VA Housing Summit in Houston Helps Veterans, Reservists, Active Duty
Close to 300,000 veterans throughout Houston are eligible for local and federal programs that can save them money on housing, energy costs, insurance and property taxes.
HOUSTON, May 14, 2018 (Newswire.com) - The nonprofit organization Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP) will be hosting a free VA Housing Summit on Saturday, May 19, that will educate veterans, reservists and military families on financial assistance programs that can lower their housing costs.
Close to 300,000 veterans throughout Houston are eligible for local and federal programs that can save them money on housing, energy costs, insurance and property taxes. Houston is the second largest provider city for the all-volunteer military in America, according to the Veterans Affairs Office.
The VA loan benefit is available to veterans, but most aren't aware of how it can save them hundreds of dollars a month off their housing bills. For example, home owners must buy mortgage insurance if they have less than 20 percent equity. The federal government backs the VA loan so veterans don't need to buy mortgage insurance. This benefit alone saves them several hundred dollars a month.
Roy Lemelle, VAREP, Houston Chapter Leader
VAREP, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has helped veterans, military families, and reservists across the country and in Houston lower their housing costs by accessing their VA benefits.
The Houston chapter leader for VAREP, Roy Lemelle, says Saturday's VA Housing Summit will give all veterans a chance to ask questions from VA experts and learn how the benefits could personally work for them.
"The VA loan benefit is available to veterans, but most aren't aware of how it can save them hundreds of dollars a month off their housing bills," said Lemelle. "For example, homeowners must buy mortgage insurance if they have less than 20 percent equity. The federal government backs the VA loan so veterans don't need to buy mortgage insurance. This benefit alone saves them several hundred dollars a month."
Disabled veterans, depending on their disability class, may not have to pay property taxes. The VA loan program also has refinancing options to help homeowners make their home more energy efficient. The state of Texas also has a law that states veterans must get a lower interest rate than the market rate.
"Saturday's VA Summit will educate veterans on all of these programs," said Lemelle. "Most veterans who attend Saturday's VA Summit will also leave with a Certificate of Eligibility, the first step required in qualifying for VA benefits."
About Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals
VAREP is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) devoted to increasing homeownership among veterans, financial-literacy education, VA loan awareness and economic opportunity for the active military and veteran communities. The nonprofit has chapters across the country that educate the community on the entire VA housing process.
Details on the VA Housing Summit
WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2018
CHECK-IN: 9:00 a.m.
EVENT: 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LOCATION: AMERICAN LEGION POST 490, 11702 Old Galveston Rd, Houston, TX 77034
PRESS CONTACT: Mark Macias - mmm@maciaspr.com - 646-770-0541
Source: VAREP