MilitaryHomeSearch.com Blog

VA Loans: Can You Save on Closing Costs?Reservists, veterans, and active duty military may be able to take advantage of a VA loan. A VA loan makes it financially easier for military personnel to own a home. Those who are looking to take out a VA loan should be aware that it will be necessary to cover closing costs separately. However, VA loan applicants have options, as it may not always be necessary for them to pay out-of-pocket for all the closing costs required.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What Are Closing Costs?

VA loan closing costs or settlement charges are generally a significant expense. Closing costs on a home mortgage loan can run up to 5 percent of

1,039 Views, 0 Comments

Which Colorado Springs Tech Stores Offer Military Discounts?Colorado Springs has a number of tech companies offering military discounts. Here are some of the best places in town to claim a military discount while knowing the services and products offered by these stores are superior.

The Accessory Man

The Accessory Man proudly offers those with a proper military ID a 10% discount. As the self-declared ‘home for accessories and premium electronics', The Accessory Man delivers with an inventory consisting of more than 400 name-brand tech and electronic providers.

Those searching for reputable brands like Pioneer, HP, Toshiba, LG, and Case Logic cannot only find them here, but enjoy a fully refreshed new warranty on their purchase. Along with highly competitive prices, this Colorado Springs tech provider

603 Views, 0 Comments

How to Build a More Sustainable HomeEnvironmentally friendly homes are on the minds of many homebuyers everywhere. Not only do these properties cut down significantly in terms of energy bills, but they give people an easy way to become part of the solution. But as win-win as it may sound, it's not always easy to decide which upgrades make the most sense for each home. Here are five sustainable building suggestions that tend to pay off.

Recyclable Materials

Tree debris, old jeans, even raw sewage: there's more than one way to build or renovate a home. Bark can be used for siding, denim can be used for insulation, and sewage can be made into sturdy bricks.

All the experimentation has led to plenty of innovation. Now homeowners enjoy green homes that are every bit as functional as

865 Views, 0 Comments

Colorado Springs Fast Food Discounts for Military MembersMany fast food restaurants offer military discounts, and all it takes is a simple request and brief display of a military ID to take at least a couple dollars off the bill, which can help decrease food costs throughout the year for those who have little time to prepare food on their own. Which fast food restaurants offer military discounts in Colorado Springs?

Dunkin' Donuts

Address: Dunkin' Donuts, 806 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80905

For a quick coffee, military members can head over to Dunkin' Donuts. With a glance at a military ID, Dunkin' Donuts offers their medium coffee for just 99 cents whether ordered hot or iced. Although Dunkin' Donuts does not give any discounts on their donuts, their unique flavors are worth

667 Views, 0 Comments

How to Sell a Second Home in the MilitaryWorking in the military often means moving around frequently, and households may find themselves living in one city this year and another the next. Military homeowners frequently juggle multiple mortgages, rental properties, and long-distance home sales, which can add tremendous stress to the relocation process. In addition, the VA loan many military homeowners use to qualify for the purchase of a home was designed for use with primary residences, which may make veterans and active military service members decide to sell their home whenever they relocate to a new post.

The following information details the terms for military homeowners and explains what service members can do to benefit from relocation and mortgage programs available to them when

512 Views, 0 Comments

The Top 4 Dry Cleaners in Colorado Springs, COThere are many advantages to using dry cleaning on your clothing compared to traditional clothes washing. Dry cleaning removes stains from fabric and is able to dissolve oils and grease in a way that water is not able to. More delicate natural fabrics, like silk and wool, tend to shrink and distort in the wash, but still dry-clean beautifully. Additionally, dry cleaning maintains the color and texture of delicate fabrics better, extending the lifespan of the clothing. Where are the best dry cleaning shops in Colorado Springs?

Springs Cleaners

Address: Springs Cleaners, 1643, 4744 Barnes Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917

Located off Barnes Rd by Doherty High School, Springs Cleaners is a family-run dry cleaning business known for their reasonable

2,506 Views, 0 Comments

Should I Choose a Conventional Loan or a VA Loan?For those who qualify, the VA loan may seem like the best choice for a prospective home buyer. However, there are reasons to consider other types of loans, depending on the finances and long-term goals of the borrower. The following information details the pros and cons of each loan type to help buyers make an informed decision.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Mortgages Basics

The biggest difference between a conventional loan and a VA loan is that a conventional lender will have to assume more risks in case the buyer defaults or otherwise can't pay back their loan. The terms for the VA loan tend to be more forgiving than a

568 Views, 0 Comments

Looking for the Top Swimming Spots in Colorado Springs, CO?Taking a nice dip in a clean and cooling pool can be quite a respite during the summer. Whether you want to get some exercise for yourself or take the kids out, it's important to know: where are the best swimming spots in Colorado Springs?

Cottonwood Creek Family Center

Address: Cottonwood Creek Park, 3920 Dublin Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80918

As one of the most popular YMCA foundations in Colorado Springs, the Cottonwood Creek Family Center is loaded with fun. Swimming is the top choice here, as the center offers a lazy river, indoor wave pool replete with slides and a vortex zone. Not only can one learn to swim here, but they can become an officially certified lifeguard and take CPR classes.

For affordable fun, Cottonwood Creek is

1,855 Views, 0 Comments

Water Parks in Colorado Springs to Cool Off On a Hot DayFinding the best water parks and splash ponds in Colorado Springs is a must when you want to cool down and enjoy the fun. When the kids, friends or family want to swim with a bit of extra adventure involved, water parks deliver every time. Where are the best water parks in and around Colorado Springs, CO?

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park

Address: InterQuest Marketplace, 9494 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921

For a full-scale outing packed with accommodations, a water park and much more, one cannot beat what awaits at Great Wolf Lodge Water Park. As a full-fledged hotel with simplistic suites that have a homely and rustic vibe, the room options range from log cabins to cave themes and upgraded spaces with balconied patios. Booking a room at

10,789 Views, 0 Comments

What to Do Before Listing Your Home as a Short SaleCompared to a foreclosure, a short sale is one that requires much more time and effort on the part of a seller. Understanding a short sale can make it easier to dive into the different stages. Here is what homeowners should know about the short sale process. 

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Start with the Why

There are a few key reasons to choose a short sale over a foreclosure:

  • Control: A short sale gives the homeowner more bargaining power, which can be invaluable during a tough time.
  • Credit: A short sale will affect credit scores less than a foreclosure will.
  • Closure: Short sales give homeowners a way to settle their debt
522 Views, 0 Comments