NAR Advocacy • Veterans & Homeownership

Advocacy That Empowers Veterans in the Housing Market

Congress passed — and the President signed — the VA Home Loan Reform Act (H.R. 1815), a bipartisan win backed by NAR. The law permits veterans to directly compensate their real estate professional, adds a partial-claim program to help borrowers behind on payments, and supports programs serving veterans experiencing homelessness.

What changed? Veterans can directly compensate their buyer’s agent when needed.
Why it matters: Creates a level playing field in competitive markets.
Added support: Partial-claim relief + homelessness services funding.

Equal Footing for VA Buyers

Veterans can directly compensate their buyer’s agent, ensuring professional guidance even when sellers don’t offer buyer-broker compensation.

Partial-Claim Safety Net

New partial-claim authority offers federal assistance options for VA borrowers who fall behind, helping prevent foreclosure and stabilize households.

Support for Homelessness Programs

Funds community programs serving veterans experiencing homelessness—improving access to services and pathways to stable housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can veterans still ask sellers to cover buyer-broker compensation?

Yes. Veterans may negotiate with sellers to cover buyer-broker compensation at closing, or pay directly under the new law.

Does this replace the VA’s 2024 temporary policy?

Yes. The 2024 temporary policy allowed direct compensation; H.R. 1815 makes this permanent, so VA buyers aren’t disadvantaged if seller-paid compensation isn’t offered.

How does the partial-claim program help?

It offers eligible VA borrowers behind on payments a mechanism for federal assistance to bring loans current, aiming to prevent avoidable loss of home.

Where can veterans learn more about using a VA loan?
  • NAR consumer guide: “What Veterans Need To Know About Buying a Home.”
  • Speak with a lender experienced in VA loans and a REALTOR® trained to work with veterans.

Veteran & Agent Resources

INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED

Source: NAR — “Advocacy Empowers Veterans in the Housing Market” (2025)