What To Know About JBLM

Is a move to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) on the horizon for you and your family? If so, you may have a few questions about the base before making the move. Thankfully, there’s a lot of information out there you can tap on, especially considering the fact that JBLM is a large base that offers double the services of many other sites.

There’s a Support Group Out There

Regardless of the unique circumstances you and your family are in, chances are that someone has been there, done that at a base the size of JBLM. Whether you are a special needs family looking for resources or a military wife pregnant with your first child, you are likely to find a social media group where you can get the support you need.

You Have Plenty of Housing Options

Whether you choose to live on the base itself or off it, you will find that there are plenty of housing options in and around JBLM. The majority of housing on-site has either been recently built or renovated, and plenty of off-site options are available just 20 to 30 minutes from the gates. Regardless of the specific type of housing you go for in the end, you can make use of the VA home loan to finance it.

Amenities Are Akin to Those of a Small Town

Not only can you find a dog park for walking your furry family members on-site, other amenities you can make use of include soccer fields, baseball fields, a track stadium as well as an accessible children’s playground.

In addition, if you are looking to continue your education, you will find many study areas throughout the site as well as a computer lab and bookshop. There are also a number of classes offered at JBLM in partnership with five different colleges!

There’s Plenty to See and Do

Did you know that JBLM is located between two cities: Olympia and Tacoma? Because of its strategic location, there’s plenty to see and do in the area, whether you fancy traveling an hour to Seattle or exploring Mount Rainier during your free time. Not only that, you will find that there are many destinations to consider for family days out!

Our Team at West Coast Veterans Can Assist with PCS Plans to JBLM

If a move to JBLM is coming up for you, you can trust our team at West Coast Veterans to devise a PCS plan that will work for you. All you need to do is give us a call, inform us of your report date and we can start making plans ahead of your arrival. You will need to get your financial documents ready for review as well as let us know your purchase price.

From there, we can start to make the most suitable options for you based on your remaining entitlement, or even suggest that you make the switch to another loan program altogether. We have been helping military buyers and families make the move since 2001, and we can help you, too!

For over two decades, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

PCS To North Fort Lewis

Is a permanent change of station (PCS) to North Fort Lewis on the cards for you and your family? There are many things you may need to do to get ready for the big move, not least of all confirming your eligibility and entitlement for the VA home loan. If you are at a loss regarding your financing options, the good news is that our professional team at West Coast Veterans can assist you with the entire process from start to finish.

You can find out some essential information about North Fort Lewis in this guide.

Location and Basic Information

North Fort Lewis is part of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). It is located in Pierce County, Washington. Being located at JBLM puts you within close proximity of cities such as Olympia, Tacoma, Lakewood, and Seattle. You will find that your new base is easily accessible from airports and Interstate highways and that there are plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities in the area.

Housing

You have two main options when it comes to housing in North Fort Lewis: on-base or off-base. With a little more than 5,000 houses on-base, many military families choose to look in the neighboring cities for accommodation. If you have children, one thing you will need to consider is the presence of highly-rated schools where you are looking to settle.

Regardless of the housing option you choose to go for, you may need some help and advice with navigating your VA home loan. This is something that should be left to a professional team such as West Coast Veterans.

Amenities and Services

The services and amenities you can find at JBLM are some of the best that can be found on military bases nationwide. The merger of two bases means that JBLM is able to offer double the number of services and amenities. On-base, you can expect to find parks, playgrounds, soccer fields, libraries, a wellness center, and more. Families who require childcare will also find that their needs can be met here.

Things to Do

From your base at North Fort Lewis, you will be able to reach Seattle within an hour. This provides you with many possibilities for day trips and sightseeing. If you love the great outdoors, why not pay a visit to Mount Rainier National Park or take a ferry to Anderson Island during your downtime?

Lift the Load of PCS Planning Off Your Shoulders

PCS planning may be the last thing you wish to worry about when you are preparing your family to make a big move. When that’s the case, you can turn to our knowledgeable team at West Coast Veterans to lift the load off your shoulders.

All we require from you are a few details and financial documents, and from there, we will get to work making the most suitable recommendations for your needs. We have successfully helped many military families and veterans across the nation and even worldwide relocate to Washington, and you can be sure that we will make your move a success, too!

Since 2001, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

PCS To McChord Air Force

Will you be making a permanent change of station (PCS) to McChord Air Force in the near future? If so, you will want to start planning for the move in advance. This is especially true when it comes to researching your housing options and determining your eligibility for the VA home loan. It’s wise to engage professional help with understanding your financing options, especially if you need to confirm your entitlement.

