Frequently Asked Questions
VAREP (Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals) is a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency and a registered Veterans Service Organization. We serve veterans, servicemembers, and their families by providing financial & housing education and counseling. We advocated to ensure access to the VA home loan benefit, financial stability, and sustainable homeownership.
Yes. USA Homeownership Foundation, Inc. (dba VAREP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our 501(c)(19) Veterans Service Organization operates as the Veterans Housing & Financial Alliance. Together, we serve the military and veteran community.
Yes. VAREP is a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Affiliate with Home Free USA as its intermediary.
Founded in 2011 by a Navy veteran, VAREP was born from personal experience. After his discharge, he had bad credit, lacked financial literacy, and knew little about the VA loan. When buying his first home, he was steered away from using his earned benefit by both his agent and lender. During the 2008 financial crisis, he searched for a VSO that offered housing support, financial guidance, and VA loan education—only to find none existed. So, with his business partner, he founded USA Homeownership Foundation, Inc. dba VAREP to fill that void. The rest is history.
VAREP is open to veterans for all eras, servicemembers, national guard, reserve units, their family members, real estate agents, lenders, housing counselors, and real estate related businesses.
VAREP’s mission is to ensure financial stability, housing security, sustainable homeownership, and access to the VA loan benefit for veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
A future where every veteran and military family is empowered to integrate, heal, and thrive.
Integrity: Acting with honesty and ethics.
Respect: Honoring veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
Empowerment: Promoting financial stability and homeownership.
Advocacy: Removing barriers to housing.
Community: Building a supportive, inclusive environment.
No. VAREP offers a Free Core Membership that includes access to essential tools, resources, training, and community events. Enhanced subscription options are available for those seeking additional benefits.
Note: Although there is no cost to join, a valid credit card must be placed on file as part of the registration process however no charges will occur without member’s knowledge and explicit authorization.
Member will only be charged if they elect to use the on-demand fee-based services or add enhanced subscriptions. Member may cancel free core membership at any time by logging into the Member’s Dashboard, go to your profile, and click the “Cancel Membership” Option or by contacting us at [email protected].
Members receive housing education, advocacy resources, access to events, eligibility for VAREP programs, and the ability to engage with local chapters.
For expanded benefits and deeper engagement, subscribe for personal and career growth, business visibility, and expanded access, tailored to your role and mission alignment.
Enhanced Subscription Menu
- MILITARY COMMUNITY - $39/year or $3.25/month
- HOUSING PROFESSIONAL - $99/year or $8.25/month
- VAREP CHAPTER AFFILIATION - $29/year or $2.42/month
- MVP HEROES HOUSING NETWORK - $99/month
- BUSINESS AFFILIATE “MARKETPLACE” - Tiered Pricing based upon business size
The on-demand support is a Fee-for-Service program offering flexible services—including but not limited to financial, housing, credit, and loss mitigation counseling—available anytime without long-term commitment. All National Core Members can access these services without an Enhanced Subscription.
The VAREP Marketplace is a one-stop hub for exclusive member savings, discounts, and deals from our Business Member Subscribers and national partners.
A signature VAREP program that connects military, veterans, and community heroes—such as first responders, healthcare workers, educators, and civil servants—with certified housing professionals. Through the Real Rewards program, participants receive savings on real estate and financing services at closing or shortly after.
Note: Post-closing payments are not available in Alabama, Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, and Louisiana. However, a credit at closing is permitted in all 50 states. Actual savings vary based on the services used, home price, property type, and commission structure.
1. Advocacy
2. Financial & Housing Counseling
3. VA Loan Benefit Support
4. Real Estate Savings
5. Economic Development
6. Overall Wellness
Purpose: VAREP’s Six-Point Plan drives the systemic change needed to protect the VA home loan, expand veteran homeownership, and ensure financial, housing, and wellness readiness from enlistment through post-service life.
- VA Loan Benefit Support
- Financial & Housing Checkups
- Financial Counseling
- Housing Counseling
- Foreclosure Prevention
- First-Time Homebuyer Certification
- Homebuyer Grant Assistance
- Reverse Mortgage Counseling
- Disaster Housing Counseling
- Fresh Start Housing Counseling
- Referrals to HUDVASH & SSVF
- Fari Housing Law Support
- SCRA Support
- Predatory Lending Prevention
Yes. Our HUD-certified counselors provide personalized support for homebuying, credit repair, foreclosure prevention, budgeting, and more. These services are part of the One-Demand menu.
VAREP provides HUD-approved housing counseling, loss mitigation support, and one-on-one financial guidance. As your authorized third-party representative, we work directly with servicers on the borrower’s behalf to negotiate solutions like loan modifications, repayment plans, and forbearance. We also connect veterans to emergency grant programs when available. Through early intervention, education, and direct advocacy, we help keep veterans in their homes.
