New Guidelines on Short Sales Make Selling Homes Easier for PCS Military Members

Moving is a regular part of a military member’s life. After you receive your PCS orders to move to San Antonio or to any other area, one of the primary concerns you may have would be selling the home you will be leaving behind.

It could be tough selling a home, selling a home underwater is even harder. A home is underwater when the home’s appraised value is lower than what the homeowner still owes the bank. Meaning if the homeowner sells the home, all the money would be given to the bank, plus extra cash to pay off the loan for the home.

Some military homeowners opt to do a short sale for their underwater home. But in order to qualify for a short sale, a homeowner must either have a hardship or has been delinquent in paying their mortgage. A military homeowner is faced with a problem if he or she does not fall under the two categories.

Some military homeowners, in order to be qualified for a short sale, deliberately default on their mortgage payments to fall under the delinquent category. They do this at the expense of jeopardizing their credit score, which is puts them between the a rock and a hard place.

But with the recent changes rolled out by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, it is now possible for military homeowners to qualify for a short sale even if they have no hardship or are current with their mortgage payments.

As long as their home was bought on or before June 30, 2012, and their mortgage is backed by GSE, they have the chance to qualify for a short sale. Take note however, that the home’s sale price is still subject for approval.

This recent change will certainly help many military families sell their homes easier, especially if they need to PCS move to San Antonio.

Then, the Real Estate Muses can help you find your home in San Antonio.

How To Avoid Identity Theft During Your PCS Move to San Antonio

When it comes to identity theft, anyone can be a victim. But the odds are greater if you are a military member since you are always on the move when you receive your PCS orders.

When a military member makes a PCS move to San Antonio or anywhere else in the world, they are most probably going to give away their personal information to apply for new accounts or even for medical check-ups or applying for a new driver’s license. They will have to fill out paperwork and forms asking for their Social Security number, driver’s license number, contact information, and date of birth. Each time the military member moves, they leave a trail of personal and identifying information in each place they move to, making them easy target for identity theft.

Some people think identity theft only happens online, but this is not so. Here are some of the signs that you are a victim of this crime:

• getting unauthorized charges on your credit card
• companies or collection agencies calling you regarding purchases you never made
• bills being mailed to you for accounts you did not open
• letters of denial from credit companies that you did not seek credit from
• bills and bank statements not arriving in your mail
• your credit card being denied authorization even if your card is in good standing

There is another way you can prevent identity theft happening to you or your family and this is through monitoring your credit report annually.

By law, the three major credit bureaus are required to give individuals a free credit report. Take note, though that they do not send it automatically so you have to request one from them.

The three major credit bureaus have formed a centralized way to contact them through the website AnnualCreditReport.com or through the phone number 1-877-322-8228.

Identity theft can happen anytime and anywhere, not just online, so make sure you vigilantly monitor your credit report annually or after your PCS move to San Antonio.

Visit us at www.realestatemuses.com.

Useful Hotel Suggestions While Looking for a Fort Sam Houston Off-Post Housing

If your military family has received orders for a PCS move to Fort Sam Houston, you will need temporary lodging as you look for your perfect San Antonio home.You will probably opt to stay in a hotel in the San Antonio area.

Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of every penny you spend on your hotel reservation for your family:

1. Determine if your hotel reservations is non-refundable. If possible, opt for a hotel reservation that offers some flexibility so that you don't lose money should you change or cancel your reservation.

2. Make sure to read the hotel cancellation policies and make sure you understand them.

3. After booking your hotel, you will receive a confirmation. Print out the confirmation to bring with you to the hotel. Delete the email only after you've completed your stay to ensure that you are correctly billed by the hotel.

4. For a better chance to get a preferred room location, check in early.

5. Hotel prices differ depending on the time of the year. To get a better rate, check your hotel options online as soon as you get your orders for a PCS move to San Antonio.

Looking for off-post residence near Fort Sam Houston could take quite a while. Based on the market and your financial abilities, you're stay in a San Antonio hotel will probably be longer than a family vacation. It will be less stressful if you can find a decent deal. And if you follow our suggestions, it will also be less stressful on your checkbook.

Find a home near Fort Sam Worth here.