In this guide, we share with you more information about making a PCS to McChord Air Force.

Location and Basic Information

McChord Air Force is one-half of the Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). It is also one of the most requested transfer bases in the military because of the wide range of services and amenities that can be enjoyed here. JBLM is strategically located near major cities such as Tacoma, Olympia, and Seattle, however, you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Rainier and hear the waves of the Pacific Ocean in the distance from your base!

History

Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force merged to become a joint base in 2010. The United States Air Force only started functioning as a separate branch of the military in 1947. Despite this, JBLM has over 100 years of history as Camp Lewis was first established in 1917.

Housing

Although there are both on- and off-site housing options at McChord Air Force, there are only a little over 5,000 properties on JBLM itself, some of which are undergoing renovation. Many military families choose to stay in the neighboring cities, which include Lakewood, Olympia, and Tacoma among others. Regardless of whether you choose to stay on or off-base, you may need some help navigating your VA home loan or refinancing options.

Amenities and Services

JBLM is well known for the comprehensive range of services and amenities provided on the base. The McChord Health and Wellness Center provides nutritional and fitness classes for members, and service members who are transitioning to civilian life can seek advice from the Hawk Career Center. Families will also find lots of support onsite, with a family advocacy program, a Family Resource Center, a children’s library, and more.

Things to Do

Being based at McChord Air Force means that you can always find plenty to do in the area. Whether you wish to go sledding and snowboarding at Mount Rainier National Park or hop on a ferry to Anderson Island, there are many great destinations for solo trips as well as family outings.

PCS Planning Can Be Made Easy with West Coast Veterans

When you require help with PCS planning, West Coast Veterans is the right team to come to. With over 20 years of experience helping military families relocate to bases around Washington, you can rest assured that we keep abreast of the latest market conditions and VA guidelines. This ensures that we are in the best position to advise you and help to make your move go as smoothly as possible! Our team is driven by energy, experience, drive, and transparency, and you can be sure of on-time closings and competitive rates when you engage our services.

Since 2001, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

PCS To Joint Base Lewis McChord

Located in Northwestern Washington, Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) is one of the most requested military installations, and it’s not hard to see why. In 2010, the JBLM site was born through the merger of the Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force bases. The site was now able to offer double the number of options and services.

If you are due to make a permanent change of station (PCS) to JBLM soon, read on to find out the essential facts you need to know.

Accessibility

The nearest airport to JBLM is SeaTac International Airport, which is approximately 40 minutes away. However, the strategic location of the base does mean that you will have to account for commuting times while searching for your next property. Whether you choose to stay on or off-base, you will need to secure temporary lodging while finalizing the purchase of your new home, which can be secured with a VA home loan.

Searching for a Property

Of course, you will need to take budget into consideration when selecting a property. However, location is another important factor to consider. If you decide to stay off-site, some cities that are popular with military families include Spanaway, Lakewood, Olympia, and DuPont. Where you eventually choose to stay can depend on the specific part of JBLM you are based in, whether that’s on the northern or southern end.

Families with children will also want to consider the availability of highly-rated schools in the vicinity.

Onsite Amenities and Services

One option open to you is to stay on the base itself. If you go for this option, you will find that most of the housing has either been recently renovated or are completely new builds. Whether you are based on or off-site, you can benefit from a range of amenities that include a track stadium, numerous playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, a movie theater, and lots more.

Because JBLM is a double base, you will also find many options for services you require, such as childcare.

Things to Do

One major perk of being based at JBLM is the number of places you can explore during your downtime. With Seattle located just an hour away, you can easily plan many fun day trips with family, whether that is for shopping, sightseeing, or a little bit of both. If you are more of an outdoors person, nearby Mount Rainier offers many different types of hikes for all abilities. There are also the Olympic Mountains and Mount Saint Helens to explore!

West Coast Veterans Can Assist You with PCS Planning

Are you a military family with an upcoming move to JBLM? If so, let our team at West Coast Veterans take care of PCS planning so you don’t have to worry. We have years of experience helping active duty military personnel, veterans and their surviving spouses make the move to Washington State. All our team members have ties to the military in some way, and we can assist you with the process from start to finish!

For over two decades, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

PCS To JBLM VA Hospital

If you will be undergoing a permanent change of station (PCS) to JBLM VA Hospital sometime soon, you may be looking for a housing option to accommodate you and your family. On top of knowing your purchase price and confirming your entitlement for the VA home loan, there are many things you will need to get ready in preparation for the big move.

You can find out some key information about JBLM VA Hospital in our guide.

