Setting aside all the physical and mental stresses of moving (which is no easy task, because there are more than enough of those), the process is always an expensive one. Even with all the swell and helpful benefits, advances, and reimbursements available to those moving on PCS orders, expenses add up. Many of them outside […]
Finance
Griffin Funding: Banker, Broker, and Five Stars All Around
When it comes to your financial future, there are a whole lot of businesses and services out there looking to lend a hand. So many, in fact, that it can get a bit muddled when you try to figure out who exactly you need to help you with what. That goes double when it comes […]
AHRN Annual Rundown – 2019
With 2019 in our collective metaphorical rearview mirror, we hope you’re all looking forward to 2020 and its promises as much as we are. But before this year really gets rolling, let’s take a look back on some of AHRN’s tip-top highlights of the last one in our first ever annual rundown. We had some […]
New PCS Allowance Advance Available
Great news for soldiers and their families who have a permanent change of station coming up, either in the near future or a few years down the road. As of October 10th, the Army is now allowing you to get your dislocation allowance in advance of your PCS move. Even if you have a government […]
What is a Home Warranty?
That’s a perfectly reasonable question you may ask yourself, someone else, or the internet. If you’re in the process of buying a home, or even thinking about buying one, the phrase “home warranty” will cross your path. And it’s well worth knowing what it means, how to get one, and whether or not you should […]
The Credit Score You Need To Buy A House
We’ve talked about credit scores before here on AHRN, both in general and how they specifically relate to your ability to rent a home or apartment. In this piece we’ll cover the way your credit affects your ability to buy (or not buy) a house. But first a quick recap of what a credit score […]
The Steps to Getting a VA Loan
Most members of the military community have probably heard a thing or two about VA Home Loans. In short, the program provides servicemembers, vets, and some spouses mortgages with zero-money-down loans backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you qualify and want to buy a home, chances are you’ll happily take advantage of such […]
What is a Contingent Offer?
The simple answer is: an offer to purchase a home that the seller has accepted, but won’t be finalized until certain conditions are met. That’s the comprehensively brief explanation. But what’s worth digging into are the kinds of contingent offers you may come across as a buyer or seller. Here are some of the most […]
A Quick Guide to HOA Fees
If you’re considering buying a home in a gated, planned, co-op, otherwise organized community, or condominium complex you’ll come across the phrase “Homeowner’s Association” (or its abbreviated form: HOA). If you’re unfamiliar with this term, here’s a quick explanation: HOA’s oversee the management, upkeep and community standards of your neighborhood. Most often, real estate developers […]
What is a Good Credit Score for Renting an Apartment?
Home ownership may be one of the big components of the American Dream but, if you’re on active duty, chances are you’re renting. If you aren’t ready to buy your dream house just yet, we get it – especially when you have to PCS across the country (or, sometimes, the world) every few years. So […]