With COVID-19 dominating much of 2020 and this year looking to be more of the same, the U.S. real estate market has been turned upside-down. More time spent at home has forced individuals, couples, and families to rethink their needs when it comes to living space, location, and even remote work capabilities, and what should have been a buyer's market during the peak fall season was anything but.
Home sales across the country are at their highest levels in more than a decade, which means 2022 is a great time to think about using one of the biggest benefits offered to veterans and military families: VA housing assistance. Even if you're not planning on buying a new home this year, a VA home loan can help renovate and improve your existing home, so it's worth looking into the different home loan types to find out which one best fits your situation.
The first step: completing your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Provided you meet the service requirements to receive housing assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs, your first step in applying for a VA home loan is completing your COE. This involves a little preparation on the part of the applicant, and for veterans it's actually pretty simple: All you need is a copy of your DD Form 214, or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
You should have received your DD214 on or shortly after discharge day, but if you didn't, or it's been lost, damaged, or even stolen, you will need to order a replacement copy before you can begin filling out your application. DD214Direct.com makes this process simple with our online order form, and from there we handle your entire request from start to finish so you can avoid the hassle of trying to locate your military records on your own.
Veteran-owned DD214Direct helps you get the documents you need, when you need them.
Our cutting-edge technology platform and keen knowledge of government protocol and procedure allow us to deliver your documents faster than you could get them on your own. First, we digitize both your request and the returned documents, using electronic signatures to avoid extra time with the postal service. We also integrate email and fax throughout our entire process, while many agencies do not.
To further expedite the process, our team ensures your initial request is filled out properly the first time and includes the necessary supporting documentation so that it doesn't bounce back. In addition, we break up multiple requests (DD214, OMPF, etc.) so that each piece is handled separately and one does not delay the other.
Once your request is processed, DD214Direct becomes your personal advocate, working directly with the agency that holds your records (currently there are about 75 independent agencies) and immediately responding to any agency issues on your behalf. In many cases, DD214Direct is able to advance your request to a higher-priority workflow. Finally, we have team members at many locations to drop off and pick up documents.
Much like paying a small fee to have your taxes done by a professional, DD214Direct provides the service and convenience you’ve been hoping for, plus we make it a lot easier. Once we locate your DD214, we can email you a copy immediately—a service not offered by the government. And tracking your request through us is simple, so you never have to worry about long hold times and inconclusive answers.
Ready to get started? Click here to begin the order process.
