I have often thought of the trials and issues that Soldiers faces when he/she returns home from service. The trivialness of day to day life that they must adjust to is something that we don’t understand. Yet there are those that still oppose what our soldiers do and what they stand for. Do we not realize that they are protecting our freedoms, that they are preserving our way of life? They sacrifice family, love, the comforts of life and their very lives to protect what we all hold dear. Why do we not raise the Red, White and Blue every time they come off the plane? Why are there not throngs of people singing their praise? Have we become too callous to show appreciation for those that serve us? Why do we not serve those that have given everything to serve this Land of Liberty? The following has circulated on the internet and I use it because I believe that it is poignant and to the point.

When a soldier comes home, he finds it hard…

To listen to his son whine about being bored.
To keep a straight face when people complain about potholes.
To be tolerant of people who complain about the hassle of getting ready for work.
To be understanding when a co-worker complains about a bad night’s sleep.
To be silent when people pray to God for a new car.
To control his panic when his wife tells him he needs to drive slower.
To be compassionate when a businessman expresses a fear of flying.
To keep from laughing when anxious parents say they’re afraid to send their kids off to summer camp.
To keep from ridiculing someone who complains about hot weather.
To control his frustration when a colleague gripes about his coffee being cold.
To remain calm when his daughter complains about having to walk the dog.
To be civil to people who complain about their jobs.
To just walk away when someone says they only get two weeks of vacation a year.
To be forgiving when someone says how hard it is to have a new baby in the house.

The only thing harder than being a soldier. . .is loving one.

Ronald Regan said, ““If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

I believe that compassion and love need to be shown to those that serve this nation. They deserve our praise and support. If we are a God fearing nation, or a Nation that believes in doing good towards our fellow men, then this should be and easy task. God Bless the Troops and God Bless America.

I have lived in Utah for the past 16 years and love it here.  I have to tell you though, my roots are back in the midwest in the great state of Ohio!  That is right; I grew up in good old Buckeye land and then moved to Utah in my college years and have lived here ever since.

I could write all sorts of paragraphs and pages on why I love living in Utah, but I won’t bore you today with all of that.  What I want to share however, is why I think this state is great and primarily as it relates to pride in one’s country and patriotism.

Just two days ago I had the opportunity to hit up one or Utah county’s Mexican grocery markets; which is one of the reasons I love living here.  We have a great Latin culture among us and some great food.  While visiting this market I was accompanied by a child hood friend from Ohio who actually lives out here too.  As we were driving to the market he asked me, “Have you ever noticed how many American flags there are in this state?”  We had just drove by a car dealership (Ford-American made I mind you) and right smack in the front of the dealership was an American flag that was bigger than most state capitol flags!  I concurred with my buddy that yes I was aware and that I loved it!

I explained to him that in my neighborhood along with many other communities in Utah, that I had paid $30 in a donation to the Boy Scouts of America and in return the scouts hung a flag in my front yard on all US holidays.  I told him there was nothing better than driving home at night and seeing literally 30-40 houses all sporting and honoring the American flag.  My friend said that is was a major contrast to his time in San Francisco, CA.  The cool thing is that my friend who I feel leans a bit left when it comes to political views, had nothing negative to say about all the flags!  He did not necessarily trash talk his time in CA but mentioned you would never see that there.

So is the fact that Utahns sport the American flag a reason to live here?  Sure it is; this is just one example of the extreme patriotism that exists here.  Now if you don’t like seeing US flags everywhere, then don’t move here.  I love this great country and I love Utah.  If I were a retired military veteran or active duty service member and I had the chance to move to Utah, I would do it!

I am the branch manager for Flagship Financial and my loan officers specialize in Utah VA Loans and Utah VA mortgages, so let us know if you do move here or are already living in Utah.

PS,

From my office window right now I have the pleasure of seeing 3 businesses flying the US Flag!  Love it!

Each year the number of US. veterans increase as soldiers returning from America’s most recent wars come home. As the survivors are welcomed home after pursuing a dutiful career serving their country, a new generation of men and women suffering from mild- to severe-traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are greeted with battled medical budgets and flawed TBI technologies, which don’t provide the necessary services and treatments required to improve their newly developed disabilities.