Sports & Fitness Facilities in Fort Sam Houston

1. Central Post Gym
Bldg 961 Patch Rd
(210) 221-3593
Hours: Monday-Friday, 5am - 7pm

The newly remodeled Central Post Gym is a great and easily accessible place for MWR patrons and Service members to work out. It has a half court for basketball, functional fitness workouts, free weights and 67 pieces of cardio equipment.

Fitness Programs:
The gym offers High Energy Cycling class every Monday-Friday from 11:45am - 12:30pm. Patrons will be able to avail of spin classes and other fitness training in the future.

2. Fitness Center on the METC
Bldg 1369 Williams Way
(210) 808-5709
Hours: Monday-Friday: 5am-9pm
Saturday-Sunday: 12-9pm
Federal Holidays: 12am-9pm

This Fitness Center on the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC). Is a  44,000 square ft facility which features 150 pieces of new workout equipment, cardio equipment, weights, personalized TV monitors, an indoor track, 2 full-size basketball courts, and a gym. The goal of the Fitness Center is to provide a fun fitness environment to keep patrons motivated as they work out for their fitness goals.

It also has men's and women's locker rooms, saunas, and a fitness juice bar which serves fruit and drinks, power shakes, smoothies, fat burners, muscle builders, and snacks.

Fitness Programs:
Active duty, retirees, as well as DoD civilians can avail of the Fitness Center’s equipment orientations and free personal training. Improve your cardio workout with weekly classes like aerobics, zumba, power cycling, circuit training, and an abs class.

Fitness Center on the METC is also home to the Sports Office which includes sports programs like Joint Students' Intramural Sports and Special Events, Intramural Sports, Varsity Sports and the Service Member Adaptive Reconditioning Program.

3. Jimmy Brought Fitness Center
Bldg 320 Wilson Rd
(210) 221-1234
Hours: Monday-Friday: 5am - 9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 7pm
Federal Holidays: 8am - 5pm

The Jimmy Brought Fitness Center is a 68,000 square ft facility which opened in 1993 and features:

- Cardiovascular & Cycling Room
- 2 Regulation Racquetball Courts- 25 Meter Indoor Pool- 3 Court Gymnasium (seats up to 2,000)- Aerobic Room- Personal Trainers- Therapeutic Massages- Men's & Women's locker rooms- Dry Saunas- Fitness Juice Bar

Fitness Programs:
The facility features the latest exercise equipment. There are weekly aerobics and water aerobics classes available for patrons.

A variety of fun runs as well as duathlons and triathlons are hosted annually. These runs can be participated in by teams or individuals.

Visit us at http://realestatemuses.com/ to find a San Antonio military relocation specialist.

Events in Fort Sam Houston TX for June 2013

Aquatic Center Now Open!
June 1-2: Open Swim - Noon-8 p.m.
June 3-7: Laps Only - 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Open Swim - 4-8 p.m.
After June 7: Open Swim - Daily, Noon-8 p.m.
Pool passes are purchased at the Aquatic Center, Bldg. 3300 Williams Rd.
For more details, contact (210) 221-4887, or visit http://bit.ly/MWRpool

June 1
METC Fitness Center
Beginning June 1, every Monday from 9-10 a.m., a personal trainer will work with participants at the Fitness Center on the METC. The indoor track is open to parents and strollers Monday-Friday, from 9-11 a.m. Details: (210) 808-5709

Bark in the Park
Dogs of all shapes and sizes and their owners are invited to enjoy this event where dogs can play and roam freely in a fenced-in area, compete in dog obedience contests, and play in kiddie pools. The event will take place on Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to noon at Salado Park. All dogs must be in compliance with the Fort Sam Houston pet policy. Dog owners must bring proof of vaccinations. For more details, call (210) 221-1718

June 2
Army Birthday Gazebo Concert
Come and celebrate with the Army’s 238th birthday with a free Gazebo concert on June 2, 2013, Sunday at 7:00 PM. The concert will feature the 323rd Army Band, “Fort Sam’s Own.” Sharing in the celebration will be Lt. Gen. Mike Ferriter, commanding general of U.S. Army Installation Management Command. He will recognize the Fort Sam Houston Community for its support. The concert will be held in front of the gazebo at Staff Post Road but in case of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre, 2472 Stanley Road. For more information, call 466-0684.

