I watched our President sign the VA Budget Reform and Transparency Act into law today.   I listened carefully to his comments of concern and commitment to keep the faith with our veterans.  As he noted all of the great things this would mean to veterans health care, educational benefits, homeless veterans, and more, in the back of my mind I could only hope that this legislation was written better than the HAP.  And I sincerely hope he was serious when he said :

"that on the upcoming Veteran's Day when our Vets ask if America will keep her promise to our veterans, you can tell them, YES!"

Let's give him and our Congress the benefit of the doubt.  Maybe they just don't realize the seriousness of the impact of the housing market collapse on our Military Families.  Maybe they haven't grasp the concept that the losses MIlitary Families are incurring are really a condition of employment.  Maybe they just haven't heard enough from...you! 

If you've had enough, let them know.  Have your friends and family let them know.  Then let them know again.  There are a number of resources on this site for you to use.  Here's one.  Click this link and send (personalize if you wish) your letter to your elected official who works for...YOU!  

http://www.moresam.net/Make_a_Difference.aspx

Just wanted to pass along, I am currently applying for HAP benefits under the ARRA extension.  I just signed a contract and opened escow today.  The one issue that's been confusing to me (and i presume others) is the ACV (automated core value) and how it applies to the marketing and ultimately sales price of your house.

The clarification I received today is that if your sales price is within 10% of the ACV then your application will probably be approved without much grief.  Regardless, ensure you start out high with your listing and show a logical progression downward over the course of the following weeks until you meet the market.  Definitely counteroffer any low bids to show "reasonable effort". Just because you counter offer doesn't mean you can't change your mind.

Bottom line, don't think you have to have your house on the market for 120 days min.  You (mostly your realtor) just needs to prove your pricing and bargaining was "normal" as if you were typically selling your house.

I'll continue to post as I progress through the process.