With an average of 1.4 million Americans undergoing some form of TBI, the number of scientists and researchers striving to cure these individuals should be ever increasing, however, dwindling budgets continue to compress and squeeze war-related brain injury funding. In 2006, the U.S. House and Senate slashed the allocated funding for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) in half from the previous year.
Traumatic brain injury is the “signature” injury of the Iraq war, according to military doctors and experts. It is imperative for struggling soldiers to find assistance with their TBI-related disability.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a person’s brain is physically injured, usually by a sudden force. With military members, this is often the result of a concussive blast or explosion. It can also be caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, or any sudden blow to the head.  Because the damage is internal, there may be no visible head wound.

In prior conflicts, approximately 14% – 20% of surviving casualties had a TBI.

What are the Symptoms of TBI?

Every brain injury is unique and symptoms can vary widely.  Damage to different parts of the brain will result in different symptoms.  TBI shares symptoms with other physical and mental health conditions, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, which complicates diagnosis.  Below are some of the symptoms.  Having some of them, however, does not necessarily mean a person has TBI.  Only a doctor can definitively identify and diagnose a TBI.

Common Symptoms Immediately After Injury

• Being Dazed, confused, or “seeing stars”
• Not remembering the injury
• Losing consciousness (being knocked out)

Common Symptoms Later On

• Persistent headache or neck pain
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Loss of balance
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Feeling tired all the time, lacking energy
• Ringing in the ears
• Loss of sense of smell and taste
• Slowness in thinking, acting, speaking or reading
• Symptoms that may appear to be mental health conditions
  • Sudden mood changes for little or no reason
  • Difficulty managing relationships
  • Chronic anxiety, depression, apathy
• Short term memory loss
• Getting lost or easily confused
• Having more trouble than usual with
  • Paying attention or concentrating
  • Organizing daily tasks
  • Making decisions

In May 2006, the co-founder of the DVBIC testified to a Senate subcommittee that while “body armor may save troops caught in blasts it leaves many with brain damage,” according to a USA Today news report. Additionally, the article cited several disturbing statistics on the state of TBI and war veterans.

· 10 percent of all troops in Iraq suffer from concussions during combat.

· 20 percent of all frontline infantry troops suffer from concussions during combat.

· Scientists believe the Pentagon must screen all troops returning from Iraq.

· The Pentagon has declined screenings for all returning troops and only screens a small population of soldiers.

· If left untreated or untested, multiple head injuries and concussions can cause permanent brain injury.

Also, several equally disturbing statistics have been reported from several specialized journals including Brain Injury, Internal Medicine, Soldiers Magazine, MIT’s Technology Review and Perspectives in Psychiatric Care. These statistics area as follow:

· Nearly 25 percent of all military veterans of the Iraq war are diagnosed with a mental illness.

· War-related TBI patients often manifest distinct personality changes.

· Of the 35,000 soldiers screened for TBI, approximately 11 percent have had symptoms of mild TBI.

· No treatments currently exist to cure long-lasting symptoms of TBI.

While all this information may seem bleak, it is important to note that the majority of individuals who sustain a mild traumatic brain injury will completely recover in a matter of weeks to months.

I have always been proud to be an American but seriously the past couple of weeks have really hit a soft spot and I have got to tell you that at times I wonder what in the world is wrong with this country and more importantly those that are making and enforcing our laws.

The video that I am sharing in this blog post is of a group of 4-5 yr old pre-school children performing for their parents.  As I filmed this video I found myself conflicted.  I had a strong feeling of pride as a parent and also as an American living in a great country where we are free to worship how we want and to wear what we want.  At this same time I felt a bit sick to my stomach as I realized I was hearing this at a private school, not a public school!  Do you think our kids can sing a song with the words AMERICA and GOD in it?  There is no way.

In the past week alone on the news I have seen of kids getting kicked out of school for wearing old navy shirts with the American Flag on them.  I have heard of kids of other races, yet still living here and claiming to be American, being allowed to wear shirts with a flag of another country.  I don’t have any issue with diversity and I think others should be able to wear flags from countries of their roots and nationalities, however why the double standard?  It is absolute garbage and in my option one of the major reasons this country is losing its luster!  How about a recent news story where the ACLU is suing the Federal Government for allowing a white cross to be in a national desert?  Here is what the ACLU says…

“Contrary to what some believe,” said Peter Eliasberg, staff attorney at the ACLU of Southern California and First Amendment specialist, “it is not the role of the federal government to advance Christianity or any other sectarian belief. Americans are perfectly competent to make such decisions for themselves without government interference.”

