How Accessible Housing Supports Veterans, Families, and Future Homeowners

Accessibility has come a long way in the real estate industry. Whether it’s ASL accommodations during the closing process or home loans that can finance mobility renovations, we’re committed to providing a smooth home buying experience, no matter what. We’re also highlighting our VA Loan options during the Memorial Week, honoring our Veteran home buyers while helping provide accessible homeownership to hard-working families.

Accessibility Opportunities for Veterans & Military Families

We offer the VA Renovation Loan, which can be used for accessibility improvements for VA buyers with disabilities. With it, borrowers can pair both the purchase and renovations together, making necessary accessibility updates before moving in. They can also make these updates to their current primary residence.

VA Renovation Highlights

• Owner-occupied purchase & refinance transactions eligible
• LTV up to 100%
• Various loan term options available
• All repairs must be completed within 90 days of closing
• Can include the costs of home purchase and renovations into one loan
• Upgrades can be remodeling and non-structural repairs

Eligible Borrowers

• Veterans
• Active-duty military
• Reservists
• National Guard

In addition to our VA Renovation Loan, we’ve raised thousands for the Gary Sinise Foundation through various charity events. The Gary Sinise Foundation is dedicated to honoring and supporting our nation's defenders, Veterans, first responders, and their families. Through a variety of programs, they provide assistance that strengthens communities, offers critical resources, and uplifts those who serve. Their impact extends beyond financial support, bringing resilience, unity, and appreciation for those who protect and serve.

“For every man or woman who has ever worn a uniform and put in the effort defending our country, you make me proud to be an American. For all of you who have put in the effort to help honor our company and me tonight, you make me proud to be in the mortgage lending industry. Thank you.”

• Chris George, President & CEO CMG Foundation/CMG Financial

Expanding Access for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community

For many years, deaf buyers have been an underserved part of the real estate community, mainly due to lack of ASL accommodations and advocacy. NAR REALTOR® News interviewed Roland Scanlan, a third-generation deaf homeowner, and he described varying experiences between each of the four times he purchased a home. Interpreter accommodations were not made for Scanlan the first two times, and as he uses hearing aids, he was forced to interpret himself, passing communications between the agents and his wife, who is profoundly deaf. One of his later buying experiences was with a deaf real estate agent, which flipped the switch entirely. The whole process was as smooth as it could be for Scanlan and his wife as they could finally communicate complex financial questions through sign language.

There is still a big growth opportunity for lenders, agents, and brokers. For buyers who require accommodations, you’ll want to pick a team of rockstars who will advocate for you and bridge service gaps with third parties with confidence.

Here are three ways we can promise to lead you as your lender:

1. Establish interpreter partnerships.
2. Educate loan officers.
3. Normalize the conversation.

Independence Through Accessibility

Despite these positive changes in the real estate community, there’s a long way to go before the accessibility needs of home buyers can be fully met. What we can promise is clear communication while advocating for proper accommodations throughout your homeownership journey, whether that’s providing ASL interpreters for your closing or researching tailored loan programs fit to your needs. We won’t rest until home buyers from all walks of life can achieve homeownership with the care they deserve.

Source: NAR, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, Realtor.com, NAR, CMGFoundation