HOME BUYING STEPS
Whether you're getting your finances in order, house hunting, making an offer, negotiating your contract, or just starting to think about buying a home, we've got help for each step of the home buying process.
Along with our library of articles below, don't miss these helpful home buying videos, MilitaryByOwner's free downloadable home buying ebooks, and home buying blog posts.
Home Buying Basics
VIDEO: HOME BUYING: PREPARING YOUR FINANCES A solid credit score, qualified lender, and emergency reserves can help you buy the home of your dreams.
HOME BUYING 101 Considering a home purchase while serving in the military or as a veteran is likely one of your most important decisions. Before you reach out to a real estate professional, learn what it takes to buy a house.
SHOULD MILITARY MEMBERS BUY OR RENT A HOME? Help for determining whether owning or renting a home is your best decision.
DO I NEED A BUYER'S AGENT TO BUY A HOME? Do you need a buyer's agent when home buying? Find out the reasons why it may or may not be a good choice for your situation.
BUYING A HOME WITH RENTING IN MIND Most military families buy a home only to turn around and move a few years later. If you're planning to buy a home now to rent out later, here's what to know.
A GUIDE FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS WORKING WITH MILITARY HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS There’s so much more to know about military homeowners than the ins and outs of the VA home loan process. A knowledgeable agent can make the difference for a military member or veteran buying or selling a home.
WHAT MILITARY HOMEBUYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A NEW HOME BUILD Should military homebuyers consider a new construction home? While the thought of a brand new home with all the updates sounds amazing, there's still a lot to consider.
HOW TO CHOOSE A REAL ESTATE AGENT: KEY QUESTIONS BUYERS AND SELLERS SHOULD ASK Tips for choosing a realtor and key questions to ask a real estate agent to ensure the right fit for your home buying or selling journey.
Financial Details
COMPLETE VA HOME LOAN GUIDE FOR MILITARY & VETERAN HOMEBUYERS Explore VA home loan benefits, eligibility, and requirements, plus insights on VA loan interest rates for military and veteran buyers.
5 STEPS TO BALANCE YOUR HOME BUYING DREAM AGAINST YOUR BUDGET REALITY Know and stick to your budget, and keep a realistic plan when buying a home.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing): Understand how much effect BAH has on your home buying budget and priorities.
WHAT IS A VA LOAN ASSUMPTION? Learn about VA loan assumptions, a unique option for military homebuyers and sellers. Explore the process, benefits, eligibility, and expert tips to navigate it smoothly.
Finding Your Home and Making an Offer
HOUSE HUNTING TIPS Buying a home is a major investment. A few key points to remember to make your house hunting trip successful.
HOW TO MAKE A COMPETITIVE HOME OFFER Learn how to make a competitive home offer and gain confidence going into the home buying process.
WHY YOU NEED A HOME INSPECTION Don't be caught off-guard by the unknown when buying a house. Learn the importance of a complete home inspection.
BUYING A FORECLOSED HOME: KEY TIPS FOR MILITARY BUYERS Tips and strategies for military families buying a foreclosed home. Learn how to find deals, navigate the process, and secure your dream home.
BUYING A HOUSE AT AUCTION: FINANCING, FORECLOSURES, AND USING YOUR VA LOAN: Thinking about buying a house at auction? Learn about financing options, how foreclosures work, and if a VA loan is possible.
EBOOK: MAKING AN OFFER AND MOVING INTO YOUR NEW HOME This guide takes you through the steps of inspections and closing.
Closing and Home Ownership
HOME BUYER WALK-THROUGH CHECKLIST Before you take possession of your home, you will have a walk-through. Carefully inspect the condition of the home with this detailed checklist.
CLOSING DAY AND MOVING INTO YOUR NEW HOME Expectations on closing day and how to make your new home your own.
HOME OWNERSHIP AND MILITARY LIFE Pros and cons of buying vs. renting a home and what to do with the property when you PCS in a few years.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE With the excitement of searching for and buying a new home, the costs of home insurance tend to get lost in the big picture. Learn how to protect your investment.
PLAN AN EXIT STRATEGY WHEN BUYING A HOME As a military home buyer, you need to maximize your investment when it comes time for PCS orders. Thinking ahead for your exit strategy is a smart move.
Additional Resources
Click images below to learn about MilitaryByOwner's FREE Home Buying Guides:
HOME BUYING GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ARM? GPM? PITI? You’d have to be a genius to figure out some of the terms you will encounter during the home buying process. This glossary of home buying terms will help so you won’t get lost.
View Home Buying Glossary of Terms >>