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 Veteran Mortgage Wingman
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 Have a Powerful Tool When the Appraisal Comes in Low and Most Have Never Heard of It
The Situation That Feels Like the End of the Deal and Often Is Not
You are under contract on a home you want. The VA appraisal comes in below the purchase price. The seller is not willing to negotiate. You do not have the cash to cover the gap. It feels like the purchase is over.
Mark Clark wants VA buyers to know about a tool the VA offers specifically for this situation that most buyers and even some lenders have never heard of.
What a Reconsideration of Value Actually Is
A reconsideration of value, commonly called an ROV, is a formal appeal of the VA appraisal submitted directly to the VA rather than back to the original appraiser. That distinction matters. When you pursue an ROV you are no longer working through the appraiser who completed the initial assessment. You are working directly with the VA to present a case for why the value should be reconsidered.
The basis for a successful ROV is typically additional comparable sales data that was not included in the original appraisal, factual errors in the appraisal report, or comparable properties that more accurately reflect the subject property's value than the ones the appraiser selected. The appeal needs to be substantive and properly documented which is why the lender's knowledge of the process is critical.
Why This Tool Works More Often Than Buyers Expect
The majority of reconsideration of value requests that are properly submitted result in an increased value determination. That is not a guarantee and every situation is different. But it is a meaningful enough success rate that pursuing an ROV before walking away from a home you want is almost always worth the effort when the circumstances support it.
The key phrase is properly submitted. An ROV filed without the right supporting documentation, without a clear argument for why the original value is not supported by the market data, or without an understanding of the VA's specific process for reviewing these requests is far less likely to produce the outcome the buyer is hoping for.
Why Your Lender's Knowledge of This Process Matters
This is a process with specific steps and requirements. A lender who has navigated ROVs successfully knows how to build the supporting package, what the VA is looking for in a persuasive appeal, and how to move through the process efficiently rather than letting the timeline drag while a closing date approaches.
A lender who has never handled an ROV or who handles it casually is not positioned to give the appeal its best chance. In a situation where the difference between a successful ROV and a failed one is whether you get into your home that expertise is not a minor detail.
If you have questions about a low VA appraisal or the reconsideration of value process reach out to Mark Clark directly. He knows how to handle it properly and he wants to get you into your home.
Sources
VA.gov
MilitaryOneSource.mil
ConsumerFinancialProtectionBureau.gov
MortgageNewsDaily.com
Investopedia.com
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