Buying a home is a significant milestone, and for veterans, the process can be simplified through VA financing. This guide will walk you through the steps of buying a home using VA financing, highlighting how Tom Garvey (Lender) and Chris Dunham (The Real Estate Guy™), work together seamlessly, like peanut butter and jelly, to ensure you avoid the hefty costs that other lenders like USAA and Rocket Mortgage might charge.Step 1: Determine EligibilityThe first step in using VA financing is determining your eligibility. Veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves are typically eligible. You will need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to prove your entitlement.How to Get Your COE: Apply online through the VA’s eBenefits portal. Request your... 07/30/2024

Home inspections are a crucial part of the home buying process, designed to ensure that the property is in good condition and free from significant defects. However, this well-intentioned step can sometimes spiral out of control, leading to unreasonable repair requests that have little to do with the functionality or safety of the home. Take, for example, the case of a recent home sale that went off the rails due to a wildly excessive repair demand. After the inspection, the buyer's agent submitted a request for a staggering $37,000 in paint and stucco allowances. The kicker? The home was in excellent condition and didn’t need any such work. This request was not about fixing leaks, addressing electrical issues, or repairing a faulty roof—these were purely cosmetic changes that the buye... 07/28/2024

Chandler and sister cities Gilbert and Scottsdale are consistently rated amongst the best places to live and raise a family in the United States of America. Wow, what an honor! See the latest and always up to date homes for sale in Chandler, Arizona right here! (Photo: Chandler Arizona- Wikepedia)Chandler at Ocotillo Lake has great schools, employers and shopping and restaurants and homes also....NICE! Well it is true. In addition to the great homes, schools, parks, restaurants Chandler has easy access to the Phoenix metro sports, entertainment, golf, dining and arts. Per the Arizona Republic, CNN and Money Magazine has previously ranked Chandler as the 50th best place to live in the United States. Chandler is climbing in the rankings with continued building, growth and activities. Chec... 05/11/2024

The Culinary Evolution of Chandler RestaurantsNestled within the vibrant tapestry of Arizona lies Chandler, a city whose culinary landscape has undergone a remarkable evolution. From its modest beginnings as a small agricultural town to its current status as a burgeoning foodie destination, Chandler Restaurants has cultivated a diverse and thriving food scene that reflects its rich history and cultural influences.Early Days: Agricultural Roots and Local FareIn its early days, Chandler's food scene revolved around local produce and simple, hearty fare. The city's agricultural roots laid the foundation for a culinary landscape characterized by farm-to-table dining and a reliance on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Diners could often find traditional Southwestern dishes, such as tamales and ch... 03/06/2024

Embracing Tranquility & Luxury Living: Crescent Falls at Fulton RanchNestled within the picturesque landscapes of Fulton Ranch, Crescent Falls stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of tranquility and luxury living. This blog invites you on a journey to explore the unique charm and exceptional features that make Crescent Falls a coveted residential haven in the heart of Chandler, Arizona.Crescent Falls is strategically located in the esteemed Fulton Ranch community, offering residents the perfect balance between accessibility and serenity. With proximity to major amenities, schools, and employment centers, Crescent Falls caters to the diverse needs of its residents.As you enter Crescent Falls, the sense of exclusivity is immediately apparent. The gated community provides a secure... 01/18/2024

Mark and Traci came to me already approved for a VA Mortgage. I've known Traci since 8th grade (83) so when I asked their lender to send me the good faith estimate, I was shocked. This lender, Veterans United, sole purpose is to save VETERANS Money. Instead, she was charging Mark just under $13,000 to bring to the closing table ($12,857 to be exact). He's a Military Veteran, using his VA which is 100% Financing, She had worked with him 2x already.So when I called her out on these fees, she asked me to send my hometown lender partners fees so she could "beat or meet". My response, "you should have put your best foot forward at the start instead of charging him crazy costs to paid your wallet". Needless to say, they went with my local lender, saved a ton of money (used those funds to redo... 10/27/2023

