctly calculate the entitlement)

Thanks for stopping by today and again anything we can do please contact us, at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com

Lynn Nichols, Founder

Do You Have a Move to the Fort Meade Coming Up?

Good Day, if you have a PCS move to the Fort Meade area, I have two great houses for you to see. The first is nestled in Glen Burnie in the Fox Chase are, here take a look at www.55foxwellbendroad.com, the second one is in Linthicum and you can find that one at www.6841BABlvd.com. Of course if neither one of these works for you, please contact me here at the Military Relocation Connection Network, I am sure I can find you a house that you like.  

NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S DINING ROOM TABLE

Thought I would post a helpful fun article today. We all know how we get some ugly old furniture from a relative. Here are some tips to help you pretty it up. These also aren't bad ideas for changing the way your furniture looks, we all know sometimes it gets tired looking. If you would like any more information or need any help for your next PCS move contact us here at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com

Written by Jaymi Naciri on Monday, 26 May 2014 10:16 am

That heirloom piece your grandmother or your great aunt or your godparents left to holds special memories. But let's face it: it's ugly.

It is. It's Ugly.

It's not your style, it doesn't match your stuff, and you can't possibly figure out how to incorporate it into your home without it looking like exactly what it is: the thing someone important gave to you that has no business in your home in its current state. Before you stuff that old dining room table or sideboard or settee up in the attic, check out these tips for making it new again.

Stain it.

An older piece of furniture that has a dated oak or pickled finish can be brought up into this century with a new stain. A mahogany stain can bring out contemporary lines and a black stain can make a dated piece feel modern again. You can also make your own DIY stain if you're looking for ways to keep the toxicity down.

Paint it.

Whether you go for something super bold, aged, fancy, or neutral, panting a piece of furniture can breathe new life into it and help it to fit in to a more modern space.

See more ideas here.

Embellish it.

Two words: gold leaf. Yes, you could get a similar look with gold spray paint and stencils, but it wouldn't be nearly as rich.

If you're planning to use gold leaf, or any leaf for that matter, remember that it is fragile, and a little goes a long way. Check out this video for more info.

Upholster it

No one said you have to live with that tired, dusty old pattern on the dining room chairs you inherited. Give them an easy update by reupholstering them in a fresh fabric.

This is an easy DIY project depending the construction of the chair. This video will help.

Decoupage it

For a fun look - and a fun family project - try this ancient art whose origin is "thought to be East Siberian tomb art" from the 12th century, according to Wikipedia. A project that includes gluing and layering strips of paper, fabric, or other textiles, and varnish to a table or other object is something the kids can get in on too as long as you take precautions. Another benefit is that the finished product will be unique to you. You can get some more decoupage ideas on HGTV.

Change the height

That old sofa table your grandmother decorated with her collection of old crystal candy dishes would be ideal as a desk, if only it wasn't so tall.

Have the legs cut down, and now you have a beautiful piece that is also functional.

Repurpose it.

You love that old fancy sideboard your husband's great-grandmother left to your family. But you're all set in that area. So, turn it into something totally new.

A sturdy dresser, cabinet, or sideboard can be turned into a one-of-a-kind bathroom vanity with a little ingenuity and a good power saw. You get to keep the memories, and you get a fab bathroom too.

Bill Fitzgerald not only a Realtor, but a celebrity as well....

We've been highlighting some Realtor's lately on our blog, but one of the Realtor's that belongs to the Military Relocation Connection Network seems to be a celebrity... That would be our own Bill Fitzgerald. Bill services Tyndall AFB and Navy Station Panama Beach. 

Bill is the "Neighborhood Expert" in Bay County Community and you can catch on on 94.5 WFLA New Talk Radio or his show is also available via the web on iHeart Radio.

Little more about Bill he has been licensed in Real Estate since 1998 and he has also earned his GRI, CRS and is a Broker. Bill also served in the Air Force for 24 years as an radio operator. 

So if you are looking for a Realtor in Bay County Community give Bill a call, not only is he a experienced Realtor but, he knows about the military.

Thanks so much to all of our Soldiers and Veterans

We here at Military Relocation Connection Network would like to thank all of our active  soldiers and all of our Veterans for the freedom that we enjoy everyday....We salute you and may God Bless You.

Tips for a Smooth PCS Move

Good Day, we found this great article on Military.com and thought we would share it. If you ever have any questions or if we can be of any help,  please feel free to contact us at Military Relocation Connection Network.

Air Force News | by Mitch Chandran, Headquarters Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Each year, about 225,000 Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard household good shipments are slated for movement during the summer months. These shipments compete with private sector moves creating a phenomenon in the transportation industry called the "peak moving season."

Peak moving season runs May through August each year with the peak of the peak between Memorial Day and July 4.

The Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Personal Property Directorate manages the Defense Personal Property Program, or DP3, for DOD.

SDDC officials want servicemembers, federal employees and their families to know a smooth move for household goods is possible during peak moving season with proper planning and attention to detail.

"As soon as you receive your permanent change of station orders, you should start your move process," said John Johnson, branch chief for SDDC's Personal Property Directorate Quality Assurance Division. "Requesting your pickup and delivery dates as soon as possible will ensure a better chance of getting the dates you want."

All DOD servicemembers and civilians, including their families, have two avenues to manage their move based on local policies.

The first is the traditional visit to the local installation transportation office or personal property shipping office to receive a relocation briefing and start the move process.

The alternative is to use the Defense Personal Property System, or DPS, which is accessed through the website, www.move.mil. This website is the portal for DPS and the one-stop shop where members can completely manage their move process.

Members using move.mil for the first time will find online training videos and presentations explaining how to navigate through the move process.

SDDC provided moving tips
- Create a personal moving calendar with checklists, phone numbers and links to critical moving processes and information

- Your Transportation Office (TO) or Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO) is the primary point of contact for customer service. It is never too early to ask questions.

- Once you get your orders and know the dates you want to move, immediately start the moving process. Contact your TO/PPSO to learn all options available to you, including a Personally Procured Move. The sooner you start the better chance you have to lock in your preferred move date.

- Moving in the summer months (May through August) is extremely busy with Memorial Day to July 4 being the busiest moving time of the year. Since requested pickup and delivery dates may not be available during this time, flexibility is important and building extra time into your schedule for unforeseen circumstances is recommended.

- Once your move dates are requested, don't assume they are set. Move dates are not confirmed until you coordinate with your Transportation Service Provider (the company contracted to do your move).

- Pack, pickup and delivery dates are usually scheduled on weekdays. You or your designated representative must be available between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. You don't want to miss your move dates as this will cause unnecessary hardship on everyone and possibly extra expenses for you.

VA Home Loans-Do you qualify???

Today I wanted to post about VA Loans, so many Veterans do not realize they qualify, so please look at the chart below, you maybe surprised. If you have any questions and if Military Relocation Connection can be of any service, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Eligibility

You must have suitable credit, sufficient income, and a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to be eligible for a VA-guaranteed home loan. The home must be for your own personal occupancy. The eligibility requirements to obtain a COE are listed below for Service members and Veterans, spouses, and other eligible beneficiaries.

VA home loans can be used to:

• Buy a home, a condominium unit in a VA-approved project
• Build a home
• Simultaneously purchase and improve a home
• Improve a home by installing energy-related features or making energy efficient improvements
• Buy a manufactured home and/or lot.

Eligibility Requirements for VA Home Loans

Service member’s and Veterans

To obtain a COE, you must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and meet the service requirements below:

Status	Qualifying Wartime & Peacetime Periods	Qualifying Active Duty Dates	Minimum Active Duty Service Requirement
Veteran	WWII	9/16/1940 - 7/25/1947	90 total days
	Post-WWII	7/26/1947 - 6/26/1950	181 continuous days
	Korean War	6/27/1950 - 1/31/1955	90 total days
	Post-Korean War	2/1/1955 - 8/4/1964	181 continuous days
	Vietnam War	8/5/1964 - 5/7/1975 *For Veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam, the beginning date is 2/28/1961	90 total days
	Post-Vietnam War	5/8/1975 - 9/7/1980 *The ending date for officers is 10/16/1981	181 continuous days
	24-month rule	9/8/1980 - 8/1/1990 *The beginning date for officers is 10/17/1981	24 continuous months, OR The full period (at least 181 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty
	Gulf War	8/2/1990 - Present	24 continuous months, OR The full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called or ordered to active duty
Currently On Active Duty	Any	Any	90 continuous days
National Guard & Reserve Member	Gulf War	8/2/1990 - Present	90 days of active service
	Six years of service in the Selected Reserve or National Guard, AND Were discharged honorably, OR Were placed on the retired list, OR Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable, OR Continue to serve in the Selected Reserve

*If you do not meet the minimum service requirements, you may still be eligible if you were discharged due to (1) hardship, (2) the convenience of the government, (3) reduction-in-force, (4) certain medical conditions, or (5) a service-connected disability.

