Your Guide to VA Home Loan Benefits
Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or military family, get expert guidance from eligibility to closing and make the most of your VA benefits.
Meet The VA Loan Boss
Mark Clark is a civilian benefit and certified VA loan specialist . VA loans are incredibly powerful but also widely misunderstood. His job is to cut through bad advice, explain the rules clearly, and make sure veterans and active-duty service members actually receive the full benefit they’ve earned.Mark is known as the Veteran Mortgage Wingman here to serve, advocate, and help VA buyers avoid costly mistakes from contract to closing and beyond.
Whether you're a veteran purchasing your 3rd home on your VA benefit or PCSing and a first-time homebuyer, our team has you covered.
Education is central to how Mark does that, including teaching VA-focused classes for real estate professionals so VA buyers are better represented throughout the transaction.Outside of work, Mark is married, a proud father of six, and loves to play racquetball and pickleball.
Mark also serves as the the Board Chair for Genesis Joy House, Georgia’s only all-women Veteran homeless shelter because serving those who served doesn’t stop at the closing table.
The Home Loan Process
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Get pre-approved from one of our Loan Officers to see how much you can afford.
House Shopping
Work with a trusted Real Estate Agent to find a home you would like to move into.
Loan Application
Complete your home loan application to get the lending process started.
Don't take my word for it
Mortgage Programs
Experience the best mortgage experience located in Braselton, Georgia.
Home Loan Options
Our experienced mortgage advisors will walk you through the best mortgage loan program that will fit your specific scenario.
Conventional Home Loans.
FHA Home Loans.
USDA Home Loans.
VA Home Loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I refinance my mortgage?
There is no limit to the number of times you can refinance. However, you must qualify every time you apply and there will be costs associated with closing the loan each time.
Can I buy a home if I do not have money for a down payment?
Yes! There are a number of bond programs that offer low or no down payment financing options.
How do I know which mortgage is right for me?
The key to choosing the right mortgage is to understand the range of options and features available to you, as well as your budget, circumstances, and goals. Our licensed mortgage professionals are here to help you navigate that process. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you will be choosing the best option for you and your family.
How long will the loan process take?
The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) does not permit a lender to close a loan until at least seven (7) business days have passed from the date your application was received. A typical home loan takes 30 days, as a number of third-party services such as appraisals, title work, and credit are required in conjunction with the mortgage process. Once you familiarize your Loan Officer with the details of your specific loan scenario, they will be able to provide you with a more specific timeline.
Will I qualify for a home loan?
The only way to find out is to speak with a qualified mortgage professional. Our Loan Officers have helped numerous clients who didn’t know if they could qualify to become home owners. We take the time to understand your financial situation and long-term financial goals, and then match you with the loan program that best fits your needs. Your approval for a loan may also largely depend on the price of the home you are financing. Getting pre-qualified prior to beginning your home search can give you an idea of what you may be able to afford.
Why do people refinance their mortgages?
Homeowners typically refinance to save money, either by obtaining a lower interest rate or by reducing the term of their loan. Refinancing is also a way to convert an adjustable loan to a fixed loan or to consolidate debts.
How much money will I have to pay upfront to buy a home?
This question does not have a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. The exact amount will depend on the price of the home you buy as well the type of mortgage financing you choose. Depending on your loan program, your down payment could be as much as 20% of the home’s price or as little as 3%, while some loans require no down payment at all.
Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?
You may still qualify for a home loan even if you have experienced a bankruptcy. The best way to find out if you qualify is to talk with a Loan Officer to discuss your options. Be sure to bring all paperwork regarding your bankruptcy so your Loan Officer can find the program that best fits your situation.
Should I lock my interest rate now, or wait until we are closer to our closing?
Interest rates fluctuate all day, every day. If an interest rate is good, it may be in your best interest to lock now. If you wait, you run the risk of an increase in rates later. If you are concerned that rates may go down after you lock, contact your Loan Officer to discuss your options. Some programs allow you to lock for an extended period and choose to lower your rate should a better one become available.
Most Recent Blog Updates
VA Buyers Are Getting Scam Letters After Closing and Here Is How to Spot and Ignore Them
The Letter That Looks Official and Is Designed to Fool You
After you close on your VA home loan you are going to start receiving letters. Some of them will look remarkably official. They will have the appearance of formal mortgage correspondence. They will reference your mortgage. They will create urgency with language about flags on your account or second notifications and deadlines that seem important.
Mark Clark wants you to know what these are before one lands in your mailbox and causes unnecessary panic.
What These Letters Are Actually Doing
The letter is designed to look legitimate. It will reference your mortgage company in the upper left corner. It will use words like flagged and urgent and second notification. It will give you a deadline to respond. All of it is engineered to create enough anxiety that you pick up the phone and call the number listed.
When Mark looked up the number on one of these letters Google could not find any company associated with it. No legitimate business. No recognizable entity. Just a number designed to connect you with someone who wants to take your money or your personal information.
These are scams. Throw them away. Shred them. Do not call the number. Do not respond to the deadline. Do not provide any personal information.
Why VA Buyers Are Targeted
Veterans who have recently closed on a VA home loan are a known and identifiable population. Public records show property transfers and mortgage recordings. Scammers use that information to generate targeted mail that feels personally relevant because in a limited sense it is. They know you closed on a home. They know you have a mortgage. They use that to make the letter feel credible.
The official-looking format is intentional. The urgency language is intentional. The unfamiliar company name that sounds vaguely financial is intentional. Every element is designed to lower your guard.
What to Do When These Arrive
Shred it. That is the short answer. If you are ever uncertain about a piece of mail that references your mortgage call Mark Clark directly. He will always respond quickly and he will tell you honestly whether something is legitimate or not. That is part of what the relationship after closing is supposed to look like.
You should never have to navigate confusing mortgage correspondence alone and you should never have to guess whether something is real. Call or message Mark Clark with any questions and he will help you sort it out immediately.
Do not fall for it.
Sources
VA.gov
ConsumerFinancialProtectionBureau.gov
FTC.gov
MilitaryOneSource.mil
Investopedia.com
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