I have to wonder if they would have sued or tried to pull down a monument of the Menorah or perhaps something representing Islam?  I bet the would not have.  Again I am all for religious freedom and freedom of speech, but this double standard in our country is utterly ridiculous.

People need to also realize that they have the RIGHT TO NOT GET OFFENDED SO EASILY.  Political correctness is destroying this Nation that so many are fighting for, have fought for and hopefully will continue to fight for.

Feels good to get this off my chest!

I have often wondered why someone would willingly leave behind their families, their friends— basically their life—to serve their country. Why would someone “volunteer” to get deployed for a year or two and put themselves in such danger? A lot of troops serve their country way beyond that time span. Others for their entire life. I have concluded that their bravery, their honor, and their vision and sacrifice for America and our freedom runs deeper than a lot of people can comprehend. I believe soldiers have such a profound gratitude for the freedom of our Nation and their loved ones that they can’t help but serve our country.

I have also tried to imagine what life would be like if we couldn’t enjoy the freedoms we have. What if it didn’t exist in our country? What if we didn’t have men and women who were willing to enlist in the army today? It would be a disservice to those veterans who served in the past, who fought for their lives and freedom with many dying in the process.

I’m in awe when I think of the soldiers who trust in and rely so heavily on those they serve with. Their lives lie in the hands of the person next to them. I’m amazed at the strength and resilience of these forces. Their unity must be a great thing to experience, just as we citizens of our country must be united and take care of each other. We too must do our part.

I believe in Freedom. I believe in the right to choose. I believe in self-government, the right to bear arms in self defense, and free conscience. The right to free speech, a fair trial, and to assemble. I believe in the right to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor and to provide nature’s necessities. I believe in a United Country (hence, the “United States of America”). I believe in our Soldiers to help us accomplish and sustain this. I also deem that we as citizens have certain duties we are held to—both public and private. Such duties include not stealing, being honest in all our doings, abide the laws of the land, to provide for and protect our families, and of course to help those who are less fortunate, in need and sick. We as citizens need to become economically independent. We need to participate in our society, vote, volunteer, and be family-oriented. Doing these things will help our soldiers keep our country strong and standing. They can’t do it alone.

In today’s world it is starting to become more real to me the way our government and economy is going. And I, like many others, have had an awakening of how truly grateful I am for those men and women who are willing to stand and fight those who dare take our liberty and our rights from us. It has taken me a while to understand what independence means to me personally, but I am now forever changed by it. My appreciation for the thousands and millions of troops who serve now and who have served in the past runs deep. We need to show this appreciation more, not just on Veteran’s Day. They need and deserve that.

I am so proud to be an American. We are all truly blessed to live in this great country. Our soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors are a force for good in the world. This really is the land of the free because of the brave. Let’s not forget that. I am grateful for troops who protect our freedom, who create our freedom, and who support our freedom.

Would you like to gain more appreciation for the veterans of our country? Or maybe you are a veteran and you would like to pay respect to your fellow service men and women? There are places all over our nation to do so.

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most notable sites for veterans to visit and remember their fallen comrades before them. It is located just outside Washington D.C. on grounds of the estate formerly owned by the family of Robert E. Lee’s wife Mary Anna Lee. It was established during the American Civil War, but now veterans and military casualties from every war since are buried in this cemetery, bringing the total buried to over 300,000.  There are over 70 sections to the cemetery remembering different wars. There are also many other memorials, such as a section remembering the military nurses, the men who lost their lives aboard the USS Maine, the crew of the Space shuttle Challenger, and the Tomb of the Unknowns. The Tomb of the Unknowns represents all of those who lost their lives and have never been identified. There is one man from each war entombed and it is constantly guarded each day. This is a great place to visit and remember all who have lost their lives in battle for their country.

The Iwo Jima Memorial is a statue just outside the walls of Arlington National Cemetery. Based off of a photo taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima, it shows soldiers raising the American flag during battle. It bears two inscriptions that explain its importance; “Uncommon Valor Was a Common Virtue” and “In honor and memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since 10 November 1775″.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located in Washington D.C. is a national war memorial that honors the U.S. armed forces who died during the Vietnam War or who have still not been accounted for. It lists the names of all of those killed during the war. It consists of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, the Statue of the Three Soldiers, and the most known of the three parts, the Memorial Wall that lists all of the names. It is also surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The Korean War Veteran’s Memorial is also located in Washington D.C. to remember the men and woman who served during this war. It depicts soldiers marching through Korean terrain surrounded by a black wall mirroring their images. In front of them there is a pool of remembrance. Here people can come to pay respect to American bravery.

