U.S. Government Services

A PROUD RELOCATION MANAGEMENT PROVIDER TO THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY

Since 1984, Sirva, dba BGRS, Inc. (“BGRS”), has been a trusted advisor and partner to the nation’s top federal agencies. Our decades-long history of serving the U.S. government is backed by our unparalleled experience in conforming to both the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) and our deep understanding of the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) stringent relocation policy requirements and guidelines.

Since the award of our first Government contract in 1984, we have supported 40+ federal and quasi-governmental agencies and managed more than 147,500 U.S. federal moves. We have also expertly handled 280,000 moves for the Canadian Government over the past 15 years.

Sirva US Government Relocation Services

OUR EXPERIENCE HAS YOU COVERED

As the relocation industry’s leading federal contractor, we offer complete, reliable relocation services in full compliance with the GSA Schedule 48 and all U.S. government contracting requirements. We value our long-standing relationship with the U.S. government and take our responsibility to the federal agencies and employees we serve seriously.

Highlighting our experience and leadership in serving the government sector, we have proudly played a key role in the following federal community forums for many years:

  • Senior Executives Association (SEA) Corporate Advisory Council: Serve as an advocate for our government clients’ relocation interests to federal leaders.
  • Government Relocation Advisory Board (GRAB): Served as an active member focused on transforming the relocation provisions of the FTR.

Our agency clients are governed by the highest ethical standards and quality control elements:

Government

GOVERNMENT-TRAINED AND GOVERNMENT-CLEARED PERSONNEL:

All dedicated team members are U.S. citizens and hold or are in the process of obtaining Position of Public Trust security clearances.

Security

STRINGENT SECURITY PROTOCOLS:

All systems, facilities, personnel, and data accessibility are U.S-based and carefully constructed to adhere to government standards and protect the sensitive information entrusted to us.

portal

SECURE RELOCATION MANAGEMENT PORTAL:

Adheres to the highest global standards for data security with multi-factor authentication, biometrics, and user-level validation. 

training

PROPRIETARY GCERTIFIED™ PROGRAM: 

All dedicated government team members and service partners are required to participate in a Sirva, dba BGRS-developed course to learn FTR/FAR requirements and understand government culture.

Sirva, dba BGRS, Inc., stands as a steadfast and proud relocation service partner to the U.S. government. With a commitment to excellence, efficiency, and unparalleled service, we have consistently demonstrated its ability to meet the unique needs and challenges of government-sponsored relocations. Through innovative solutions, rigorous adherence to compliance, and a dedicated team of professionals, we ensure that every relocation undertaken in partnership with the U.S. government is executed with precision and care.

MORE THAN A MOVER

In addition to providing relocation management services, we play a pivotal role in supporting U.S. federal government agencies in crafting relocation strategies that seamlessly integrate with overarching talent management objectives. By leveraging our expertise and experience in mobility solutions, we ensure that relocation initiatives align closely with broader talent management goals.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI):

We help our government clients create mobility programs that prioritize DEI through services like cultural training, which is designed to introduce employees to the customs, traditions, and social norms of their new destination, helping them navigate disparate environments and foster inclusive interactions with colleagues and community members.

 

Sirva DEI services
Sirva Spouse and Partner Assistance

SPOUSE AND PARTNER ASSISTANCE:

We provide personalized services to help facilitate integration into the new community, such as mentor and support networks and career assistance, which may include resume writing and interviewing, introductions/networking opportunities, and traditional job placement services in the destination location.

CAREER ADVANCEMENT:

We support a mobile employee's career advancement through a range of relocation service solutions and policies designed to facilitate professional growth and development. We enable mobile employees to seamlessly transition to new roles and opportunities while supporting their long-term professional success within the organization.

Sirva Employee Rentention Advancement
Sirva Career Advancement Service

Employee Retention:

We contribute to our government clients’ employee retention by facilitating smooth transitions and providing personalized support throughout the relocation process, enhancing job satisfaction, maintaining loyalty, and safeguarding institutional knowledge.

By connecting relocations with these critical goals, Sirva, dba BGRS, not only facilitates efficient moves but also actively contributes to the long-term success and effectiveness of U.S. federal government agencies' talent management strategies.

As we look towards the future, we remain unwavering in our dedication to facilitating seamless transitions for government employees and their families, thereby upholding our shared commitment to service, integrity, and excellence.

Sirva Experienced Government Solutions Provider

RELOCATION SERVICES

We have been authorized by the GSA to provide the following relocation services to the federal government under Schedule Title: Transportation, Delivery & Relocation Services; SIN 531 (Schedule 48); Contract number: GS-33F-001HA.

The following Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) outlines the Special Item Numbers (SINs) we are approved to provide to the U.S. government:

home sale

653-1 Home Sale

entitlement Counseling

653-4 Entitlement Counseling

marketing

653-1B Marketing Assistance

agency services

653-5 Agency Customizes Services

property management

653-5 Property Management

move management

653-7 Move Management

For a complete history and listing of services, please refer to our GSA-Approved Catalog. 

THE ROLE OF CREDIT IN THE HOME PURCHASE AND MORTGAGE PROCESS

Published: Thursday, July 11, 2024
Sirva Communications

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and significant financial decisions most people will make in their lifetime. One of the most crucial steps in the homebuying process is securing a mortgage, and at the heart of this process lies your credit history. Understanding the role credit plays in the home purchase and mortgage process can help your transferring employees better navigate their way to homeownership.

