JARON GAMA

04/03/2023

As someone who has served in the military, I know firsthand the importance of finding a stable and affordable housing option. If you're in the military or a veteran, you might be weighing the pros and cons of using a VA loan to buy a house or continuing to rent.

Here are some things to consider:

Using a VA loan to buy a home can give you access to competitive interest rates and the ability to purchase a home with no down payment. Plus, you don't have to pay for private mortgage insurance, which can save you money. And if you're receiving Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), you can use that to help cover your mortgage payments.

However, homeownership also comes with additional costs, like property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance. You need to make sure you can afford these costs in addition to your mortgage payments.

Renting, on the other hand, can provide more flexibility if you need to move frequently for work. You also don't have to worry about the additional costs of homeownership, but you also don't build equity in a property.

After considering all these factors, my recommendation would be to use a VA loan to buy a house and use your BAH to help cover your mortgage payments. By doing this, you'll be building equity in a property and taking advantage of the benefits of homeownership.

Of course, everyone's situation is different, and you need to make the decision that's best for you. But if you're in a position to buy a home, I believe it can be a smart investment that pays off in the long run.

I hope this discussion has been helpful for anyone considering their housing options. If you have any questions or insights, feel free to share them in the comments below!

03/30/2023

PCS TIME SUCKS. I get it.

As a veteran, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to move from one duty station to another. Whether you're PCSing within CONUS or from OCONUS to CONUS, there are always unexpected hurdles and stressors that can make the process difficult.

That's why I'm here to offer my support and expertise to military families during this time of transition. I have gone through three major PCS moves, so I understand the emotional toll it can take on you and your loved ones. And as a mortgage loan officer who specializes in working with military families, I can help you navigate the financial aspects of your move, whether you're looking to buy or refinance a home.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your next PCS:

Start planning early. As soon as you receive your orders, reach out to me so we can discuss your financing options for your new home.

Declutter and organize. Moving is the perfect time to get rid of items you no longer need. Sort through your belongings and decide what to sell, donate, or throw away. This will make packing and unpacking much easier.

Pack strategically. Label your boxes clearly and pack items together that belong in the same room. Keep important documents, such as your mortgage paperwork and loan pre-approval, with you during the move.

Take care of yourself and your family. Moving can be stressful, so make sure you're taking breaks and prioritizing self-care. And don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you have about the home-buying process.

If you're PCSing and need help finding a new home, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. As a mortgage loan officer who has been in your shoes, I am committed to providing exceptional service and support during your PCS. Let's work together to make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

03/29/2023

Are you a military service member or veteran feeling overwhelmed by all of the real estate and mortgage acronyms and terminology? Don't worry, you're not alone! Understanding the language used in the housing industry is essential for making informed decisions about buying or refinancing a home.

Just like the military, the real estate and mortgage industry is full of acronyms and terminology that can be difficult to understand. But with a little help, you can become fluent in the language of home buying and financing.

Here's a quick rundown of some common real estate and mortgage terms and acronyms to help you get started:

APR: Annual Percentage Rate - this is the annual cost of your loan including interest and fees

ARM: Adjustable Rate Mortgage - a type of mortgage where the interest rate can change over time

DTI: Debt-to-Income Ratio - a ratio of your debt payments compared to your income

HOA: Homeowners Association - an organization that manages and maintains common areas of a housing community

LTV: Loan-to-Value Ratio - a ratio of the loan amount to the value of the property

PMI: Private Mortgage Insurance - insurance required for some loans when the down payment is less than 20%

PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance - the total monthly payment for a mortgage including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance

REO: Real Estate Owned - a property owned by a bank or lender after a foreclosure

ROI: Return on Investment - the return or profit you can expect from an investment

USDA: United States Department of Agriculture - a government agency that offers loans for rural housing

VA: Veterans Affairs - a government agency that offers home loan benefits to eligible veterans

As a military service member or veteran, you're probably no stranger to acronyms and complex terminology. But just like in the military, it's important to understand the language of the real estate and mortgage industry to make informed decisions about your housing needs.

That's why it's essential to work with a real estate and mortgage professional who understands the intricacies of military life and can help you navigate the process confidently. If you have any questions about real estate or mortgages, please don't hesitate to contact me for guidance.

