Each settlement we are involved in as real estate professionals means a new beginning for both sides of the transaction. The first settlement of 2010 in Lorton Virginia was special for a number of reasons. The fact that this one took a little extra time to happen is just one of the reasons this settlement was important to two families.
However the most important thing that makes this one stand out is that my clients are active duty military and the home was being sold under the guidelines of the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) set last fall. The program was expanded last year to help military families with PCS orders sell their homes in a declining market without requiring a short sale and ruining their credit.
The program got off to a slow start, as you can imagine with any government program, while the guidelines were published, reviewed and then additional legislation passed to eliminate a 25% upfront tax penalty. Finally today after months of waiting all of the pieces fell in place and settlement was completed.
To add another piece to the good feeling is that the buyers are also and active duty military family. Since settlement was delayed they now are able to tax advantage of the second time buyers tax credit, helping them with any updates they may want to do to their new home. It is a great feeling to have this one settled and to know that the Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program is fully operational. With four more HAP closings scheduled for January I'm hoping today's settlement is the start of lots of great cheer for Nothern Virginia military families.
If you are a military family stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Quantico or any of the Military of District of Washington installations give me a call at 703-346-2213 to talk about the Department of Defense HAP proagram. I've worked successfully with military families, the real estate specialists at the US Army Corps of Engineers and US Government Settlement Attorney's to get HAP eligible military familes on the road to their new locations.
No Hassle-No Pressure-Just Straight Talk About The Northern Virginia Real Estate Market
Military Relocation Specialist serving military families relocating to and from the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir, Quantico MCB and all of the Military District of Washington installations.
Licensed in Virginia
Hi Cindy...Congratulations to all involved. It's great to hear when a government program that is meant to help our military members really does.
Kate
Kate-it has been a long process for the families who needed to move this summer. For those moving now the wait has been minimized since all the program approvals are completed.
You were able to benefit military personnel on both sides, that's wonderful. The programs in place right now should make a difference to many people that are shopping. Great positive post.
Judi-thanks for stopping by. The HAP programs is a great one for military families who qualify.
What a wonderful story, and kudos to you for all you do for our military. If anyone deserves the best, they do!
Kristin-thank you. Helping military families with a smooth transition either in or out of Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, Quantico or other local military installations in our area is a priviledge.
Cindy: Congrats on the closing. I'm sure the first of more HAP closings to come. Thank goodnes for patient buyers and sellers.
Chris Ann-a few of them have taken as long as most short sales but it took awhile for the government to finalize the program. They are moving quicker now.