The VA home loan has helped countless veterans achieve homeownership—and it remains one of the most powerful benefits available today.
But in a competitive housing market, even strong programs face new challenges. A VA Loan does, at times, need some special “nurturing” to get a veteran to the finish line. Let us bring some clarity to some of the challenges of VA loans and show you how to overcome the challenges.
Jason Veenstra and The Veenstra Team with eXp regularly help veterans successful buy a home with their VA benefits.
What’s Happening at the National Level
At a March 26 hearing before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Kurt Thompson—a REALTOR® and military veteran—spoke on behalf of the National Association of REALTORS® about the current state of the VA loan program.
His message was simple:
The VA loan program is still incredibly valuable—but it needs updates to stay competitive in today’s market.
Key Challenges Identified
1. Housing Supply Is Tight
NAR estimates the U.S. is short nearly 5 million homes, with the biggest shortage in entry-level price ranges.
That’s exactly where many VA buyers are competing.
2. Property Condition Standards Can Create Friction
VA appraisals require stricter property condition standards than many conventional loans.
That can:
Trigger additional repairs
Delay closings
Make sellers hesitant in multiple-offer situations
3. Appraisal Timelines Can Be Slower
In fast-moving markets, delays of even a few weeks can:
Cause deals to fall apart
Lead to expired rate locks
Force buyers to start over
4. Loan Assumptions Are Underutilized
VA loans are assumable—which is a huge advantage in a higher-rate environment.
But in practice:
Timelines are long
Costs and logistics are challenging
Veterans can lose eligibility when a non-veteran assumes their loan
According to NAR leadership, modernizing these areas could significantly improve outcomes for veteran buyers.
Why This Still Matters: The Strength of VA Loans
Even with these challenges, the VA loan remains one of the most powerful benefits available to veterans.
As Thompson shared in his testimony:
“When it works well, it is a powerful path to achieve the American dream of homeownership and the kind of wealth building that can last generations.”
Key advantages still include:
No down payment (in many cases)
Competitive interest rates
No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Flexible credit guidelines
Watch the House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs for yourself …..
So….what does it mean that NAR is working to change the VA Benefits? Do we have to wait to use our VA Benefit?
Is Nar working to change VA loan benefit because the VA benefit will not work for Veterans anymore. Absolutely not. The VA loan benefit is still in place and it is still a great opportunity.
You Don’t Have to Wait to Use Your VA Benefit
We fully support updating the VA loan program and the advocacy work being done by the National Association of REALTORS®.
But here’s what matters most for veterans today:
👉 You do not need to wait for those changes to take advantage of your VA loan benefit.
The program works today.
Veterans are buying homes today.
And with the right strategy, you can succeed in this market right now.
What it does require:
Clear communication
Strong upfront preparation
Intentional offer positioning
A proactive REALTOR® and lender team and Jason Veenstra with the Veenstra Team of eXp and Jeremy Drobeck of Treadstone Mortgage are a power team that can guide you to a new home using your VA loan benefit.
A Reality Veterans Face (and How to Overcome It)
There’s something else that doesn’t get talked about enough…
Sometimes sellers—and even some agents—don’t fully understand VA loans and may not believe they are “worth considering” in a competitive situation.
That’s not because VA loans are weak.
It’s because they are often misunderstood.
Concerns typically include:
Appraisal and condition requirements
Timeline assumptions
Uncertainty about how strong the buyer really is
But here’s what we see in real transactions:
👉 A well-prepared VA buyer, represented well, can compete with—and win against—other financing types.
The difference is in how the offer is positioned, presented, and negotiated.
What This Means for Veterans in Southwest Michigan
Here’s the reality we see every day:
VA buyers can absolutely win in this market—but strategy matters.
This is where having the right team makes all the difference.
At the Veenstra Team, we’ve worked with many veterans and understand:
How to position a VA offer competitively
How to anticipate appraisal and condition concerns early
How to communicate clearly with listing agents to build confidence
How to guide you through timelines so there are no surprises
We also know that strong representation goes beyond the contract.
It includes having a lender who can clearly communicate the strength of the borrower and the structure of the loan.
That’s why we work closely with Jeremy Drobeck:
Marine veteran
Deep expertise in VA lending
Clear, proactive communication
Strong ability to present and support VA buyers
Together:
👉 We make sure your offer is not just submitted—but understood, respected, and seriously considered.
Our Commitment: Clarity Before Action
We believe veterans deserve:
Clear information
Strong advocacy
A strategy that works in today’s market
Clarity before action—and a plan that puts you in a strong position from the start.
Let’s Start with a Simple Conversation
No pressure. Just clarity.
📞 Call or Text: 269-350-5514
📧 Email: sold@veenstrateam.com
👉 Let the Veenstra Team help you search for homes that qualify for VA home loans in SW MI.
Connect with the Veenstra Team to start the process to purchase a home using the VA loan benefit.
Source Attribution
This article includes insights and direct testimony shared through the National Association of REALTORS®, including statements from Kurt Thompson regarding the VA home loan program and proposed improvements.
