Using the VA Loan in Tampa
At The Sigler Group, we are passionate about helping military members, veterans, and their families find homes in the greater Tampa Bay area. Our founder, Becky Sigler (daughter of a U.S. Army officer and a military policeman who served for 32 years), loves assisting those using the VA loan when relocating to her native Tampa. After our real estate boom in 2020/2021, it takes some knowledge, skill, and experience to negotiate a real estate purchase when using the VA loan. If you’re home shopping in the greater Tampa Bay area and are using the VA loan, you’re in the right place!
Tampa Military Relocation Professional (MRP)
Sigler Group founder and REALTOR® Becky Sigler holds her MRP (Military Relocation Professional) certificate. To earn this credential, one must be in good standing with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and complete a special course, arming her with the knowledge that guides her clients on how to take full advantage of available benefits and support.
When it comes time for a military professional to relocate, fast timelines and coordinating transactions from afar are top of mind. We are happy to consult with families relocating to the greater Tampa Bay area (to work at MacDill Air Force Base) and will serve as your expert guide during your home purchase process. If you’re currently a Tampa-area resident with new orders and will be moving away, we would love to represent you in your sale.
Check out our blog here for information about this and other credentials our team holds.
VA Financing
When using VA financing, the first order of business is obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility. As a veteran, you will need your discharge or separation papers (DD214). For active duty, you’ll need a signed statement of service with the following pieces of information:
Your full name
Your Social Security number
Your date of birth
The date you entered duty
The duration of any lost time
The name of the command providing the information
For active-duty military personnel, If you’ve served for at least 90 continuous days, you meet the minimum active-duty service requirement. If you’ve had a break in those 90 days of service for any reason, you may not be eligible for this type of loan. For veterans, your VA loan eligibility depends on when you served. Click here for more comprehensive information on your eligibility based on your service dates.
Next, you’ll want to select your mortgage brokerage. We love referring our VA loan clients to Florida Mortgage Firm – a local brokerage helping veteran borrowers secure VA loans at competitive terms. Florida Mortgage Firm founder Nate Davis (a Marine Corps veteran) feels that VA loan providers underserve many veterans. Davis says, “While the VA loan is an amazing loan product, it is only as good as the loan officer’s awareness of the guidelines and caveats of the program itself.” Working with an expert consultant is critical to ensure you get the most out of your VA loan opportunities.
Relocating to MacDill Air Force Base
Families can choose government or non-government housing when relocating to serve at MacDill Air Force Base. Those interested in non-government housing can contact us here for a free consultation. Some communities you may be interested in include Tampa proper, St. Petersburg, Riverview, Gibsonton, and Apollo Beach – all family-friendly options for those looking to purchase a home using the VA loan.
Challenges when using the VA Loan in Tampa
The biggest challenge when using the VA loan in Tampa is competition. Our housing marketing skyrocketed during the pandemic, and the demand for housing in Tampa is greater than ever. This means homes are selling over asking and sometimes without inspections which would not be possible when using a VA loan (the VA loan has strict requirements to ensure Veterans and military personnel are housed safely and affordably). Working with a seasoned local agent who is personally familiar with the military lifestyle will greatly benefit anyone house hunting in Tampa while using the VA loan. Our connections with local lenders and other real estate agents and our passion for advocating for veterans and their families will benefit you during your Tampa-area house hunt.
Wounded Warrior Project
The Sigler Group is dedicated to serving military members, veterans, and their families with real estate transactions. Whenever our founder Becky Sigler represents a veteran, she donates a portion of her commission to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Contact us today for your free consultation - we look forward to meeting you, and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!