Location and Basic Information

The JBLM VA Hospital Is also known as the American Lake VA Medical Center. Here, veterans can access a wide range of services, which includes surgery, mental health services, rehab care, and more. Shuttle services are available to transport veterans and their caregivers between Seattle VA medical centers and the JBLM VA Hospital.

Housing

If you are based at the JBLM VA Hospital, you will be able to take your pick from on and off-base housing at JBLM. There are over 5,000 houses on-site with many more options off base. Some of the most popular cities for military families to settle in include Tacoma, Lakewood, and Olympia, all of which are within close proximity to JBLM. Families with children will also want to do their due diligence on nearby schools before deciding on housing options to suit their needs.

Amenities and Services

There is a wide range of amenities you can make use of at JBLM itself. This includes recreational facilities such as an enclosed dog park, a skate park, baseball fields, and children’s playgrounds. A wellness center is dedicated to ensuring that military families can live healthy and active lifestyles.

Support can also be found for military personnel and families in all stages of life. Whether you need help transitioning back to civilian life after a career in the military or you are a military wife who requires support with childcare arrangements, you can find the services you need on-site.

Things to Do

You will find a wide range of area attractions to explore from your base, especially if you are into the great outdoors. Mount Rainier National Park offers plenty of opportunities for winter sports, such as snowboarding and sledding. Being located just an hour away from Seattle, you will be well-placed to plan a city getaway at leisure.

Let West Coast Veterans Take Care of PCS Planning for You

PCS planning can be the last thing you want to think about when you are preparing your family for the big move. If so, let our experienced team at West Coast Veterans take care of all the details on your behalf. All we ask is that you get your financial documents ready for our review, and let us know your report date as well as your purchase price. From there, we will confirm your entitlement and provide you with the best options for your circumstances. We can also match you with a realtor who has experience serving military families if you do not already have one. You can trust our more than 20 years of experience to make your PCS a success!

Since 2001, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

PCS To Fort Lewis Main

If you will soon be making a permanent change of station (PCS) to Fort Lewis Main, it can seem like there are a lot of things to do to get ready for the big move. Amidst all that, you do not want to worry about figuring out your financing options, especially when it comes to confirming your entitlement or eligibility with the VA home loan. Here is where you will want to engage professional help so that you can focus on more important aspects of the move for you and your family.

In this guide, you can find out some key information you need to know about PCs to Fort Lewis Main.

Location and Basic Information

Fort Lewis Main is part of the Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM). This means that you get to benefit from double the selection of services and amenities. Just 20 minutes away from Olympia and 10 minutes from Tacoma, Fort Lewis Main is highly accessible, although you may find the traffic getting there to be busy.

History

In 2010, McChord Air Force and Fort Lewis began operating as a joint base. It holds the distinction of being the oldest military installation to be found in the Pacific Northwest region. Camp Lewis can trace its history back to 1917, while the United States Air Force officially became a separate branch of the military in 1947.

Housing

There are housing options both on- and offsite at Fort Lewis Main. With over 5,000 properties onsite, you will find that most of them are either newly constructed or recently renovated. If you choose to live offsite, you will also find many options to suit your needs. You will be able to get referrals and temporary lodging suggestions from the JBLM team.

Amenities and Services

Besides an on- and off-base housing services office where you can seek professional help, you will find a wide range of other amenities and services at JBLM. This includes travel camps and cabins, a comprehensive family support program, a multimedia center, and more. Military families who require assistance with special education or childcare will find that they can be fully supported at Fort Lewis Main.

JBLM is also committed to promoting healthy relationships and a healthy lifestyle, and you can find programs for these purposes on-site.

Things to Do

There are a number of day trips you can plan from your base at Fort Lewis Main. From Whidbey Island and Anderson Island to the Cascade Mountains, outdoor lovers will have plenty to do in the area. The Mount Rainier National Park is another must-visit during your time here.

Stay Ahead of PCS Planning with West Coast Veterans

PCS planning may be one thing weighing heavily on your mind in anticipation of your move to Fort Lewis Main. At West Coast Veterans, our team is dedicated to making your move a success. Because all our team members are connected to the military in some way, we are well-equipped to understand the needs of military families and extend the most suitable advice based on your financial documents and circumstances. Let us lift the load off your shoulders /so you can focus on moving!

For over two decades, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

PCS To Camp Yakima Training Center Army Base

If you will be making the move to Camp Yakima Training Center Army Base soon, you will need to start PCS planning in advance. Understandably, this can be a stressful time in your family’s life, and you may want to focus on other aspects of the move instead of trying to figure out your financing options without professional help.