The ins and outs of Closing Costs when purchasing a HomeClosing costs are expenses beyond the down payment, such as appraisal fees, attorney fees and escrow funds, that you pay upon closing. Many first-time home buyers underestimate just how much they’ll need to pay in closing costs. Some buyers may not know there are ways to reduce how much they’ll pay. Closing costs can be a little tricky to understand, so we’ll give you an overview of everything you need to know about closing costs before you finalize your loan. We’ll also provide a few tips on ways to limit the amount you’ll pay. Closing costs are paid at closing for your mortgage. These costs arise through the process of creating your loan. Closing costs cover fees such as those associated with your home appraisal and searches on y... 09/02/2023

Here is the most recent Chandler AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for July 2023: The average sales price of Chandler homes increased quite a bit this month after decreasing last month, going from $608,524 in June to $632,009 in July. Prices are still up overall since January of this year, but not quite as the all-time high we saw in May of 2022. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Chandler Arizona real estate market.   After decreasing last month, the average sales price per square foot of Chandler homes increased this month. The average sales price increased from $288/sf in June to $291/sf in July. This price is lower than the price per square foot of Chandler homes in July of 2022, by just $8/sf. The Chandler days on market has decreas... 08/15/2023

Here is the most recent Chandler AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for June 2023: The average sales price of Chandler homes decreased quite a bit this month after increasing the last two months, going from $648,132 in May to $608,524 in June. Prices are still up overall since January of this year. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Chandler Arizona real estate market.   After increasing for two months in a row, the average sales price per square foot of Chandler homes decreased this month. The average sales price decreased from $293/sf in May to $288/sf in June. This price is lower than the price per square foot of Chandler homes in June of 2022, by $23/sf. The days on market has decreased for the fourth month in a row, going from 76 DOM... 07/18/2023

VA Financing for Veterans - Buying a home with Zero DownSince the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, more Veterans can benefit from zero-down VA loans — even in expensive housing markets. The act takes VA loan limits out of the equation for many borrowers. Loan limits are defined as the maximum VA loan possible without a down payment. But now, loan limits are only applied to those with partial entitlement. If you have full entitlement, the maximum VA guaranty is simply 25 percent of your loan amount — even if your loan is $1,000,000 or more.All first-time VA borrowers have full entitlement. Additionally, all borrowers who’ve used a VA loan to finance a home, and have since completely restored entitlement, also have full entitlement. You may also have full entitlement if you p... 07/16/2023

Tri Point Homes in Chandler AZ - Treeland CommunityLocated just off McQueen & Chandler Heights in Chandler, AZ.  This amenity rich, gated community is perfectly positioned for function and fun. Treeland’s premium East Valley location offers access to the 60 and 202 freeway as well as Paseo Vista Recreation area, which highlights a running, biking and walking trail that can take your from Riggs Road in Chandler, all the way to Freestone Park in Gilbert. Great for training runs or rides any time of the year.The Calderwood Plan (Pictured) has something for everyone. A game room off the foyer, bordered by two secondary bedrooms, which provides a great hangout space for kids or guests. Stick with a standard privatized den tucked next to the tandem bay of the garage, for a convenient home off... 07/15/2023

Here is the most recent Chandler AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for May 2023: The average sales price of Chandler homes increased for the second straight month, after decreasing in March, going from $599,307 in March to $648,212 this month. Prices have been inching up since January of this year. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Chandler Arizona real estate market.   After remaining the same in February and March, the average sales price per square foot of Chandler homes has also increased for the second straight month. The average sales price increased from $278/sf in March to $293/sf in May. This price is lower than the price per square foot of Chandler homes in May of 2022, by $22/sf. The days on market has decreased for the third... 06/15/2023

Here is the most recent Chandler AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for April 2023: The average sales price of Chandler homes increased in April, after decreasing in March, going from $599,307 in March to $625,978 this month. Prices have fluctuated up and down every month since November of 2022, with a slight increasing trend. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Chandler Arizona real estate market.  After remaining the same in February and March, the average sales price per square foot of Chandler homes increased in April. The average sales price increased from $278/sf in March to $283/sf in April. This price is lower than the price per square foot of Chandler homes in April of 2022, by $26/sf.  The days on market has decreased for the sec... 05/16/2023

