Helping heroes home: how real estate pros can better serve veterans

Veterans Day serves as a meaningful opportunity to honor the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform who have served our country. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges veterans face as they transition back to civilian life, including navigating the homebuying process.

For real estate professionals, it’s important to recognize these challenges and be prepared with the knowledge and resources to support those who have served. Whether it’s understanding military-specific financing options, obtaining the right certifications, or providing guidance through the intricacies of relocation, agents and lenders can make a world of difference in helping veterans achieve homeownership.

Challenges veterans face in homebuying

Veterans and military families often face specific obstacles that can complicate the homebuying process. Frequent relocations, financial instability due to periods of deployment, and the difficulty in transferring military benefits are just a few of the challenges contributing to this ongoing issue. Additionally, many veterans struggle with navigating the homebuying process due to a lack of knowledge about available programs, especially when transitioning back to civilian life.

One significant barrier is the misconception that homeownership is out of reach for many veterans. However, there are several programs designed specifically for veterans, such as the VA loan program, which provides easier access to home financing. Accessing these benefits requires an understanding of the nuances surrounding eligibility, processing, and loan specifics – an area where many veterans may need guidance.

How real estate pros can support vets

To assist veterans, real estate agents should pursue education and certifications that specialize in serving the military community. A great example is the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification. This certification equips agents with the knowledge to assist military families in their relocation and homebuying needs, including understanding the intricacies of military benefits such as VA loans and housing allowances. This training is valuable when working with active-duty military members, veterans and their families, as it provides the tools to navigate the homebuying process.

The VA loan program, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, allows qualified veterans to purchase homes with little to no down payment and often at better terms than traditional loans. However, it’s important for agents to be well-versed in the eligibility requirements, which include military service, length of service, and discharge status, as well as the specific details of the VA loan process.

VA loan program underused

Currently, the potential of the VA loan program remains significantly underused. An analysis by Veterans United Home Loans found that over 58,000 VA loans go “untapped” each year in U.S. metro areas, resulting in nearly $28 billion in unused VA loan volume in 2024 alone.

For lenders and agents, having a strong understanding of the VA loan program and how to guide veterans through qualification is necessary in addressing this gap. By working with lenders who have experience with VA loans, agents can help ensure a smoother process and support more veterans in securing the homes they have earned.

Beyond the VA loan, there are other financial assistance programs available to veterans. For example, many states and municipalities offer down payment assistance, tax breaks, or grants to veterans, especially first-time homebuyers. Agents can be a valuable resource for pointing veterans in the right direction, connecting them with financial resources, and ensuring they are aware of any available aid.

Advocacy and community support

Beyond the transactional aspect, real estate professionals can advocate for veterans in their communities by promoting housing initiatives that support military families and veterans. This might include supporting nonprofit organizations that assist veterans with homeownership or participating in community events that honor military families.

Real estate professionals can also take an active role in educating veterans about the broader homebuying process and the benefits available to them. Many veterans are unaware of all the support options available to them, so hosting educational seminars or providing informational materials can be an excellent way to serve the community.

Building stronger communities

For real estate professionals, the role extends beyond just closing deals. They have an opportunity to help veterans achieve the stability and security that homeownership offers. The unique challenges they face in the homebuying process require real estate professionals to be empathetic, knowledgeable and resourceful. By embracing these opportunities and continuously educating ourselves, we can better serve those who have served us.

This Veterans Day, take a moment to reflect on how you can make a difference in the lives of military families. Their journey to homeownership is not just about buying a house, but about giving them a place to call home, one that provides safety, stability and the promise of a bright future.

Lawrence Bellido is the 2025 president of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA). ORRA is the 8th largest real estate association in the country, representing over 18,000 REALTORS®.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.

To contact the editor responsible for this piece: tracey@hwmedia.com