VA recognizes that homeownership is about far more than buying a house – it is about stability, opportunity, and building a strong future. For generations, the VA Home Loan Program has helped Veterans and service members take that step by making homeownership more accessible and affordable.  

That’s why VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. recently met with Robert Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), for a conversation about how to expand affordability and homeownership opportunities for Veterans. 

“The VA home loan benefit remains one of the most effective tools available to help Veterans build equity and long-term financial security,” Lawrence said. “It reflects the nation’s commitment to those who served and has opened the door to homeownership for millions of Veterans and their families.”

At the same time, VA acknowledges that too many Veterans still face barriers on the path to buying a home. Some aren’t fully aware of the benefits they’ve earned, while others encounter challenges navigating the mortgage process, understanding their options, or competing in a difficult housing market. Overcoming these challenges requires strong collaboration across government and industry. 

Strengthening coordination with lenders

Addressing these barriers was the central focus of Lawrence’s conversation with MBA. The leaders discussed ways to strengthen coordination with mortgage lenders and industry professionals so that more Veterans can successfully use their VA home loan benefits. Both organizations share a commitment to ensuring the program works as effectively as possible for the people it was designed to serve. 

Lawrence and Broeksmit plan to meet regularly to observe market trends, find out where Veterans may be running into obstacles, and how the public and private sectors can work together to improve outcomes. 

That partnership extends to VA’s Loan Guaranty Service, which collaborates with MBA to enhance the program from the inside out. 

Insights from lenders and real estate professionals are vital to helping VA better understand how to improve access to affordability, simplify processes, and ensure that tools and resources meet Veterans where they are. When public and private sectors work together with a shared purpose, they can create more pathways to homeownership for those who have served. VA values industry partners who recognize that supporting Veteran homeownership is not just a market issue, it’s a mission.  

Veterans deserve every possible opportunity to achieve the dream of owning a home, and VA remains committed to helping them get there. Veterans, service members and survivors can learn more about the VA Home Loan program and begin their homebuying journey online.