The Alamo located in San Antonio, Texas, is one of the most historic buildings in the U.S. The building was originally constructed as a mission in 1718, and moved twice before reaching its final destination in 1724. The Battle of the Alamo occurred in 1836, where over 150 Texans died including some of Texas’s folk heroes such as David Crockett, William Barrett Travis, and Jim Bowie. A nice little hint is to go late a night when the lights reflect the bullet holes. It gives it a more intense feeling that a battle really took place.

Pearl Harbor Naval Base in Honolulu, Hawaii was the scene of a major attack during World War II, where the Japanese targeted the U.S. On Dec, 7 1941, six Japanese carriers launched 183 planes at Ford Island, following with a fleet of 170 planes at Pearl Harbor. Unwarned the United State’s Navy had no idea it was coming. Nine ships were completely sunk, along with 21 damaged. Many men died that day to protect the base. Today the U.S.S. Arizona still sits under water in remembrance of this devastating day.

Gettysburg Battlefieldin Pennsylvania remains a historic site for veterans still today. The battle fought betweens July 1-3, 1863 was often considered the war’s turning point and also had the most casualties. It was here that the Gettysburg address was given by Lincoln, reminding us of the equality of all people. This battle changed our country and the fallen are still remembered today.

Fort McHenrylocated in Baltimore, Maryland, is a star shaped fort known for defending Baltimore Harbor against the British during the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay. It was here that Francis Scott Key wrote the “Star Spangled Banner” as he saw the American Flag rise, giving hope to all of the American Soldiers who had given up. Fort McHenry is a symbol of hope and the American Spirit.

West Point Military Academy is a 4 year coeducational federal service academy that was established in 1802. It is located in New York and played a very important role in the Revolutionary War. West Point is the longest continually occupied post in the United States. It sits on the high ground overlooking the Hudson making it a good look out to prevent the British Ships from sneaking up on them. It is home to many historic sites, landmarks, and monuments itself. Candidates must be of the highest caliber to enter, and many times must receive nomination from a congressman.

The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza was constructed to honor the veteran’s of World War I. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana it was designed to be the headquarters of the American Legion and a memorials to the state and nation’s veteran’s. In a five block radius there is an obelisk, a memorial cenotaph, and the Indiana World War Memorial. The memorial houses a museum, the Shrine Room, and an auditorium all designed to honor veterans.

There are many more places around the country honoring veterans. As well there should be. These men and woman have sacrificed their time, families, and sometimes their lives for our freedom and happiness. We should be grateful and show our respect to them. By visiting these places we can gain a greater appreciation for the service men and woman of our country.

ABOUT LOWVARATES.COM

 For the past 20 years LowVARates.com has been dedicated to serving veteran homeowners. We specialize in providing VA loans to qualified veterans for mortgage purchases and refinances. These loans provide lower interest rates and monthly payments than other traditional loans.

VA loans are currently the only program left that allows no-money-down loans providing a secure mortgage option guaranteed by the Federal Government. Our professional staff and loan officers will assist you to lock in low interest rates and take advantage of the unique opportunity provided through VA loans

Of all the states in the country, North Carolina has the 4th largest population of active and retired military personnel.  The latest data indicates there are an estimated 120,000 active duty personnel living in North Carolina. at the nine military bases.

Military bases in North Carolina:

• Pope Air Force Base – Fayetteville
• Seymour Johnson Air Force Base – Goldsboro
• Fort Bragg – Fayetteville
• Simmons Army Field – Fayetteville
• USCG Air Station – Elizabeth City
• Camp Lejeune Marine Base – Jacksonville
• Cherry Point Air Station – Havelock
• New RIver Air Station – Jacksonville
• Cherry Point Naval Air Depot – North of Havelock

In addition to the active duty, there are over 25,000 soldiers, marines, and airmen that serve in the National Guard or Reserve Forces!  Records show that most of these military personnel have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operating Enduring Freedom (OEF).

When these service members are ready to buy a home, it is important that they understand all of the benefits they are entitled to through the VA home loan program.  LowVARates specializes in assisting veterans and active duty members in applying for and becoming approved for a VA loan.

