Housing

Things to consider when deciding wether to live on base or off base..

Commute time

Do you prefer living on base or are you ok with some commute time? Think about where you will be commuting to and where your spouse will be commuting to. From there determine what area will work best to live in. 

Pricing in the area

First, find out the amount of BAH you will receive each month. From there find out what you can afford off base and decide if you prefer on or off base. Remember that on base, full ball is taken but utilities are included.

Length of Stay 

If you will be stationed somewhere for 2 or more years, it could be a good idea to look into purchasing a home. Purchasing a home near the base can open up many opportunities for you down the road, such as renting out the home once you‘ve moved, as well as building equity.

Local area offerings

These are things like grocery stores, hospitals, dog parks, gyms, hiking trails, etc. Is it important to you to be near any of these things?

Schools

Do you have any children that will be attending school? Or will you want to attend a trade school/college? Each base is unique in this aspect, so it’s important to learn more about the schools in the area. 

Luke Family Homes has two neighborhoods: Ocotillo Manor and Saguaro Manor. 

The Ocotillo Manor neighborhood includes a variety of three and four-bedroom homes. Eligibility: E1 – E6

The Saguaro Manor neighborhood offers a variety of two, three, and four-bedroom homes. Eligibility: All ranks; military retirees; DoD civilians; general public. 

Leases are 6 months and monthly price is full BAH.

To apply contact the leasing specialists at (623) 388-3515 or lukeleasing@bbcgrp.com

Click here for more information.

Most rentals require the following:

• Income must be 3x the rent

• 2 year employment history

• 2 year rental history

• No evictions, felonies, or bankruptcy

• Credit score above 600

• Some require pet fee’s, cleaning fee, application fee, etc. 

• Security deposit fee is typically the same price as the monthly payment

If you would like a list of rentals in the area complete this form: click here

Buying a home can be scary, I’ve been there!

This is a decision you need to make as a family. It can be a strong investment for your future and when you take advantage of the VA home loan, with very little upfront cost you can get into a home for about the same amount as a rental deposit.

Investing in real estate gives you the freedom to customize your home, have the pets you want, and have a locked in monthly payment. When it is time for you to leave Arizona, you can either sell your home or turn it into a rental property. Here are a few questions and answers: 

What is the home buying process like in 4 steps?

1. Contact me & get pre approved

2. Start house shopping

3. Put an offer

4. Close on the sale & move in!

How do I know if I qualify for a home loan?

A lender can help you determine if you qualify. 

What is the first step to get started in the home buying process? 

Contact me to schedule a call or fill out this form to get started: Click Here

How do I apply for the VA Loan? 

You can apply with any mortgage lender that participates in the VA home loan program.

What credit score do I need? 

There is no credit score requirements.

How many times can I use my VA Loan? 

As many times as you like. There’s no limit on how many VA loans you can take out in your lifetime.

Can I have two VA loans at the same time? 

Yes! VA loans are technically used for primary residences, but primary residences change all the time—especially for active service members.

How long does it take to close on a home? 

21-30 days. 

Should I shop for interest rates? 

Absolutely! This is the #1 mistakes homeowners make. Don’t go with the first lender you talk to, instead shop for interest rates, this can save you hundreds! 

What is the difference between pre qualified and pre approved?

Pre qualified is just a soft check to give you an estimated approval amount, Pre approval is when you submit your paperwork, get a hard credit check, then you will receive an official pre approval letter to start making offers!

If you are an active duty member, reservists or a veteran you have earned the VA Loan Benefit. This is something millions of people wished they had in order to make their home buying process easier. 

Here are some of the benefits you get from using this loan: 

1.) No Downpayment required (Without this loan you would need 3-3.5% of the purchase price for your downpayment)

2.) Competitive interest rates

3.) No private mortgage insurance (This saves you anywhere from $125-$375 per month!)  

4.) Flexible credit requirements

5.) Limited closing costs

This is a great opportunity for those who want to become homeowners. There are many new builds in the area that are offering below market interest rates from 3.75% to 5.5%. On top of that they are offering anywhere from $5k to $20k for closing costs or rate buy down! 

Move in Ready homes are available or you can also start the building process which takes approximately 6-7 months. There are builders that pay the full closing costs so with the VA loan you could buy a brand new house with only a deposit! This is not something you see often so take advantage of it while it's available.