As a USAA member, I have previously owned homes with USAA mortage products. No complaints.

However I plan to be buying "the last" home, in two years (we are saving up some $$$ and not quite ready yet) and wanted some feedback on:

No money or little money down. I put 25% down on the last home, and while having no PMI was "cool", for about 1 year we were sucking wind on the savings account.

A website look-see at Navy Federal seems very USAA-ish, and they offer 100% financing on homes. USAA does not.

Neighborhood Choices: I lean towards an older area (80's homes) versus new. I am targeting Coppell, TX (DFW area). Excellent schools, low crime, great re-sale value (altho this is last house) etc. My co-workers have encouraged "build your own house" or "buy new in that new neighborhood under development over there" type stuff. But fears of a Super Walmart popping up two years later and concerns over a rapidly growing high school, well, concern me. Also the stories of building new and two years later the foundation is cracking, etc concern me. My opinion is buying "older" means what you see is what you get. Older, maybe some funky sunlights in the den, but fully treed yards, sidewalks, and (in theory) more established neighbors. Established schools and no constant inflow/outflow of kids and families, which could occur in a new up and coming area.

Comments, thoughts, wanted.