What is Did You Serve?
Did You Serve? is an awareness initiative created to better educate real estate agents about the homebuying benefits Veterans have earned through their military service.
Did You Serve? challenges homebuying service professionals to take the pledge to ask the question “Did you serve?” when meeting with a prospective homebuyer. The organization then empowers homebuying service professionals with the knowledge and resources to better serve these Veterans and military families.
Why is it important to ask “Did you serve?”
Unfortunately, there is a lack of knowledge among Veterans and military families as well as homebuying service professionals about the benefits available through the VA Home Loan program. Advantages such as purchasing a home with no money down, no monthly mortgage insurance premiums and relaxed qualification requirements help open the doors to homeownership for those who fought to defend the American Dream.
FACT: 75% of military service members say owning a home is one of the most important things upon returning from service.
FACT: When you ask “Did you serve?” you can identify new clients, many of whom would not be able to purchase a home without the benefits of the VA loan.
FACT: In recent years, nearly 9 in 10 VA loans issued had no down payment.
FACT: In 2017, a total of 740,386 home loans were guaranteed by the VA, a record breaking year for the VA home loan program.
FACT: VA loans are a safe bet for homebuyers. VA loans have consistently had near the lowest foreclosure rate of all mortgage products.
Lack of knowledge of the VA Home Loan program is the biggest reason why Veterans don’t use the program.
When should agents not ask “Did you serve?”
Did You Serve? recognizes and supports Fair Housing guidelines. In Massachusetts, soliciting military status is illegal because military status represents a protected class. In these instances, Did You Serve? recommends briefing clients on VA benefits through other means, including discussing the benefits of VA financing with every client. Should a client or Veteran self-identify as such, agents can utilize their Did You Serve? training to help those who have served take advantage of their hard earned benefit. Agents should consult their local Fair Housing guidelines to determine whether military or Veteran status is a protected class.
How is Did You Serve? affiliated with Veterans United Realty?
Did You Serve? is a service for real estate agents owned by Military Homes Realty, the parent company of Veterans United Realty. Did You Serve? will share your contact information with Veterans United Realty in order to offer services for your Veteran and military clients. A real estate agent is not required in any way to use Veterans United Realty in order to receive the benefits of Did You Serve? nor is engaging with Did You Serve? a requirement to do business with Veterans United.
Is Did You Serve? affiliated with the military or government?
No. Did You Serve? is not endorsed, sponsored or affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.
How do I contact Did You Serve?
If you have additional questions about Did You Serve? you can email info@didyouserve.org.