Roger That Newsletter - August 2023

A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATION

DIRECTOR

PAGE 9

WINGS OF VALOR

PAGE 22

HOUSING COUNSELING CORNER

PAGE 16

VAREP FACES IN THE CROWD PAGE 37

AUG 2023

OCT. 15 - 17, 2023

HYATT REGENCY ORLANDO ORLANDO, FLORIDA

A Letter From Our President

Dear VAREP Members,

I present you “RT – ROGER THAT – AUG 2023” E-Zine Newsletter. This is the best way for VAREP National to communicate happenings within our organization to our members. VAREP experienced tremendous growth in 2023, and each of you should stand tall and proud, knowing your passion has empowered so many veterans to realize the American dream of homeownership. VAREP has been recognized by key leaders in the real estate, financial, and government sectors, as the voice of, and authority on, veterans’ financial literacy and homeownership.

VAREP ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM 2014 - 2023

53 homes donated mortgage-free to deserving heroes across America

1,500 military and veteran families realized the American dream of homeownership through our programs and services

• 20,000 real estate and lending professionals were trained as a result of the 80 live events and online membership training

• 5,000 military and veteran families educated about homeownership, financial literacy, and the VA loan program through the live Veteran Housing Summit events hosted by VAREP local chapters across the country

2,000+ military and veteran families were provided food, utility payments, rent back payments, basic supplies, clothing, and blankets during the holiday season. This was made possible through our VAREPCares program implemented by the VAREP local chapters

$70,000 of housing assistance grants for down-payment, closing costs, and adaptive needs This was in partnership with the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA)

HOW TO EXPLAIN WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

I frequently receive phone calls from our membership on how to explain VAREP as an organization. Depending on your audience, you may want to adapt the points listed below to introduce VAREP.

VAREP is a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization that was founded to directly educate the 1.4+ million active military and 22+ million veterans on sustainable homeownership, financial literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity

VAREP is the only organization that educates military and veteran families on the importance of financial health on the road to homeownership

VAREP is the only organization that educates the real estate practitioner on the important housing policy and lending initiatives that affect the military and veteran communities

VAREP COMPARISON TO OTHER VETERAN NONPROFITS

The comparison chart to the right shows that we fill a much needed gap in financial literacy and housing components that other veteran service organizations simply do not offer. In other words, we complement them and do not compete with them.

Our organization has only scratched the surface of creating awareness and having people rethink how to better serve underserved military and veteran housing needs. To a great 2023...Cheers!

EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER

USA Homeownership Foundation, Inc.

DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals

EDITOR

Tracee Wann

CREATIVE

CHIEF OF STAFF

Jesus Lopez

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nick Preston

SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER

Francisco Labias

WEB DEVELOPER

David Santana

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Summer Pilon

CONTACT VAREP

HEADQUARTERS

951·444·7363 info@VAREP.net

495 E. Rincon St., Suite 110 Corona, CA 92879

www.VAREP.net

ABOUT SON

Son Nguyen is the Founder and President of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP). Mr. Nguyen removes barriers to homeownership by creating, implementing, and overseeing the programs within VAREP. Mr. Nguyen works with government agencies and policy makers to reform veteran housing policies.

He is frequently called upon as a subject matter expert by government agencies, the real estate industry, the lending industry, and real estate trade organizations, to consult on a variety of veteran housing issues.

Mr. Nguyen has more than 19 years’ experience in real estate, public speaking, supplier diversity, curriculum development, and non-profit management. His record demonstrates innovation and leadership at the highest level.

Mr. Nguyen established VAREP as a housing non-profit for vets, by vets, driven by his proactive stance of providing financial literacy education, and homeownership advocacy. His goal is to greatly impact homelessness among the veteran community, by reducing the current epidemic, and preventing future occurrences, one veteran at a time.

Mr. Nguyen entered the Navy in 1996 and served as a Radioman on the USS Vincennes (GC-49) and USS Constellation (CV-64). A proud service-connected disabled veteran, Mr. Nguyen holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from of the University of Florida and a master’s in organizational management.

Son Nguyen VAREP Founder and President

NOTE: The non-profit comparison chart does not list the national minority real estate trade organizations including AREAA, NAHREP, and NAREB because we are not structurally set up as a trade organization. We have our members whom we educate to better serve the military housing needs, but ultimately we are all here to serve the military and veteran communities.

SAVETHEDATE!

OCTOBER 15TH - 17TH, 2023

The VAREP National Convention will educate, develop, and empower current and future leaders within the VAREP organization. VAREP leaders and members will be equipped with the necessary tools to serve the military and veteran housing needs. Attendees will participate in sessions to exchange chapter best practices, and explore new ones together.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

REGISTRATION

VAREP.NET/CONVENTION

VAREP CURRENTLY HAS 29 CHAPTERS LOCATED IN 16 STATES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES ACTIVE CHAPTERS

