Real Estate Continuing Education Class Teaches Realtors the Truth About VA Loans
This is a guest post from our Director of Veteran Affairs, Jay McMaken.
When I started my career in the mortgage industry 14 years ago, I was skeptical of VA loans. Like many other real estate professionals, I only heard negative things about the program. Rumored to be a painstaking and difficult process for all parties involved, I was leery of steering my clients into such an unpopular loan—until one day I faced my apprehensions and helped one of my clients get a VA loan. From that moment on, I had an entirely different outlook on the VA lending program.
To my surprise, securing a VA loan was a remarkably easy process and nothing like the horror stories I had heard about. Out of curiosity, I began comparing different lending scenarios involving conventional, FHA and VA loans, and found that the VA loan consistently came out on top.
This fueled my interest in VA loans even more, and I started digging into the program to learn everything I could. The more I learned, the more passionate I became about changing the negative perception associated with VA loans in the real estate community.
As a veteran myself, I feel I have a duty to share the knowledge I have acquired to educate buyers and real estate professionals about the benefits of VA loans and put stereotypes associated with the program to rest.
Last year, the Michigan Association of Realtors invited me to teach a VA Mortgage Education break out session at their annual conference. Due to the positive response I received, I went on to develop “Military Mortgage Boot Camp,” a licensed school through the State of Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) that provides approved credit hours for real estate continuing education requirements.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to partner with several real estate offices throughout Michigan to host continuing education classes for their agents.
I recently partnered with John Carpenter of Cislo Title, a Michigan-based title insurance company, to host a free continuing education seminar for real estate agents in the Fenton area.
Like Ross Mortgage, Cislo Title is dedicated to helping veterans who honorably served our country buy a home to call their own. At closing, they even display the veteran’s flag and provide them with a special certificate, as well as a thank you letter for their service to our country.
During the presentation, we debunked the myths associated with VA loans and taught real estate agents how to make a VA offer sellers will accept. Overall, the event was a success, and we received positive feedback. Here’s what attendees had to say about the class:
“After 15 years in the business, I finally feel educated on VA loans. Jay McMaken did a phenomenal job explaining the advantages and benefits of VA loans. Not only am I confident Jay can get the job done, but there is a comfort in knowing that I have a resource for any VA loan questions. His passion and knowledge is infectious and would be appreciated by any VA client and all realtors!” – Natalie Reed, Keller Williams
“Jay really knows the VA Program—better than anyone I’ve ever seen! He’s very engaging though the presentation and keeps the agents interested. He encouraged everyone to ask questions. My agents ALL commented that it was the best class that they attended. It’s an added bonus that it qualifies for real estate continuing education credits, too!” – Madeline Dishon RE/MAX Encore
As trusted counselors, it is our responsibility to inform customers about their available options. We all have a responsibility to help our customers reach their homeownership goals and ensure they are provided with the information they need to make an informed decision.
If you’re interested in learning more about VA loans, or would like to have me come speak at your office, leave a comment below or send us a message!