Spouses

The spouse of a Veteran can also apply for home loan eligibility under one of the following conditions:

• Unremarried spouse of a Veteran who died while in service or from a service connected disability, or
• Spouse of a Servicemember missing in action or a prisoner of war
• Surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003
  (Note: a surviving spouse who remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must have applied no later than December 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility. VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before December 6, 2003 that are received after December 15, 2004.)
• Surviving Spouses of certain totally disabled veterans whose disability may not have been the cause of death

Other Eligible Beneficiaries

You may also apply for eligibility if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Certain U.S. citizens who served in the armed forces of a government allied with the United States in World War II
• Individuals with service as members in certain organizations, such as Public Health Service officers, cadets at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy, midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy, officers of National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, merchant seaman with World War II service, and others

Restoration of Entitlement

Veterans can have previously-used entitlement "restored" to purchase another home with a VA loan if:

• The property purchased with the prior VA loan has been sold and the loan paid in full, or
• A qualified Veteran-transferee (buyer) agrees to assume the VA loan and substitute his or her entitlement for the same amount of entitlement originally used by the Veteran seller. The entitlement may also be restored one time only if the Veteran has repaid the prior VA loan in full, but has not disposed of the property purchased with the prior VA loan. Remaining entitlement and restoration of entitlement can be requested through the VA Eligibility Center by completing VA Form 26-1880.

Thanks for stopping by today and again if we can be of service to you in any Real Estate needs please contact us at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com

New Listing in San Diego, CA

One of our Realtor's, Claudia Diaz from San Diego, CA has two listings that she just put in the market. Please take a look at them and if you are moving to that area of the country I am sure they will be worth a look...

If you have any questions please contact Claudia or you can contact us at www.MiltaryRelocationConnection.com

Let Me Introduce...

I'd like to introduce one of our Realtor's from San Diego, CA. Danita Pruitt-McWhorter, she is with Keller Williams in Chula Vista and serves the bases Naval Station 32^nd Street and Naval Amphibious Coronadon. She has been with us for about two weeks and have already helped us so much with bringing on several Realtor's. To see all of our agents go to www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com, take a look at her video. 

We Are Growing

The Military Relocation Connection Network is growing. In the last two weeks we added close to 15 new Realtor's to serve you better with your PCS move. We have added them in California, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Kentucky and we have an Realtor coming on board from Utah. Please if you have a need for our Real Estate Services contact us, if we don't have a Realtor in your area we will find you one. Have a great day and come back and visit us soon.

Let Me Introduce.....

Good Day and I would like to introduce one of our members Susan Cuddeback. Susan has been with us since the beginning of the Military Relocation Connection Network.  I find her to be a great person and a great Realtor, very caring about her clients. So if you ever have a PCS move to Fort Carson, USAF Academy, Schriever AFB, Peterson AFB, Norad, near Colorado Springs she is your Realtor.

 It’s more than a house; it’s your home!  I understand the emotions associated with selling your home and will endeavor to provide the professional experience needed to make your home reach maximum marketability.

 As a full time, top producing, broker associate for the most respected real estate company in Colorado Springs, I am committed to serving my clients with the utmost professionalism, integrity, honesty and dedication. I am determined to be the best in my field through continued education and  the utilization of  the latest cutting-edge technology and marketing strategies. Thus providing my clients with the tools they need for selling a home, and the highest level of service the industry has to offer.  I am fully qualified to handle all aspects of residential, sales and relocations.

 I will walk you through every step of the process.  My expertise in marketing , promoting and staging has enabled me to maintain a 97%+ success rate for all listings sold which include single family homes, luxury homes, town homes condominiums, land and new   construction.  I will create a marketing plan specific to your needs. Assuring that your home sells in the shortest amount of time, while bringing top dollar.

 Your total satisfaction is my number one priority!

Selling your home is one of the most important decisions you will make.  I offer experience, personal service and exceptional commitment to you.

 Susan Cuddeback – Colorado Springs, CO

And like Susan we have so many good Realtors in our network, so please get in touch with us at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com

Military Relocation Connection Network

Welcome to the blog of the Military Relocation Connection Network let me tell you a little about us.

It is all in our name…

Military Relocation Connection Network: Realtor's Joining Forces to Serve

We are over forty Realtors strong that are spread out over the United States, from coast to coast, and also in Alaska and Hawaii. We have come together to help Military and other government agencies with their moves. We are very committed on making your PCS move as smooth and worry free as we can, no matter which part of the United States you are relocating to,  after all it is the least we can do while you defend our country.

What makes us different is that we are made up of Soldiers that served, spouses,, those who came from military families, so we know about the emotions and challenges of a PCS move. Many of our Realtor's have put together packages with different vendors  that give  great Military discounts, knowing the needs of the move.

Our Realtor's in this network have worked with many a military personal, many of them have earned the MRP (military Relocation Professional) which is a certification of the National Association of Realtor's. So we are more than qualified to sell your house at the station you are at now and then get you in touch with someone for your next move. 

With all you do and go through for this country please let us help you and take  stress out of your next PCS and best of all it is a free service to you.

Thanks for stopping by and you can visit us at www.MilitaryRelocationConnection.com