84°F
weather icon Clear
Boulder City, NV
Opinion

Housing opportunities many for veterans

By Chuck N. Baker
March 21, 2024 - 6:01 pm
 

Veterans who buy real estate with what is known as a “VA loan” can get some real bargains.

They save on closing costs and other fees and generally do not have to come up with a down payment. The loan is not actually made by the VA — the VA guarantees the loan that is then made by a bank or mortgage company. If the veteran should default, the VA is left to pay the bank. It’s a good deal all around.

While any licensed and knowledgeable real estate agent can assist with a VA loan, several years ago a group of Realtors organized to specialize in such finances. It’s called VAREP, which stands for Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. Pronounced “Vah-Rep,” the non-profit group reports it is dedicated to increasing sustainable homeownership, financial literacy, education VA loan awareness and economic opportunity for the active-military and veteran communities.

As a non-profit for veterans as well as a HUD-approved counseling affiliate, they provide a number of services including credit, budget and financial counseling, VA loan and foreclosure prevention discussions and rental information. A spokesperson said, “Once a veteran is ready to realize the American Dream, they have a network of veteran-friendly real estate lenders and other housing specialists to help them be on the path to homeownership.”

VA loans are often a perfect method for veterans who are first-time buyers to purchase a home. Full disclosure, I purchased my first home many years ago with a VA loan. While many families from California as well as other states are moving to Boulder City and other Nevada locations, USA Today recently published a list from realtor.com of what it says are the best seven markets for first-time buyers. I can’t believe that Boulder City — or anywhere else in Nevada — is not on the list! But here it is: Grand Rapids, Mich.; Cheektowaga, NY; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Newington, Conn.; Benton, Ark.; Winterset, Iowa; and Irondequoit, NY. The list takes into consideration such things as price and affordability, ample housing inventories, shorter commutes and lively culture, among other items. (The list neglected to mention season-long freezing cold winters, high heating bills, numerous snow-packed icy roads, high property tax rates, state income taxes and few employment opportunities!)

So, any veterans in Boulder City ready to move to anyplace on the above list? I don’t think so.

MOST READ
LISTEN TO THE TOP FIVE HERE
THE LATEST
bcr default image
Starry, Starry Night
By Rod Woodbury

This week is primary election week. And if we had a vote on pollution, I’m pretty sure what the outcome would be.

bcr default image
Shaka, rattle and roll
By Ron Eland

Earlier this month, it was reported that a couple of minor earthquakes hit Nevada, which should come as no surprise to many considering our proximity to the San Andreas Fault.

bcr default image
That’s good; no, that’s bad
By Rod Woodbury

Have you ever noticed how life can feel perfectly calm, and then suddenly everything hits at once? The calm before the storm is a real phenomenon in nature. The atmosphere often becomes extra still and quiet just before a raging storm breaks. And then, when it finally rains, it often pours, as the saying goes.

bcr default image
Garrett excels in classroom, field, stage
By Melanie Teemant Principal, Garrett Junior High

Garrett Junior High School has been very busy this quarter. Across campus, classrooms are wrapping up their final projects and concluding MAP testing to bring us into the final few days of the school year.

bcr default image
Something new is afloat in Boulder City
By Julie Calloway Parks and Recreation Director

Last week, city staff took the Municipal Pool bubble down for the last time.

bcr default image
Elections with love
By Eric Lundgaard

I was happy to see that Boulder City is going to have an election that provides time for both communicating as well as understanding. It is unresolved until Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Choices for city council should never be ignored or hurried. Our duty as citizens is to objectively apply the best information we have to decide for whom to vote.

bcr default image
Library gearing up for summer
More than Books By the Boulder City Library

This May we have some wonderful programs coming to the library, including the kickoff to the much-anticipated 2026 Summer Reading Program.

bcr default image
A busy spring at Mitchell
By Tracy Echeverria Principal, Mitchell Elementary

As always, the leaders at Mitchell have been busy.

bcr default image
The Mouse, his House and me
By Ron Eland

I’m about to say something that divides many in terms of their opinion. More than should a sandwich be cut horizontally or the diagonal cross-cut. Even more than the question of Coke vs. Pepsi and even more controversial than whether a tomato is a fruit or vegetable.

bcr default image
Challenging (budget) forecast ahead
By Cynthia Sneed, Finance Director

Have you ever called for emergency services in Boulder City? Did you know that on medical calls, the fire department typically sends two or more first responders? The American Heart Association recommends one responder manages the patient’s airway; another monitors cardiac activity; another is responsible for administering medication; and two provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or lift assists as needed. On a heart attack or stroke, up to six responders may be needed.