Why Does Credit Matter?

Credit is a measure of a homebuyer’s financial trustworthiness. Lenders use a credit score and credit history to assess how likely the homebuyer is to repay a loan. This information helps the lender determine whether to approve a mortgage application, and if so, what terms and interest rates to offer. A higher score indicates to a lender that a homebuyer is more likely to make their mortgage payments on time.

How Is A Credit Score Calculated?

A credit score is a numerical representation of creditworthiness, ranging from 300 to 850, calculated on factors such as:

Credit
  • Payment history: track record of paying bills on time.
  • Credit utilization: amount of credit the person is using compared to their total available credit.
  • Length of credit history: how long a person has had credit accounts.
  • New credit: recent credit inquiries and newly opened accounts.
  • Types of Credit: The variety of credit types a person has, such as credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. 

 

The Impact of Credit on Transferring Employees’ Mortgage Approval

When a person applies for a mortgage, lenders will pull the credit report and score, which helps them determine if a person qualifies for a loan and at what interest rate. Generally, a higher credit score means a homebuyer is seen as a lower-risk borrower, which can lead to:

Mortgage Approval
  • Better interest rates: a higher credit score may qualify an employee for lower interest rates, saving thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
  • Higher loan amounts: good credit can increase the amount a lender is willing to lend, giving the transferring employee more buying power.
  • Lower down payment requirements: some loan programs may offer lower down payment options to borrowers with strong credit. 

 

Types of Mortgages and Credit Requirements

Different types of mortgages have varying credit score requirements and can also vary by lender:

Loans
  • Conventional loans: typically require a minimum credit score of 620. Borrowers with higher scores may have access to better rates and terms.
  • FHA loans: backed by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans have lower credit score requirements, often around 580, and sometimes even lower with a higher down payment.
  • VA loans: available to veterans and service members, VA loans don’t have a minimum credit score set by the VA, but lenders typically look for a score of at least 620.
  • USDA loans: designed for rural and suburban homebuyers, USDA loans usually require a credit score of 640 or higher.

 

Improving a Transferring Employee’s Credit Before Buying a Home

If a transferring employee’s credit score needs improvement, taking steps to boost it can make a significant difference in the mortgage options available. Here are some tips a homebuyer can follow to help enhance their credit:

improving credit to buy home
  • Pay bills on time: consistently paying bills on time is the most critical factor in improving a credit score.
  • Reduce debt: lowering credit card balances and paying off other debts can improve a homebuyer’s credit utilization ratio.
  • Check the credit report: regularly review the credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies and a free credit report is available annually by visiting annualcreditreport.com.
  • Limit new credit applications: avoid opening new credit accounts or making large purchases on credit before applying for a mortgage.
  • Maintain old accounts: keeping older accounts open can lengthen a person’s credit history, positively impacting their credit score. 

 

Conclusion

A homebuyer’s credit plays a pivotal role in the home purchase and mortgage process. It affects not only the ability to get approved for a mortgage, but also the terms and costs associated with the loan. By understanding how credit works and taking proactive steps to improve their credit score, transferring employees can improve their chances of securing the best mortgage terms and achieving the dream of homeownership. Remember, a strong credit profile opens the door to better financial opportunities and can save a homebuyer significant money over the life of their mortgage.

Whatever the financing needs of your transferees may be, Sirva Mortgage is here to help. With over 30 years of focus and expertise in relocation mortgage lending, we understand the important role home financing plays in the relocation process. Please visit our mortgage website to learn more or contact us at MortgageClientServices@sirva.com.

 

Sirva Mortgage is an equal opportunity lender engaged in the business of originating residential mortgage loans. We are licensed or authorized to conduct mortgage loan origination in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia.  Sirva Mortgage is not a depository institution and does not act or represent itself as a full-service bank.  Reference to the term “mortgage banker” is a common, accepted industry term referring to companies engaged only in the business of making mortgage loans. Various state laws and regulations and our license type(s) in various states refer to us as a mortgage lender, mortgage banker or mortgage broker. For our Privacy Policy and Affiliated business relationships disclosures please visit https://mortgage.sirva.com/about/about-sirva-mortgage. Please see the complete required license disclosure below. Call 800-531-3837 for more information.

Sirva Mortgage, Inc. NMLS ID #2240, for licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Main Office Address is 6200 Oak Tree Blvd., Ste. 300, Independence, OH  44131; Telephone: 1-800-531-3837. We are licensed by/as (among others): Arizona Licensed Mortgage Banker, License #0901430; Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License #4130944; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #6221; Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee #MB.0004037 - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Banking, Mortgage Banking Section, 555 West Monroe Street, Suite 500, Chicago, IL, 60661, (312) 793-7090; Kansas Mortgage Company License #MC.0025314; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License #ML2240; Nevada Licensed Mortgage Banker License #1043; Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance; Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Banking Department; Oregon Mortgage Lending License #ML-186; Rhode Island Licensed Lender; Texas Mortgage Banker Registration #2240; WA Consumer Loan Company License #CL-2240.

This is not an offer of credit. This is not an offer to enter into an interest rate lock-in agreement nor is this notice of loan approval. Mortgage approvals are rendered based on individual credit qualifications. 

 

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