Brought to You By VAREP
Veteran Homeownership Success
Building Long-Term Wealth Through Homeownership
Presented By: VAREP East Bay Chapter
Meet Your VAREP East Bay Leadership Team
Serving Veterans Through Education and Advocacy
Pat Onquit
President
Darren Pomponio
Vice President
Christina Tovera
Secretary
Luis Renteria
Education Director
Today's Roadmap
A 30-minute journey — 20 minutes of education, 10 minutes of live Q&A. Every stop builds toward your homeownership success.
Homeownership Is More Than Buying a House
Think Long-Term
Stability
Equity
Wealth
Generational Opportunity
Financial Readiness
Are You Ready To Buy?
✓ Stable Income
Consistent employment or military pay
✓ Consistent Savings Habits
Regular contributions to savings
✓ Emergency Reserves
3–6 months of expenses set aside
✓ Manageable Debt
Debt-to-income ratio in check
✓ Realistic Budget
Know what you can truly afford
Credit Improvement Strategies
Small Changes Create Big Results
Payment History Matters Most
35% of your score — never miss a due date
Lower Credit Card Balances
Keep utilization below 30%
Avoid Unnecessary Inquiries
Hard pulls can temporarily lower your score
Review Credit Reports Regularly
Free at AnnualCreditReport.com
Correct Reporting Errors
Dispute inaccuracies with the bureaus
Avoiding Homeownership Scams
Protect Yourself and Your Family
Fake Mortgage Relief
Too-good-to-be-true programs targeting distressed homeowners
Equity Stripping
Predatory loans that drain your home's value
Fraudulent Contractors
Unlicensed work, upfront cash demands, no permits
Wire Fraud
Fake wiring instructions intercepting closing funds
Unsolicited Refinancing
Aggressive offers designed to strip equity or inflate fees
Property Tax Exemptions
Benefits Many Veterans Miss
Disabled Veteran Exemptions
Significant reductions based on disability rating — up to 100% in some states
State-Specific Benefits
California & Texas offer among the highest exemption values in the nation
Homestead Exemptions
Reduce assessed value on your primary residence
Potential Annual Savings
Hundreds to thousands of dollars back in your pocket every year
Veteran Resources Available Today
You're Not Alone
VA Home Loan Program
Zero down payment, no PMI, competitive rates
VAREP
Education, advocacy, and housing resources for veterans
HUD Counseling Agencies
Free or low-cost housing counseling nationwide
Financial Literacy Programs
Budgeting, credit, and savings workshops
Veteran Service Organizations
VFW, American Legion, DAV, and more
Local Community Resources
County programs, nonprofits, and housing authorities
Creating Your Homeownership Game Plan
Your Roadmap To Success
1. Check Eligibility
Confirm VA loan entitlement and service requirements
2. Review Finances
Income, savings, debts, and monthly obligations
3. Improve Credit If Needed
Target 620+ for VA loans; higher is better
4. Build a Budget
Know your true monthly housing cost ceiling
5. Obtain Preapproval
Work with a VA-experienced lender
6. Purchase Wisely
Location, condition, and long-term value matter
7. Protect and Maintain
Insurance, upkeep, and equity protection
Real Veteran Success
From Renter to Homeowner
Real veterans — just like you — have walked this path. Preparation, persistence, and the right resources made all the difference.
Key Takeaways
What Matters Most
Long-Term Strategy
Homeownership is a wealth-building journey, not a transaction
Preparation Creates Opportunity
Financial readiness opens doors that stay closed for the unprepared
Protect Yourself
Know the scams — your equity and family are worth defending
Understand Your Benefits
VA loans and tax exemptions are earned — use them
Build a Plan and Take Action
Every step forward brings you closer to the home you deserve
Live Q&A
Ask Your Questions — We're Here To Help
Pat Onquit
President
Darren Pomponio
Vice President
Christina Tovera
Secretary
Luis Renteria
Education Director
Helping Veterans Achieve Sustainable Homeownership Through Education, Advocacy, and Community.
Join Us Next Tuesday For Veteran Housing Tuesday
Brought to You By VAREP