Remember the promise of loan modification?

In April of 2009 the Treasury Department officially launched their effort to help distressed families keep their home and avoid foreclosure. They recruited several loan servicers (JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup etc.) and offered $75,000,000,000 to the banks to pass along to homeowners in need.   Click here to read the article from Cnn.

In theory, the program was designed for distressed homeowners to contact lender’s modification counselors and build their case for loan modification. Banks were instructed to offer modification resources on loans where the cost of foreclosure would be higher than the cost of modification.

For families that qualify:

• Interest rates can be lowered by the banks to bring the borrower’s monthly mortgage payment to no more than 38% of their pre-tax income.

• Loan amounts can be reduced by banks to bring the monthly mortgage payment down to the 38% of pre-tax income

• Additionally, the federal government would offer resources to lower the borrower’s interest rate to bring the payment down to 31% of pre-tax income

• $1000 per year is given to families that keep current with their modification program

In theory this program is a fantastic solution for families in trouble.

In practice, the program doesn’t seem to be working. Where I work the phone rings all day long with veteran families looking to take advantage of lowering their interest rate. Every day that passes the number of families that have fallen behind or will fall behind on their mortgage payment increases. Nearly 90% of the families we speak to are struggling to make their payment. We ask these families if they have spoke to their current lender in regards to a loan modification.

Most of the families I have spoken with have had the modification conversation with their lender but few have succeeded, if any. They hear banker’s excuses such as, “We can only talk to you if you are more than 60 days late on your mortgage payment (a lot of good that does-isn’t this program supposed to keep people from being late on their payment).” Or, “Send in your paperwork to a phoneless team who will review your file within six months and we will decide if you qualify.” Or, the lenders make the process to apply so complex and drawn out that families give up in desperation while drowning in a sea of red tape. Or noone answers the loan modification phone at all. http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/04/15/foreclosure.phones/

Shouldn’t the first question that is answered be, “Will the cost of the foreclosure outweigh the cost of the modification?” Can’t it be that simple? Can’t there be a two week process, with a clear application and definition of items needed to be included with the application? Why are banks making it so difficult? This is the question noone can seem to answer or influence.

At the end of the day families that really need modifications are not getting the help they need while Wall Street Bankers are padding their profits with government subsidies.

Aside from the well-known VA home loan program available to veterans, the VA also offers other home-related benefits to service men and women. One of these is the Specialty Adapted Housing Program, which was designed to provide grants to qualified service members with specific service-connected disabilities, for the purpose of constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home to meet their adaptive needs. According to the VA, “the goal of the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant Program is to provide a barrier-free living environment that affords the veterans or service members a level of independent living he or she may not normally enjoy.”

Below are the two types of adaptive housing grants available to assist severely disabled veterans or service members, and some general information about them. The terms of eligibility and grant use differ slightly for each grant. For detailed information check out these links to publications by the VA or contact your local VA Regional Loan Center:

http://www.homeloans.va.gov/docs/part1_va_pamphlet_26_jrd_edits_doc_rev_11052009.pdf

http://www.homeloans.va.gov/docs/part2_va_pamphlet_26_jrd_edits_doc_rev_11052009.pdf

Specially Adapted Housing Grant -

Which veterans or service members are basically eligible for the grant?

The Specially Adapted Housing Grant is available to veterans or service members who are entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to:

· The loss, or loss of use, of both lower extremities such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.

· Blindness in both eyes having only light perception, plus loss or loss of use of one lower extremity.

· The loss, or loss of use, of one lower extremity together with: (1) residuals of organic disease or injury, or (2) the loss or loss of use of one upper extremity.

· The loss, or loss of use, of both upper extremities, so as to preclude use of the arms at or above the elbows.

· The permanent and total disability is due to a severe burn injury (as so determined).

How much specially adapted housing assistance can a veteran or service member receive?

· An eligible veteran or service member may receive a VA grant of not more than 50 percent of the cost of a specially adapted house, up to the aggregate maximum amount allowable by law. The current maximum grant amount allowable at the time of this publication is $63,780. This amount will be adjusted annually based on a cost-of-construction index. The first adjustment occurred October 1, 2009, and future adjustments will take place each October 1 thereafter. Any future adjustments will increase the grant amounts or leave them unchanged.

How may the grant be used?

