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Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I've not had issues with VA buyers and love them just because they are veterans. It's mostly getting through the VA appraisal process, but if the contract is at a fair price and you have an experienced VA lender handling the buyer, I don't see downside and haven't experienced any to-date. (And I do a number of these each year.)

Feb 18, 2016 12:36 AM
Rainer
45,957
Andy Madrid
Hawaii Coast Realty, LLC - Kailua-Kona, HI
Expertise, Professionalism, and Service

I love working with VA buyers.  The key is making sure that the lender is a seasoned VA lender because thats where all of the issues will arise.  Obviously a buyer with a pretty clean credit record is a major +++  I am working with a VA buyer right now and the lender is fantastic. We are closing 2 weeks early because the lender is so good. 

Any CONS in my opinion would generally fall squarely on the lender who didnt anticipate something and has to scramble at the last minute resulting in a delay in closing.

Feb 18, 2016 01:07 AM
Rainmaker
4,272,548
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I love working with veterans and any challenges are insignificant after what they have had to endure...

Feb 18, 2016 12:27 AM
Ambassador
6,393,609
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Pros; you get to help a veteran.

cons; you get to work with the government.

Feb 18, 2016 01:31 AM
Rainmaker
108,016
Scott Lawson
America's Home loans - Santa Rosa, Petaluma Mortgage Broker - Santa Rosa, CA
Mortgage Broker FHA, VA, refinance or purchase

One glaring con:

If you're the listing agent accepting a VA buyer, you have to deal with that damned pest inspection (not in all states). It helps to know a local inspector that's not out to slam the property with tons of insignificant issues so they can get a contract to do the repair work for an outrageous fee. Inspectors that also do the "cures" are the ones to stay away from. One the single biggest rackets in our industry.

Feb 18, 2016 12:33 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

None

Feb 18, 2016 09:02 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

I have only seen 1 VA Buyer (we were representing the Seller), so my information may be limited, as we see mainly Cash Buyers.  A 'Con' would be the Seller will pay for more, and a 'Pro' would be you have the house under Contract Richie Alan Naggar.  I will be interested in reading other answers, too! 

Feb 18, 2016 02:03 AM
Ambassador
2,684,109
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

Pros:  the Buyer is a Veteran.  Most Vets will have discipline, seriousness, and determination.

Cons:  any above-and-beyond termite letter / pest inspection that the VA may require.

Feb 18, 2016 01:20 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,211
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

VA is actually pretty good as homebuyers go . . . seller only has a couple of true disallowables to deal with, so you can negotiate away a lot of the seller contribution if you want to. The VA appraiser is the only one who can alert you if they are having trouble getting a value and need help with comps, but it looks like you have pricing right, so I think if the deal makes sense, do it. The con is that there can't be any deferred maintenance which looks like a non issue for your Q, and the buyer is going to ask for CCs.
PLUS . . . our veterans deserve every opportunity!

Feb 18, 2016 01:08 AM
Rainmaker
1,153,794
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

The only "cons" I know of is unfamiliarity with their use. You won't be able to close immediately but the timeframe can be similar to conventional if your ducks are in a row. Helping our Veterans is the only way to go whenever possible. 

Feb 18, 2016 12:37 AM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

A VA buyer is sometimes a little more picky because of what the VA requires for the appraisal, termite and moisture and the loan.

Feb 18, 2016 12:29 AM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

No cons that I can think of. Many agents worry about VA appraisals being lower than expected, but i don't know how often that happens.

Feb 18, 2016 12:27 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

there are NO cons in accepting a VA buyer as long as the buyer has his/her letter of eligibility and is ready to go....

Feb 18, 2016 12:24 AM
Rainmaker
979,496
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Richie - I am about to find out on the opposite end of your question because I have a VA buyer.

Feb 19, 2016 02:20 PM
Rainmaker
617,935
David Gibson CNE, 719-304-4684 ~ Colorado Springs Relocation
Colorado Real Estate Advisers LLC - Colorado Springs, CO
Relocation, Luxury & Lifestyle residential

Richie,
We have a ton of them here. They tend to get approved ok but with zero down they have no skin in the game should they decide to walk away.

Feb 19, 2016 01:27 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,409
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Qualified is qualified in my view!

Feb 18, 2016 09:51 PM
Rainmaker
2,759,812
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

 most folks that I know who work with veterans do not have problems with a VA loans.

Feb 18, 2016 05:25 PM
Rainmaker
2,538,633
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Richie. I feel it is an  honor and privilege with any VA buyer. If they are qualified to purchase in the price range, it doesn't take any long to obtain the mortgage than any other financing.

Feb 18, 2016 04:54 PM
Rainmaker
1,090,922
Diana Zaccaro Broker Associate
ZOOM Realty Group - Cocoa Beach, FL
"The Accidental Blogger" Cocoa Beach, Florida

My only experience with VA was nearly 40 years ago when we bought our first home and it went very smoothly and quickly. I can't comment on the pros and cons in today's world but if a buyer wanted to go VA, I would do whatever I could to help them.

 

Feb 18, 2016 03:18 PM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

PROs, you have a buyers. CONs, none perhaps. You just need to be on top of financing of this buyer, Richie.

Feb 18, 2016 03:04 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Love VA buyers and they are so easy to get financed (usually).

Feb 18, 2016 01:18 PM
Ambassador
3,164,294
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

if the property is in good condition I see no cons

Feb 18, 2016 01:08 PM
Rainmaker
2,224,473
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

It's been a while since I've worked with a VA buyer, but that transaction went as smooth as any of them. 