June 11
Summer Safety Day
To be held on June 11, 9 a.m.-noon, Warfighter and Family Readiness, at Building 2797. Call 221-3840 or 221-3846 for more details.

June 13
Fisher House Kindertag Children’s Day
A free event open to all children of military families featuring a variety of fun filled activities like faced painting, clowns, moon jump, live music,  piñatas and more. Lunch will be served. The event will be held on  June 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., BAMC Fisher House 3. Reservation is required by June 7, 4:00 PM. Call 916-6458 or email fhbamc@aol.com.

Catfish Pond Reopen
Every Saturday and Sunday, from noon-6 p.m., JBSA-Camp Bullis, call 295-7577 for more information.

Youth Horsemanship Camp
Register your child, ages 7-17, at the Equestrian Center, Bldg. 3550, Trooper Rd. for a five-day horsemanship camp from 9a.m.-3 p.m.
Fee: $225/week, $25 non refundable registration deposit.
Details: (210) 224-7207
Week 1: June 17 - 21 Week 2: June 24 - 28
Week 3: July 8 - 12 Week 4: July 15 - 19
Week 5: July 22 - 26 Week 6: July 29 - Aug. 2
Week 7: Aug. 5 - 9 Week 8: Aug. 12 - 16

Click here to find homes for sale near Fort Sam Houston.

How To Stay Fit and Active During Lengthened Stays In Temporary PCS Lodging

After arriving in your new installation for your PCS move to San Antonio, you and your family may need to stay in a PCS lodging for an indefinite period of time.

What activities are available for you and your family while waiting to get settled into your new home in San Antonio?

The best place to visit would be your installation’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center (MWR) or Sports and Fitness Center for access to various recreational activities to keep you fit and healthy.

MWR Recreation Centers have a variety of fun activities you and your family can choose from :

• Internet Cafes with individual computer stations for gaming
• Music rooms
• Merchandise and snack bars
• Amusement machines
• Meeting rooms for community functions
• Equipment checkout

While waiting for your permanent housing in San Antonio, you and your family could take advantage of the activities offered in the MWR Recreation Centers. This will also be a great opportunity to meet new friends and build relationships with other military members and their families who live nearby.

MWR Sport and Fitness Centers

MWR Sports and Fitness Centers offer organized sports activities to keep you fit and healthy. Contact your MWR Sports and Fitness Center to find out if they have any programs that your children may enjoy. The following are some of the programs offered by the Sports and Fitness Center:

• Personal training
• basketball courts
• tennis courts
• swimming lessons for adults and kids
• water aerobics
• running tracks
• yoga
• fitness programs like cardio
• weights/ resistance equipment
• outdoor facilities for picnics
• intramural sports
• horseshoe pits

Getting involved in these activities will help you know your community better and help you and your family fill in the free time you have while waiting for your permanent home in San Antonio.

Click here to go to my site.

Financial Tips for Your PCS Move to San Antonio

Whether you are planning for a PCS move to San Antonio now or in a few more years, you will have to take charge of your finances and see to it that all your finances are in order before your PCS move.

Here are some financial tips to help you and your family for your PCS move to San Antonio:

1. Get on the same page with your partner. Talk with your partner or spouse about your family’s finances. This will help prevent any future disputes or financial difficulties between both of you.

2. Close and/or transfer all accounts. Make a list of all your bank accounts. Find out which accounts can be transferred and which has to be closed then reopened once you reach your new location in San Antonio. Your move can actually be a way for you to shop around for lower rates on financial products such as homeowner’s insurance.

3. Settle all your current bills immediately. Before your PCS move to San Antonio, make sure you pay all your close-out bills like your utilities (water, electricity, etc). Unpaid bills can damage your credit. Also make sure to provide all your utility providers with a forwarding address for unpaid bills.

4. Compare the value of your current and future housing allowance. As you create a budget with your expected income and expenses in your new station in San Antonio, compare your BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)  to determine how much home you could afford.

5. Save your receipts. Keep all your receipts in a file where you won’t lose them. Include your receipts from expenses that do not qualify for reimbursement. These receipts may qualify for tax deductions.

Click here to go to my website.