New VA Home Loan Reforms Making Homeownership Easier for Veterans

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has been working hard to make the home buying process better for veterans. Recently, they celebrated a huge victory with the passing of the VA Home Loan Reform Act. This law, signed by President Trump on July 30, 2025, will make it easier for veterans to buy homes and protect them in the housing market.

Here’s a breakdown of the changes and what it means for veterans:

What’s New in the VA Home Loan Reform Act?

1. Real Estate Agents Can Be Paid Directly by VeteransBefore, veterans couldn’t pay their real estate agents directly for their help. This meant that agents might not always be able to represent veterans in the best way possible. Now, thanks to the reform, veterans can pay their real estate agents directly, ensuring they get the professional help they need when buying a home.

2. Help for Veterans Falling Behind on Mortgage PaymentsThis new law also provides a way for veterans who are struggling to pay their mortgages to get back on track. It creates a “partial claims program” to help those who’ve fallen behind, making sure veterans don’t lose their homes when tough times hit.

3. Support for Veterans Facing HomelessnessThe law also includes funding for programs that help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It’s not just about buying homes; it’s about supporting veterans in every stage of their lives.

What Does This Mean for Veterans?

The VA Home Loan Guaranty Program is a popular tool that helps veterans buy homes with no down payment. In 2024 alone, nearly 490,000 home purchases and refinances were made with VA loans. But before this reform, veterans couldn’t directly compensate the real estate agents helping them—putting them at a disadvantage in a tough market.

Now, with this change, veterans can have the same expert help as any other homebuyer. This will make the home buying process smoother and more fair for those who’ve served our country.

The Impact of This Reform

NAR’s advocacy was key in pushing this change. They worked closely with lawmakers and the VA to make sure that veterans had the same opportunities as other homebuyers. NAR’s Shannon McGahn said it best: “Veterans deserve the same shot at homeownership as every other buyer.”

With the VA Home Loan Reform Act in place, veterans now have better access to the support they need to buy a home. NAR will continue to fight for policies that make homeownership easier for veterans. This change is a huge win for those who’ve served our country, and it’s just the beginning of what NAR plans to do for veterans in the housing market.

For more details on the VA Home Loan Reform Act, check out the full announcement on NAR’s website here.