18 Years of sobriety yet, you can still be triggered out of nowhere.For those that know me, I have always been very vocal about my alcoholism and my journey to continue staying sober. In February 2023, I reach my 18th year milestone. As I continue to celebrate my monthly wins (the 9th day of each month) I always try to share some insight with those who follow me.In the past couple weeks, I was triggered by a simple smell of Jack. In my heavy drinking days, Budweiser and Jack Daniels were my "go to". Day in, and day out, I would sip, gulp and pour both down my throat. Always searching for the "high" the feeling of being "comfortably numb" where you're not "drunk" but you're no longer sober. Relaxed enough to forget the trials of the day, but coherent (at least thats what I'd tell myself)... 05/11/2023

Here is the most recent Chandler AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for March 2023: The average sales price of Chandler homes decreased in March, after increasing in February, going from $607,490 in February to $599,307 this month. This is the first March that sales prices in Chandler have decreased since March of 2020 when Covid-19 hit. Click on the image below to read the full article and see what is going on in the Chandler Arizona real estate market.  After increasing for the first time in 8 months in February, the average sales price per square foot of Chandler homes remained the same in March. The average sales price remained at $278/sf for the second straight month. This price is lower than the price per square foot of Chandler homes in March of 2022, by $28/sf. After increasin... 04/16/2023

Here is the most recent Chandler AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for February 2023: The average sales price of Chandler homes increased in February, after decreasing in January, going from $584,300 in January to $607,490 this month. This is at least the 5th February in a row that sales prices in Chandler have increased.  After decreasing or remaining the same for 8 consecutive months, the average sales price per square foot of Chandler homes increased in February. The average sales price increased from $272/sf last month to $278/sf in February. This price is lower than the price per square foot of Chandler homes in February of 2022, by $13/sf. After decreasing last month, the days on market has increased this month, going from 67 DOM in January to 75 DOM for February. Homes in Chan... 03/22/2023

The process of getting pre-approved for a home loan and buying a house typically involves the following steps:Determine your budget: Before you start looking for a home, it's important to determine how much you can afford. This will depend on factors such as your income, debt, and credit score. Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step in the home buying process. This involves submitting an application to a lender, who will review your financial information and credit history to determine how much they are willing to lend you. Hire a real estate agent: A real estate agent can help you find homes that meet your needs and budget, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the home buying process. Shop for homes: Once you know your budget a... 03/21/2023

Here is the most recent Chandler AZ Real Estate Housing Market Report for January 2023:  The average sales price of Chandler homes slightly decreased to start 2023, after increasing in December, going from $590,913 in December to $585,004 in January. This is the second January in a row that sales prices in Chandler have decreased to begin a new year.After decreasing for 7 consecutive months, the average sales price per square foot of Chandler homes remained exactly the same in January as it was in December. The average sales price remained at $272/sf. This price is lower than the price per square foot of Chandler homes last year, in January of 2022, by $6/sf. After increasing for 7 straight months, the days on market has now decreased to begin 2023, going from 69 DOM in December to 66 D... 02/14/2023

Townhouse for Sale with 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 Bathrooms in ChandlerWelcome to your Money Maker! That's right, turn this cute little 2 bedroom townhouse in Chandler into a cash cow by renting it out daily, weekly or monthly! Currently a unit is listed for $4500 a month as a turn key, short term rental.  This unit is priced well below $325k, making it affordable and a great ROI. Buy in, furnish it and get it rented out and started putting positive cash flow in your pocket today! The community is large and features a ton of walking paths, green belts, two pools, two spas and more. This Chandler townhouse is ready for you to call home or become your very own landlord! 602-321-6188.  02/04/2023

Townhouse in Chandler AZ for sale - 2 Beds, 2.5 Baths.Looking for a starting spot in Chandler? This 2 bedroom townhouse for sale could be the perfect place to lay your head. Located just off McQueen and Ray, this exclusive community was built in the late 1990's and has some great community features, which include 2 swimming pools, 2 hot tubs, tons of grassy areas / greenbelts. Fenced in basketball court and more. Buying a townhouse in Chandler couldn't be easier. Rates are still at an all time low (seriously, they are, 25 years ago rates were in the upper 8 and low 9's, today's rate still beats that!  If you're a first time buyer, you may qualify for a program that grants you a down payment fund as well as a portion of your closing costs. Reach out today to find out more and how to qual... 02/03/2023