An eligible veteran or service member has the option to use up to the full amount of the grant under any one of the following plans:

· Plan (1): The veteran or service member may elect to construct a home on land to be acquired for that purpose.

· Plan (2): The veteran or service member may build a home on land already owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing.

· Plan (3): The veteran or service member may remodel an existing home if it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing.

· Plan (4): When the veteran or service member has already acquired a specially adapted home (without the assistance of a VA grant), the grant may be applied against the unpaid principal mortgage balance of the home.

Special Housing Adaptation Grant -

Which veterans or service members are basically eligible for the Special Housing Adaptations Grant?

Veterans or service members who are entitled to compensation for permanent and total service-connected disability due to:

· Blindness in both eyes with 5/200 visual acuity or less, or

· The anatomical loss or loss of use of both hands.

· The permanent and total disability is due to a severe burn injury (as so determined).

How much special housing adaptation assistance can a veteran or service member receive?

An eligible veteran or service member may receive a VA grant for the actual cost to adapt a house or for the appraised market value of necessary adapted features already in a house when it was purchased, up to the maximum grant amount allowable by law. The current maximum grant amount allowable at the time of this publication is $12,756. This amount will be adjusted annually based on a cost-of-construction index. The first adjustment occurred October 1, 2009, and future adjustments will take place each October 1 thereafter. Any future adjustments will increase the grant amounts or leave them unchanged.

How may the grant be used?

An eligible veteran or service member has the option to use up to the full amount of the grant under any one of the following plans:

· Plan (1). The veteran or service member may elect to construct a home on land to be acquired for that purpose.

· Plan (2). The veteran or service member may build a home on land already owned if it is suitable for specially adapted housing.

· Plan (3). The veteran or service member may remodel an existing home if it can be made suitable for specially adapted housing.

· Plan (4). When the veteran or service member has already acquired a specially adapted home (without the assistance of a VA grant), the grant may be applied against the unpaid principal mortgage balance of the home.

*Note that if a veteran or service member qualifies for both benefits, the law limits him/her to the use of the larger grant.

If you feel you may be eligible for one of these grants, contact the Specially Adapted Housing Agent at your local VA Regional Loan Center for more information.

If you are in need of help with your home loan, need a VA streamline, or a VA loan in any state including a Texas VA Loan we can help.

I’d like to preface this post with a disclaimer.  I am not Milton Friedman.  I do not hold advanced degrees in any academic discipline that might lend my suggestions here intellectual credibility.  To say that my writings lack the philosophical rigor and insight into the nuances of governance demonstrated by those of Thomas Jefferson would be a gross understatement.

I am just a guy who has worked for years with Veterans helping them to finance VA home loan purchases, refinances and debt consolidations.  I’ve assisted high-ranking VA homeowners working at The Pentagon as well as members of the Navy JAG core.  I’ve worked with 20 year old veterans returning from the Middle East – some of them deeply scarred and rendered disabled by the horrors of war- yet proud, and in possession of a nobility and stoicism that I will never fully grasp.

I’ve watched the VA lending environment expand and contract, watched VA guidelines tighten and loosen, watched veterans experience the singular joy of first-time home ownership and bore witness to the sobering reality of veterans facing foreclosure.  Mine is an opinion forged in practical experience on the front lines of the VA loan guarantee program; working with veterans, hearing their frustrations, and (at times) lacking sufficient means to address them.  What follows are three components of a Veteran Homeowners Mission Statement– philosophical rules to guide industry policy and practices that I believe will ultimately benefit all veteran homeowners. I invite all veterans, of both the military and mortgage industry alike, to sound off on what I write here so that we might evolve our collective understanding of the issues and form more practical and efficient solutions to address them.

