Our Veteran friendly real estate agents produce results!


Partnering with a VA-savvy real estate agent and a VA loan officer, especially from those that have a strong history of working together, gives you a huge advantage in today's competitive market. This unique teamwork could be the key to successfully buying your dream home with a VA loan.

At Anchor House, we understand this. Our team includes both Veteran-friendly real estate agents and experienced VA Loan Officers. Many of us are Veterans ourselves, so we know what you're going through and we're dedicated to helping you achieve your homeownership goals.


Having both real estate and lending expertise under one roof gives you a significant advantage. It strengthens the team supporting you and helps you achieve superior results.

Our VA-savvy professionals handle everything for you. Choose our real estate services, our lending services, or both – it's up to you. Either way, you'll get the same dedicated service.

Have a specific situation you'd like to discuss? Call our office today at 352-234-3329 and ask to speak to our VA lender expert or one of our dedicated Realtors who focus on finding you, your new home.


Here Are The Challenges That You Unfortunately Face...

 

Sellers often prefer all-cash or conventional offers over VA loans due to several factors:


    • Speed and Certainty: All-cash offers close faster, without appraisals or financing delays. Conventional offers, even with financing, are seen as more reliable.
    • Strong Commitment: Large earnest money deposits signal commitment from buyers. VA buyers, with no down payment, may offer smaller deposits.
    • Escrow Terms: VA purchase contracts have specific terms that can be less appealing to sellers compared to faster, more flexible options.
    • Closing Costs: Certain closing costs are "non-allowable" under VA loans, potentially increasing the seller's expenses.
    • Appraisals: VA appraisals have strict standards and can be more conservative in valuations compared to other types.

    To overcome these challenges, you need a dedicated, experienced team on your side.
    Unfortunately, many lenders and real estate agents lack the VA expertise and commitment you deserve. You might feel like just another number, or encounter agents who are unresponsive or inexperienced with VA transactions.
    Work with a VA-savvy real estate professional who has a strong relationship with a seasoned VA Loan Officer. You've earned the best support possible!
    Have questions or a specific situation? Call us today at 352-234-3329 to speak with a VA loan professional or a Veteran-friendly real estate agent.

When Buying a Home, Who Can Pay the Closing Costs?

  1. YOU can pay the closing costs – nope, that’s not the plan here…
  2. YOUR real estate agent can pay the closing costs – nope, you’ll get push back on that request…
  3. The listing agent can pay the closing costs – nope, not a chance there, right?
  4. The SELLER could pay the closing costs – Ah!  Now that is a distinct possibility!
  5. The LENDER can pay the closing costs – This is a very common option.

Ok, so were making progress here, right?  The most likely parties to pay your closing costs for you are the seller and or the lender.  But we know nothing is for free, so what do you give up, and what do you receive when the seller and or the lender is helping you pay the costs?

 

When the Seller Pays the Closing Costs

The VA establishes limits to seller paid closing costs. But regardless of how much the seller is asked to pay, they are giving up bottom line, net proceeds from their home sale.  This is money directly out of their pocket.  The seller obviously doesn’t like this.  There are only two reasons they will accept your terms, requesting ANY closing costs to be paid by the seller:

Reasons Sellers Will Agree to Pay Closing Costs

It’s not uncommon for a VA Loan Professional and a real estate agent to clearly communicate the need to have closing costs paid for the VA buyer through escrow on a purchase transaction.  They both understand this need up front, before any offer to purchase is made, and the lender clearly communicates this to the Veteran, so every one is on the same page.

When the offer is made, the Selling agent representing you, the VA buyer, must assess the willingness of the seller to concede funds to the buyer.  

Reason #1:

In a “hot seller’s market,” when there exists low inventory of homes for sale, the answer will be “NO,” and your agent should know this, if the home is priced right.  In this situation, offering MORE than the listing price, then including an offsetting request to pay for the buyer’s closing costs is a common technique.  This may result in an accepted offer.  However, the higher contract price must be justified by recent comparable sales for the VA appraiser to achieve the desired sales price as an appraised value.  The VA appraiser will we aware of and note the seller concession.

Reason #2:  

If it’s not a “hot seller’s market,” if the market is “balanced,” or if there exists a substantial inventory of homes for sale, the market conditions could be described as a “Buyer’s market.”  In this case buyers have the advantage, because there are too many sellers. This is an ideal condition for a VA home buyer. The seller will likely be willing to concede funds and accept the buyer’s terms, requesting closing costs to be paid.