In this guide, we share with you more about what to expect from a PCS to Camp Yakima Training Center Army Base.

Location and Basic Information

The Camp Yakima Training Center Army Base, known as YTC for short, is a subsidiary of JBLM, which is located in South Central Washington. The YTC Is so named because of its location north of the City of Yakima. To its other directions, you can find the Columbia River and the city of Ellensburg.

History

What was initially part of the YTC started out as a temporary camp during World War II, where it was known as the Yakima Anti-Aircraft Artillery Range. From there, it became a permanent training area for the military and in 1951, a decision was made to expand the grounds. This new plot of land became the Yakima Firing Center, and the present-day YTC as we know it encompasses both plots.

Housing

There are many options for renting and homeownership around YTC. Besides finding a suitable property to accommodate your family’s needs, you will need a clear idea of how you are going to finance it. For most military buyers, this will involve the VA home loan. However, you may find that you need help with determining your eligibility as well as confirming your remaining entitlement.

Amenities and Services

A Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation Center (Family & MWR) can be found at YTC. These services are accessible to active duty service members, veterans, and their spouses. From cafes to a fitness center, you will find amenities to meet every aspect of your lifestyle here. Military families can also benefit from child and youth services, allowing children to grow up as part of a big community.

Other amenities that can be found on-site include RV and vehicle storage lot, an archery range, a fishing pond, and more.

Things to Do

As with the other military bases in Washington, there are many things to do in and around YTC. The base is intersected by John Wayne Pioneer Trail, where you can find a number of hiking paths. This former railroad trail spans a large area of Washington, and part of it is now managed under the Iron Horse State Park. Here, you can also engage in outdoor activities that include fishing and hunting.

Simplify PCS Planning West Coast Veterans

PCS planning is a large part of your anticipated move to Camp Yakima Training Center Army Base. You can make the process as stress-free as possible when you engage our services at West Coast Veterans. We will start by reviewing your financial documents and from there, we will take the next step to confirm your entitlement before advising on the next step forward, whether that’s to buy, refinance or switch to another loan program.

Since 2001, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

PCS To Camp Naval Station Everett

As a military family with a move to Camp Naval Station Everett on the horizon, you may have many things to take care of on top of understanding your financing options for a new property. This includes determining your eligibility for a VA home loan as well as finding out your remaining entitlement.

You can find out more about what to expect from the move in this handy guide.

Location and Basic Information

As suggested by its name, this camp station is situated in the city of Everett. It is located just 25 miles from Seattle, making it easily accessible. As a base for the United States Navy, the base is located at Puget Sound, on the waterfront of the city. A separate Navy Support Complex can be found in Smokey Point, which is 11 miles away from Everett.

History

Before 1983, there was a naval reservation on the current site of Camp Naval Station Everett. The base as we know it today only came into existence in 1983 when a new naval base was suggested in Puget Sound. This was approved by Congress as the building of a base here would allow fleets to be dispersed from main concentration areas.

Housing

Finding safe, affordable, and suitable housing for your family can be a job in itself. Here is where you should not hesitate to seek professional help if you require it. When you engage our services at West Coast Veterans, we can connect you with a real estate agent who has experience in serving military buyers. This is on top of reviewing financial documents, confirming your entitlement, and making the most suitable recommendations going forward.

Amenities and Services

You will never be short of things to do in and around Camp Naval Station Everett. If you are moving with a family, you will be pleased to know that there are many programs youth and children can engage in on the base. From special events to a summer camp, your children will be part of a community that allows them to grow and thrive. Families who require childcare will also find a number of options open to them.

Things to Do

With many parks, campgrounds, and picnic areas in and around the base, you will find many opportunities for fun days out. This includes the Cliffside RV Park, where you can catch wonderful sunsets and wake up to a view that overlooks the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, and the Olympic Peninsula. The Jim Creek Recreation Area is also easily accessible from your base, being just 1.5 hours away from Seattle.

PCS Planning Made Easy with West Coast Veterans

Looking for a professional team to take charge of PCS planning for your upcoming move to Camp Naval Station Everett? If so, you have come to the right place at West Coast Veterans. All our experienced team members have ties to the military in one way or another, equipping us with the necessary knowledge to assist you. Since our inception, we have helped many military buyers and families relocate to Washington, and we are confident of making your move a success too!

For over two decades, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

PCS To Camp Murray

If you are anticipating a permanent change of station (PCS) to Camp Murray, you may be wondering what to expect amidst making plans to view properties and settle your financing options. This may also be a major milestone in your life and career, especially if you are moving with family. In this guide, we share with you some information that will come in useful for your move.