#1 Less Is More

Throughout the loan process, veteran homeowners are flooded with loan disclosures. These disclosures were all created with a noble goal in mind- to ensure homeowners emerge from the home loan process better informed of their rights and made more aware of the details of the transaction. But with respect to the average homeowner there is an argument to be made that the collected loan disclosure documents often result in the opposite effect. Over time these disclosures have been amended and supplemented by others, at the Federal and State levels. Whether they will admit it or not, there are many borrowers who find themselves confused and intimidated by the number of documents which require their signature, to say nothing of the verbiage within them. I firmly believe that regardless of the imperfections of the process, it is the responsibility of the loan originator to not only properly disclose to homeowners, but to ensure that homeowners understand the documents they are presented with. An originators job is to guide borrowers through the loan process, represent their interests, and to ultimately provide them with sufficient knowledge by which to make a decision. But I believe there is a better way to deliver this knowledge. For example, any person who has ever entered a polling booth on election day knows that when they open the election guide they will find a list of the measures and candidates on the ballot accompanied by common sense breakdowns of each. Measures are summarized and supplemented by endorsements or criticisms offered by relevant parties on either side of the issue. Candidates up for election are described by their experience and political positions and are similarly endorsed or criticized by editorial commentary. Furthermore, there are links and references listed so that voters can learn more about the issues beyond the content contained in the booklets. This method allows voters to make reasoned judgments by translating their options and framing the impact of their choices. I would like to see the closing disclosure package for home loans treated in a similar fashion. By consolidating the number of disclosures and translating the relevant information into common language, homeowners will be able to better grasp the knowledge. I imagine a 1-3 document where rights associated with each disclosure are summarized in bullet points and organized by the relevant subject. They might include: Veteran Disclosures, State Federal Rights for all Homeowners, Transaction Specific Disclosures, etc. This document would require a signature by the homeowner acknowledging receipt of an accompanying pamphlet which would contain the full text of all the disclosures, greater analysis with examples, a glossary of related terms, and a procedural breakdown of the loan process.

#2 Give It To Them Straight

Numbers can be misleading. The Truth in Lending Disclosure mandated under the Truth in Lending Disclosure Act provides borrowers with amortization schedules, details the amount of interest that will be paid out over the life of the loan, loan specific terms and restrictions, and of course the APR, or Annual Percentage Rate. The APR calculation is provided to help borrowers determine how loan financing costs factor into their “effective” rate. The APR does not factor in title charges, appraisal costs, tax/insurance reserves or other “third party” charges, which could be underestimated to make a particular loan seem more attractive than another. But the issue with the APR,(especially on refinance transactions) is that it only functions as a means by which the borrower can compare offers between loan companies. The APR does not effectively help the borrower decide if they should refinance in the first place. An additional and more meaningful metric would be a “breakeven” analysis. The calculation would include the total settlement charges, adjusted for escrow refunds and interest added to their loan payoff, divided by the Principle & Interest savings on the loan. This number would then be adjusted to reflect the number of months it would take to both cover the cost of the closing charges and any principle reduction the borrower would have seen without refinancing over that time. The “breakeven” or “recoup” number would better frame the short AND long term benefit of the loan. Borrowers could measure this number against the number of months they intend to keep the mortgage. Too often borrowers will chase rates blindly, simply because they are lower than what they have, despite the fact that the recoup time eats into the advantage of the loan.

#3 Get Behind The Numbers

While a borrowers recoup time might at first appear disadvantageous, a borrower might choose to refinance in an attempt to redirecting mortgage payment savings to pay off higher interest rate debts. I believe that most borrowers intentions with regard to mortgage transactions are implied but not clarified. A “cash out” transaction, or “debt consolidation loan” might appear specific enough on paper, but requiring the borrower to clarify their intentions with worksheet/questionnaire helps the underwriter get a better sense of the net benefit of the loan and the credit worthiness of a borrower. The questionnaire/worksheet would clarify why the borrower decided on a particular rate/fee/loan program combination over alternatives, how long they intend to stay in the property and how the borrower plans to handle the resulting loan savings. This information may strike some as irrelevant and invasive. But this idea helps an underwriter keep both the borrower and the loan officer accountable. By completing the questionnaire/worksheet the borrower is framing the reason why they are applying for credit. It is widely accepted that recording ones goals or intentions often results in a higher probability that they will see them through. This helps involve the borrower into the loan process, and establishes a kind of ethical accountability that goes deeper than simply signing ones name. It gives both the borrower and the underwriter a chance to evaluate how well the loan originator guided the borrower to an appropriate loan. Lenders would enjoy the disclosure simply because it would be a specific declaration of intention and purpose by the borrower, one that could later be referenced should an allegation arise that the borrowers were misled.

This is all I have come with for now. I hope you see the value in these philosophical guideposts. If you as a reader finds these ideas lacking or ill conceived, I want to hear your feedback. My goal is to evolve these ideas with your help. What else have you found frustrating/helpful in your experiences as an originator, underwriter, or veteran homeowner?