At LPJ Legal, we honor and thank veterans for their service and sacrifice. One way we can show our gratitude is by sharing valuable resources to help veterans pursue the American Dream of homeownership, along with rapid rehousing resources for veterans who are in need of a stable home quickly. Here is a list of resources for veterans, including national resources, and others that are specific to Georgia and the DMV area.
To learn more about LPJ Legal’s real estate, construction, or business law services, please visit our website, or call us at 202-643-6211 for a consultation.
Nationwide Homeownership Resources for Veterans
- VA Home Loan Program
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a VA-backed loan program that offers competitive interest rates, no down payment, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). Veterans can use this benefit multiple times, and may qualify for adapted housing grants if they have a service-related disability.
- Learn more: VA Home Loans
2. NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America)
- NACA offers mortgage programs with no down payment, no closing costs, and below-market fixed rates. Veterans who may not qualify for a traditional VA loan may find this an accessible option for homeownership.
- Learn more: NACA
3. Veterans United Home Loans
- As one of the nation’s largest providers of VA loans, Veterans United works with veterans and military families to maximize their benefits, offering personalized support and guidance throughout the home-buying process.
- Learn more: Veterans United Home Loans
4. Homes for Heroes
- Homes for Heroes partners with real estate professionals to offer discounts and rebates for veterans, service members, and first responders. This can help reduce closing costs, save on realtor fees, and make homeownership more accessible. Because you will be connected with a real estate brokerage in your area, this is a great place to start if you’re a veteran looking for local home ownership resources.
- Learn more: Homes for Heroes, or Register Here
5. Operation Homefront
- Operation Homefront provides permanent and transitional housing for honorably discharged or wounded veterans. They also provide critical financial assistance support for veterans and their families, which can assist with mortgage payments, utilities, car repairs, and other overdue bills. November 11th marks the first day of their 11 Days of Impact campaign, where they are working to raise $750,000 to benefit the veterans that they serve.
- Learn more: Operation Homefront
Statewide Resources for Veterans: GA
1. Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS)
- VA Home Loan Guarantee: This program, available through GDVS, provides qualified veterans with a VA-backed mortgage that can offer competitive interest rates, no down payment, and no private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement. GDVS also offers counseling on VA benefits.
- Learn more: GDVS
2. Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
- This program helps low and moderate-income veterans (and civilians) with down payment assistance and affordable mortgage options. Veterans can apply for a reduced rate loan through Georgia Dream, and those who meet specific income criteria may qualify for additional down payment assistance of up to $7,500.
- Website: Georgia Dream Program
3. Veterans United of Georgia
- Veterans United specializes in VA loans and operates locally in Georgia, making it easier to access local resources and understand the Georgia housing market. They also provide educational resources for veterans interested in VA loans and offer guidance through the VA loan application process.
- Savannah Office
- Hinesville Office
- Augusta Office
4. Habitat for Humanity of Georgia – Veterans Build Program
- Habitat for Humanity focuses on helping veterans and their families acquire homes. While it’s often based on income eligibility, this program helps veterans in several different ways, including securing affordable housing or mortgage assistance.
- Website: GA Habitat for Humanity – Veterans Build Program
5. USDA Rural Development Loans for Veterans
- The USDA offers loans for veterans in rural areas with low interest rates and no down payment requirements. Many parts of Georgia qualify as rural, making this a viable option.
- Website: USDA Rural Development
Local Resources for Veterans: DMV Area
DMV Area
1. Friendship Place
- Friendship Place provides rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention services for veterans located in Washington D.C. and the counties of Prince George (MD), Montgomery (MD), Frederick (MD), Fairfax (VA), Loudoun (VA), Prince William (VA), Arlington (VA), and the City of Alexandria (VA).
- Learn more: Friendship Place
Washington, D.C.
2. D.C. Open Doors Program
- D.C. Open Doors provides down payment assistance and favorable mortgage rates for qualifying buyers, including veterans. This program is ideal for first-time and repeat buyers who meet income and purchase price requirements.
- Learn more: D.C. Open Doors
3. US Vets: Washington D.C.
- The Washington, D.C. chapter of US Vets provides permanent housing assistance, suicide prevention resources, mental health support, employment assistance, and other valuable resources to benefit our veterans.
- Learn more: US Vets
Maryland
4. Maryland Homefront: The Veterans and Military Family Mortgage Program
- Maryland offers this unique mortgage program to veterans and military families with reduced interest rates and down payment assistance. This program is available to active-duty military, veterans, and surviving spouses purchasing a home in Maryland.
- Learn more: Maryland Homefront
5. C.A.R.E/Project Home
- The Certified Adult Residential Environment (C.A.R.E) provides a more home-like and less costly alternative to nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals and other institutional setting, creating an adult foster family model for people with mental illnesses or other disabilities.
- Learn more: C.A.R.E/Project Home
Virginia
6. Veteran Homelessness Programs and Support Services in Virginia
- Virginia provides resources to help veterans transition from homelessness to stable housing. The Virginia Supportive Housing organization offers programs specifically designed to support veterans in finding and maintaining affordable housing.
- Learn more: Virginia Supportive Housing
7. Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
- This program helps surviving spouses and dependents of veterans with housing needs, financial planning, and more. VMSDEP also offers grants for education that can ease financial burdens, making homeownership more accessible.
- Learn more: VMSDEP
Additional Considerations for Veterans
As a veteran considering homeownership, please keep these tips in mind:
- Check Eligibility Regularly: Homeownership programs may change their requirements over time, and new programs may become available. Regularly check for updated eligibility requirements to ensure you can maximize your benefits.
- Seek Pre-Approval for VA Loans: If you plan to use a VA loan, start with a pre-approval process. This allows you to understand your purchasing power and ensure a smoother buying process.
- Consider Financial Counseling: Many organizations, such as the American Legion and the VA, offer free financial counseling to help you prepare for the costs of homeownership.
On Veterans Day, LPJ Legal extends our deepest thanks to those who have served. If you have questions about real estate transactions or navigating the legal aspects of homeownership, our team at LPJ Legal is here to help. Thank you for your service, and we hope you enjoyed your well deserved Veteran’s Day!