Location and Basic Information

Camp Murray is located next to the Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM) base in Washington. It is home to the Washington State Guard, Washington Army National Guard as well as the Washington Air National Guard. You will also find the Emergency Operations Center for the Washington Military Department located here. This serves as the headquarters for emergency responses statewide.

History

The base was first opened in 1855 during the Indian War. Shortly after, it was commissioned as a National Guard Base in 1889. At Camp Murray, you will find the Old Arsenal Museum, and it is here you can find out more about the history of the Washington National Guard.

Housing

Whether you choose to rent or to buy, you will find many housing options in and around Camp Murray. If you choose to buy, you will need to understand your options regarding the VA home loan. From determining your eligibility to checking your remaining entitlement, there are a number of things you need to do in preparation for purchasing your property, which you may require professional help with. Here is where our team at West Coast Veterans can step in to assist you.

Things to Do

There are many things you can do in and around Camp Murray. In fact, it’s a popular destination for camping, with the Camp Murray campground situated on the shore of American Lake. Here, you can hook up an RV or set up a tent. As the campground is only open to active and retired military personnel, Washington Military department employees, and authorized civilians, your family can enjoy a relatively peaceful getaway without jostling shoulders with the general public.

You can also visit Camp Murray Beach during your downtime or while you are on your camping trip. Some of the onsite facilities you can find here include a picnic area, boat rentals, showers, fishing spots, and more. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some quality time with your family, keeping in mind that the maximum stay for a reservation is 30 days.

Let Our Team at West Coast Veterans Take Over PCS Planning for You

If you have an upcoming move to Camp Murray, you will have enough to worry about without stressing over how you are going to finance your new property. When that’s the case, let our professional team at West Coast Veterans step in and take charge of PCS planning on your behalf. For more than 20 years, we have successfully helped many military families and veterans make the move to Washington, and we can take care of the process for you too!

Since 2001, we’ve been assisting active-duty service members and veterans all over the state of Washington and in Puget Sound. Feel free to read all about us at www.PCStoJBLM.com.

This New Mortgage Rule Could Save You from Foreclosure


Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, millions of Americans lost jobs and many homeowners have had a hard time keeping up with their mortgage payments.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, around 3% of all residential mortgage borrowers are now behind in their payments by at least four months, more than at any time during even the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis. “We have never before seen this many borrowers so far behind on their mortgages,” said Dave Uejio, the bureau’s acting director.

Four months is the point when foreclosure proceedings typically begin, but thanks to extended federal moratoriums, mortgage lenders have been held back on starting any new foreclosures for the past year.

However, for the health of the mortgage industry and the housing market and the general U.S. economy, that situation cannot last forever, and the current homeowner protections are set to expire on July 31, 2021. In order to stop a wave of foreclosures from starting on that date, the CFPB has issued a new rule that will take effect one month later, on August 31, and will be valid through the rest of the year.

Lenders will temporarily have to take extra steps before foreclosing on delinquent borrowers. Mortgage companies will be able to begin proceedings only if the home has been abandoned, or if the borrower has been unresponsive to contact for at least 90 days, or if they have thoroughly evaluated the borrower and no foreclosure prevention options are viable.

Banks will be allowed to immediately start processing foreclosures on any borrowers who were already 120 late before March 1, 2020, when the pandemic started causing financial problems.

The new rule also makes it easier for mortgage lenders to help borrowers into loan modifications. Delinquent homeowners will not be required to submit full paperwork for these streamlined loan changes, hopefully allowing lenders more flexibility to work with these borrowers. According to the new rule, no loan modification can increase borrower payments though, or extend their loan term by more than 40 years.

The CFPB’s goal is to avoid “preventable” foreclosures, according to Diane Thompson, a senior advisor at the bureau, by giving those homeowners time to make important decisions about resuming payments, modifying their loans, or selling. To borrowers who haven’t been making payments during the pandemic, she says its “important to understand that you’re going to need to figure out a plan for how to address that in the not-too-distant future. People need to be assessing their options.”

If you are behind on your mortgage payments, there are several options you can try right now to avoid a looming foreclosure. First contact your lender and explain your situation. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances of getting help, including mortgage forbearance, loan modifications, or altered mortgage terms. Second, you can ask for foreclosure avoidance counseling through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for more ideas. Third, you could try to sell your home before foreclosure proceedings start. The housing market is still hot right now, with rising prices and limited inventory, so there is a good chance you good sell for enough money to pay off your back payments as well. If you do not have enough equity, you could ask your lender for a short sale. In any case, involve your lender right away to avoid the worst consequences.