VAREP’s Financial and Housing Checkups are 12-month, personalized programs led by HUD-certified counselors, designed to support every phase of the military service life cycle—from enlistment to transition to post-service as a veteran. These sessions assess your credit, finances, and homeownership readiness. The intake, analysis, and first session are free.
Note: Ongoing support is provided at extremely affordable nonprofit rates, with grant funding available for those who qualify—ensuring no one is turned away due to financial hardship. These checkups deliver a clear, actionable plan to build lasting financial stability and prepare for homeownership.
MVP Heroes Housing Network - Connecting military, veterans, and community heroes with housing professionals to provide expertise and exclusive savings during real estate transactions.
VETCares - VAREP’s sister organization offering a hand up to heroes in need through grants.
House-A-Vet - Donating mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families.
HUD-Approved Counseling - Offering financial education and housing counseling for stability, credit readiness, and homeownership goals.
Freedom Flippers - Rehabilitating blighted properties to create affordable homeownership opportunities for servicemembers, veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, and civil servants.
Member Insurance Program (Powered by Lockton Affinity) - Affordable insurance products tailored for VAREP members.
VAREP Nation Grassroots - Empowering members to advocate for veteran housing rights, protect the VA loan, and advance financial and economic equity for the military community.
Boots2Careers – Launching Fall 2026 - Equipping veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and spouses with job training, resume support, interview prep, and career mentorship.
Boots2Biz – Launching Fall 2026 - Guiding veterans from idea to enterprise with business training, mentorship, and resources to start and grow purpose-driven ventures.
VAREP Magazine is the official publication of VAREP—your go-to source for financial, housing, and economic insights tailored to military members, veterans, and housing professionals.
We welcome article submissions, personal stories, business spotlights, and sponsor features. Contact our editorial team for details.
Yes. Please contact us for advertising opportunities.
The VAREP Podcast features impactful conversations on VA loans, housing, finance, and economic topics that matter to the military and veteran communities.
Stories of Service is a VAREP video series sharing powerful stories from veterans, servicemembers, family members, and surviving spouses. Each journey highlights the courage and sacrifice behind the uniform—showing how freedom is earned, one story at a time.
The VAREP Store offers mission-driven apparel, gear, and accessories that show your support for veterans, homeownership, and the VAREP movement.
VAREP chapters are located across the country and led by VAREP members. If there’s no chapter in your area, contact us to learn about chapter formation and leadership requirements.
VAREP Nation is our grassroots advocacy network mobilizing members to support veteran housing policy, financial literacy, and the VA loan benefit. To advocate, login and use the VAREP Advocacy Toolbox located in the Member’s Area.
Real estate agents, mortgage lenders, housing counselors, credit specialists, attorneys, title, escrow, home warranty, and other industry professionals serving the military and veteran market.
Yes. VAREP offers certification programs for real estate agents, lenders, and housing counselors, as well as first-time homebuyer certificates for grant eligibility. All members have access to ongoing training in housing, finance, career development, business, leadership, and more.
No. VAREP is for professionals committed to learning, growth, and service. If you're here to give back to the military and veteran community—we’ve got you. But if you're simply looking for leads or quick business, we’re probably not the right fit.
Note: Business development opportunities are available to members who actively participate in training and apply the tools provided.
Visit our National Sponsorship page or contact our development team to explore annual, event-based, and branded sponsorship opportunities.
Each local chapter offers sponsorship packages for events, outreach, and programs. Contact your nearest chapter to learn more.
Yes. We work with trusted HUD counseling agencies, veteran organizations, financial institutions, and real estate/lending companies aligned with our mission.
Click “Login” at the top of the homepage. You can manage your membership, access resources, and register for programs.
Yes. Policy Conference (June), National Convention (October), & Leadership Academy (March).
- 57 Mortgage-Free Home Donations
- 548 Affordable Homes & Land Sold
- $12.7 Million Spent in Home Rehabilitation
- 133 Veteran Housing Summits
- 20,000+ Veterans & Servicemembers Educated on VA loan
- 34 Chapters, 17 States
- 2,500+ Community Grants by Chapters
- 10 Policy Conferences, 6 Legislative Victories
- 10 National Conventions for Housing Professionals
- 751 Veterans Have Been Referred to HUDVASH & SSVF
- 500+ HUD-Certified First Time Homebuyer Workshops
- 10+ States C.E. Real Estate School Provider
- 8 Housing Professional Courses
- Create H.E.L.P. First-Time Homebuyer Class
- Authored Freddie Mac Creditsmart Military Module
- 40,000+ Housing Professionals Educated About the VA Loan
- 22 Suicide Prevention Alternative Therapy Grants Awarded
- 100 Emergency Needs Grants Awarded
- Created She Matters Female Outdoor Immersion Healing Camps
- Created Warrior Within Male Outdoor Immersion Healing Camps
Contact us via our support page, email, or phone. We’re here to assist with membership, counseling, sponsorships, or media inquiries.