Let's work together to make sure you have a clear understanding of the industry lingo so you can make informed decisions about your home-buying or refinancing journey. Thank you for your service!

03/28/2023

Active Duty Military and Veterans, did you know that your VA home loan benefit is one of the most valuable benefits you earned through your service? If you're in the market for a new home, you could be saving a significant amount of money by using this benefit.

The VA loan program offers several key benefits that are not available with conventional loans. With a VA loan, you won't have to put any money down, which can be significant savings for many service members and veterans. Additionally, the interest rates on VA loans are often lower than those of conventional loans, meaning you'll pay less over the life of the loan. And with no mortgage insurance premiums to worry about, you'll have even more savings.

If you're eligible for a VA home loan and you're not using it, you're leaving money on the table. Don't miss out on this valuable benefit that you earned through your service to our country. If you have any questions about the VA loan program, or if you need assistance with your VA loan application, please don't hesitate to contact me.

03/28/2023

Starting March 27th, the CalHFA Dream For All Program is launching, and it's offering 20% down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers who meet certain criteria. With a revolving, shared appreciation conventional-type loan program, you could receive up to 20% in down payment assistance, with no payments due until you sell, refinance, or transfer the property.

The best part? The state has allocated $500 million for the program, meaning you could be eligible for this incredible opportunity. Of course, it's first-come, first-served, so if you're interested, you'll want to act fast.

To be eligible, you must be a first-time homebuyer and intend to occupy the property as your primary residence. There are also income limits based on your county, with the maximum being $235k/year for Orange County and $180k/year for LA County.

So if you've been struggling to save for a down payment or you're simply looking to purchase your first home, the CalHFA Dream For All Program could be a game-changer. I'm happy to connect you with a qualified lender for the program - just send me a DM.

Let's make the dream of homeownership a reality for as many people as possible.

03/20/2023

🎉🏠 Big News: I'm Switching It Up – From Real Estate to Mortgage! 🏠🎉

Hey everyone! I've got some exciting news to share – I've joined the awesome Texana Bank team as a Mortgage Loan Officer! 😄 As a military veteran and a California real estate agent for the past 3 years, I've loved helping my fellow veterans and VA buyers find their dream homes. 🇺🇸

But you know what? I realized I wanted to do even more – I wanted to help military families all across the country! So, I decided to make the leap into the mortgage world. 🌐🏡

I've learned a whole lot about the VA home loan process, and I'm all about making your journey to homeownership as smooth and stress-free as possible. My main goal? To give you top-notch service and support so you can make the best decisions for your mortgage. 💯

🎁 Bonus: Don't forget to visit www.jarongamalinda.com for a FREE e-book just for military active duty and veterans, all about the VA home loan process. You'll also find a super helpful home purchase checklist for VA buyers! 📋

No matter if you're a first-time homebuyer, thinking about refinancing, or looking into a VA loan, I've got your back every step of the way. 🤝

📞 Got questions? Need a consultation? Just wanna chat? Hit me up! I can't wait to help make your homeownership dreams come true! 🎯

Let's do this together! 🚀

08/16/2021

They are usually reserved for homebuyers, but bidding wars are becoming more common in the rental home market.

08/02/2021

Regardless of the market…. Read below 👇🏼

The financial benefits of buying a home as compared to renting one are always up for debate.

07/25/2021

Will supply meet demand anytime soon? Or will the market continue on this trend? Thoughts?

Home price appreciation continues to accelerate.

07/21/2021

Seven factors that determine your mortgage interest rate. Good read!

Understand the key factors that affect your interest rate. Use our Explore Rates Tool to see how they may affect interest rates for loans in your area.

05/25/2021

Most agents will tell you to buy to take advantage of the low-interest rates. Purchasing might be a good idea for some families, but there is no cookie-cutter response. For most families, purchasing right now could put you in a hole. It ALL depends on your specific situation and short/long-term goals.

If you want to analyze your situation, shoot me a DM. I'd be more than happy to sit down and discuss whether or not it's a good time for YOU.

Prices rose 13.2% year-over-year, according to S&P CoreLogic data. Expensive lumber and lot shortages slowed builders' ability to boost inventory.