Feb 18, 2016 11:17 AM
Rainer
223,831
LUXURYSOCALREALTY COMPASS La Jolla
Compass - La Jolla, CA
San Diego Partner - The Private Client Network

pros many times they are willing to pay top $.  cons the appraisal process and non allowable VA fees.

Feb 18, 2016 11:01 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

It is true, it can take longer, but other than that I do not see any other disadvantages. I'd take a VA client any time. 

If you do not have any better offers, I hope this VA client gets the house. All th best. 

Feb 18, 2016 09:39 AM
Rainmaker
5,005,659
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I've had great experiences with VA buyers!! Love that they served and no issues!

Feb 18, 2016 09:31 AM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Any of the gov. loans seem to come with special issues.  VA has been the worst for me

Feb 18, 2016 07:48 AM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Pros - helping a veteran get themself (and many times their family) into a home.  Easy loan process in most cases.  Fast turn around time.  Easier guidelines make the loan processing sometimes even faster/easier than with other loan products.

 

Cons - lender should know the program, there are a lot of things that can ruin a transaction with an inexperienced lender.  Appraisals are even more out of a lenders control than usual, and VA appraisals have a bad rep for being more stringent.

 

The VA process is very similar to FHA/conventional - if the home is priced right (and the appraiser agrees) and the Veteran is truly qualified for the program, there is no downside or anything that would prevent that quick, clean sale.

Feb 18, 2016 07:38 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Richie Alan Naggar ActiveRain members have overwhelmingly given VA buyers a 'high five' and rightly so.  Choose an experienced lender.  There are several VA lenders who are also ActiveRain members such as Joe Petrowsky and George Souto.

Feb 18, 2016 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,301
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Zero negatives - a buyer is a buyer.

Feb 18, 2016 05:26 AM
Rainmaker
613,494
Eve Alexander
Buyers Broker of Florida - Tampa, FL
Exclusively Representing ONLY Tampa Home Buyers

I love working with VA buyers as they do not sweat the small stuff.

However, if there are other offers on the table, the VA financing kills the chance to prevail.

Eve

Feb 18, 2016 04:39 AM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Aren't there VA fees between 1.25% - 3.3% that the seller is often asked to pay?

Feb 18, 2016 04:33 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

People from Virginia tend to be very nice. 

 

Oh, VA as in Veterans Admin...   The house needs to be in good condition otherwise they won't lend on it.  Other than that, make sure the lender specializes in VA loans and has direct access to the VA's system for their certificate of eligibility.  I had a VA escrow close in 30 days post trid.

Feb 18, 2016 04:15 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I always try to help veterans . As it is in good condition it should be fine.

Feb 18, 2016 03:41 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Other than being careful with the seller side fees in the contract, there shouldn't be any negatives.

Feb 18, 2016 03:24 AM
Rainmaker
846,475
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Haven't done one of those in probably 20 years.

Feb 18, 2016 02:32 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

No cons as far as we are concerned.

Feb 18, 2016 02:25 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Can't think of a Con.

Feb 18, 2016 02:22 AM
Rainer
225,526
Bob Betel
Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc. - Sweetwater, TN
President, Allstar Home Mortgage, Inc

Never had a problem with doing VA loans. If you have a good lender, it won't be a problem for you either. And it is the least we could do for a vet.

Feb 18, 2016 02:07 AM
Rainer
321,564
Melissa Jackson REALTOR
Trinity Premier Properties - Azle, TX
Helping You Make The Right Move

Recently I worked with a VA buyer.  No issues, my listing was in great shape and the inspection went well.  Their agent worked with many VA loans and knew what she needed to make the contract go smoothly.   

Feb 18, 2016 01:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Never bother with a VA or FHA loan, I give it to those who do not mind the hassle.

Because of TRIAD and long delays over >$1M+ home sellers do not like mortgage buyers. They like cash 7 days and they have a choice.

Feb 18, 2016 01:38 AM
Rainmaker
316,098
Robert Smith
Preview Properties, PC - http://www.RealEstateMich.com - Brighton, MI
SRES, Search for Homes Brighton-Howell-SE Michigan

What Andy Madrid said.

Remember that the seller has to pay for the termite inspection and water test, otherwise it's pretty standard.  ONLY work with an experienced VA lender.

Feb 18, 2016 01:22 AM
Rainmaker
634,482
Kathleen Luiten
Resort and Second-Home Specialist - Princeville, HI
Kauai Luxury Ocean Home Sales

Make sure the property passes VA requirements. We've had no problems other than that.

Feb 18, 2016 01:17 AM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

Since the listing is in good condition, it should be just fine.  The biggest roadblock is usually that the listing agent has a bias against or does not understand VA loans.  Since you're the lister, you're good.  

Feb 18, 2016 01:11 AM
Ambassador
2,178,603
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Everyone wants a quick, clean sale. I always loved working with veterans.   I would hope they don't turn down an offer if a veteran wants to buy the home.  That would be unpatriotic, in my opinion.  

Feb 18, 2016 01:01 AM
Ambassador
5,049,466
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

I've not had any problems but only a handful of VA buyers in recent years. Appraisal and condition of home can be an issue in some cases but none here. There are sme other hoops to jump through but so what!

Feb 18, 2016 12:53 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

All pros I don't see any cons

Feb 18, 2016 12:45 AM