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eterans Day reminds us to honor those who served and to recognize the hurdles they face when reentering civilian life, especially buying a home. Real‑estate professionals must be ready to help veterans navigate these challenges with knowledge and resources.
**Home‑buying obstacles for veterans**
Frequent moves, deployment‑related financial gaps, and difficulty transferring military benefits often stall veterans’ home‑ownership plans. Many are unaware of programs that could ease the process, such as the VA loan, which offers low or no down‑payment options and favorable terms. Understanding eligibility—service length, discharge status, and loan specifics—is essential for guiding veterans toward these benefits.
**How agents can help**
Agents should pursue specialized training, like the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification, which equips them to support military families with relocation and home‑buying needs. Familiarity with VA loan nuances, including eligibility and processing steps, allows agents to streamline the experience for veterans.
The VA loan remains underutilized; Veterans United Home Loans reports that over 58,000 VA loans go untapped each year in U.S. metros, costing nearly $28 billion in potential volume in 2024. Agents who partner with lenders experienced in VA loans can close this gap and help more veterans secure homes.
Beyond VA loans, many states and localities offer down‑payment assistance, tax credits, or grants for first‑time veteran buyers. Agents can direct veterans to these resources, ensuring they receive all available aid.
**Advocacy and community engagement**
Real‑estate professionals can champion housing initiatives that benefit military families, support nonprofits aiding veteran homeownership, and participate in community events honoring service members. Hosting seminars or distributing informational materials educates veterans on the full spectrum of support options.
**Building stronger communities**
Closing a deal is only part of an agent’s role; fostering stability for veterans through homeownership is a broader mission. Empathy, expertise, and continuous learning enable agents to serve those who served us.
This Veterans Day, consider how your expertise can transform a veteran’s journey to a safe, stable home—a place that reflects their service and offers a hopeful future.
Lawrence Bellido, 2025 president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA), the country’s 8th largest real‑estate association with over 18,000 REALTORS®, authored this column. It does not necessarily reflect HousingWire’s editorial views. Contact the editor at [email protected]