Alaska

VAREP South Central Alaska - Founded on June 23, 2020

Arizona

VAREP Phoenix Chapter - Founded on September 3, 2013

VAREP Prescott Chapter - Founded on June 27, 2019

VAREP Tucson Chapter - Founded on January 28, 2015

California

VAREP East Bay Area Chapter - Founded on August 24, 2017

VAREP Fresno Chapter - Founded on January 30, 2019

VAREP Orange County Chapter - Founded on March 11, 2013

VAREP Sacramento Chapter - Founded on June 4, 2013

VAREP San Bernardino Chapter - Founded on August 14, 2014

VAREP San Diego Chapter - Founded on July 29, 2013

Colorado

VAREP Denver Chapter - Founded on August 14, 2014

Florida

VAREP Central Florida Chapter - Founded on April 14, 2015

VAREP Miami Chapter - Founded on July 13, 2015

Georgia

VAREP Atlanta Chapter - Founded on January 22, 2019

Hawaii

VAREP Honolulu Chapter - Founded on April 04, 2014

Idaho

VAREP Treasure Valley Chapter - Founded on May 17, 2018

Illinois

VAREP Chicago Chapter - Founded on June 21, 2016

Kentucky

VAREP Louisville Chapter - Founded on June 14, 2018

VAREP Northern Kentucky Chapter - Founded on June 13, 2022

Missouri

VAREP St. Louis Chapter - Founded on March 10, 2017

Nevada

VAREP Las Vegas Chapter - Founded on August 30, 2013

VAREP Northern Nevada Chapter - Founded on March 4, 2015

Oregon

VAREP Central Oregon Chapter - Founded on February 12, 2019

Texas

VAREP DFW Chapter - Founded on December, 2015

VAREP Houston Chapter - Founded on March 30, 2015

VAREP San Antonio Chapter - Founded on December 10, 2013

Virginia

VAREP Hampton Roads Chapter - Founded on September 5, 2018

VAREP Northern Virginia Chapter - Founded on May 30, 2018

Washington

VAREP Tacoma South Sound Chapter - Founded on December 15, 2014

SAVETHEDATE

The conference is filled with educational sessions and town halls to educate attendees on important housing policy, lending initiatives, and economic development affecting the military and veteran communities. VAREP members have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress to advocate VAREP’s policy positions on issues that affect military and veteran homeownership.

REGISTRATION

COMING SOON

A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR

Ernie Gonzales

Overcoming Barriers to Veterans' Homeownership: Strategies and Impact of VAREP

As members of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), you play a crucial role in supporting and advocating for veterans in the real estate industry. Your commitment to our mission of increasing sustainable homeownership, financial literacy education, and economic opportunity for active military, reservists, veterans, and their families is what makes our organization so impactful.

As we continue our work, it is important to remember the many challenges facing veterans in the real estate industry. Many veterans face financial difficulties when transitioning from military to civilian life and struggle to find affordable housing. Additionally, many veterans lack the financial education needed to make informed decisions about homeownership and personal finance. Finally, many veterans struggle to find employment in the real estate industry.

As members of VAREP, there are many ways you can help address these challenges:

1. Advocate for policies that help veterans access affordable housing. This includes advocating for subsidies and assistance programs that can help veterans overcome financial barriers to homeownership. Reach out to your local chapter Government Affairs Director to be a part of the local committee.

2. Educate yourself about financial literacy and share your knowledge with others. The more we can help veterans understand personal finance, the better equipped they will be to make informed decisions about homeownership and financial planning. Your local Education Director can always use your help.

3. Promote economic opportunities for veterans in the real estate industry. This includes supporting veteran-owned businesses, promoting veteran hiring initiatives, and creating networking opportunities that allow veterans to connect with industry professionals. The Community Outreach Director meets with and networks with community veteran-owned businesses and organizations

to see where VAREP can help make a local homegrown impact in the veteran community.

As a member of VAREP, you have access to a range of resources and support services that can help you make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families. These resources include access to financial literacy education, networking opportunities, and advocacy training. Please reach out to your local VAREP chapter directors for assistance.

Remember, our work is ongoing. Although we have made significant progress in supporting veterans in the real estate industry, there is still much work to be done. By working together and leveraging our collective skills and knowledge, we can continue to create economic opportunities and increase sustainable homeownership for veterans and their families.

Ernie Gonzales, Association Director

We would like to thank everyone who has helped spread the word about the VETCares mission, volunteered their time to help bring in donations, and to those who have donated! It is great to see how much we have accomplished in just over a year! However, in the non-profit space, fundraising is neverending, and our focus is on how far we have yet to go, to serve the military service members and veterans in need.

veterans year after year. With the first few car donations under our belt, we are proud to say our system is “easy as 1 2 3”. . . Call to Donate . . . Towed . . . Sold! And just like that your donation turns into a gift to help a veteran. Thank you!

DONATE A VEHICLE

TODAY! EASY AS 1, 2, 3 ...

We need your continued support to help grow our programs so we may continue to serve more

Don’t have a car currently to donate? You may be asking yourself how you can help? You can serve veterans by sharing the Vehicle Donation Program information/links with your family, business, church, and/or social connections through day-to-day conversation, emails and/or texting the information below with everyone you know.

1. CALL 855-600-8387 or submit the online form @ https://vetcares.careasy. org/home

2. TOW – They will schedule a vehicle pick-

up, at no cost to you.

3. SOLD - Receive a donation receipt for tax benefit at the time of the pick-up.

We accept all types of vehicles!

Please see QR Code to share and donate.

NEWS FLASH! We are excited to announce that along with our Vehicle Donation Program, VETCares is now accepting property donations!

As of August, VETCares will launch the VETCares Property Donation

program and will be accepting all types of real estate donations including but not limited to: estates, land, houses, vacation cottages, farms, rental property buildings, commercial real estate, and more.

You may have inherited a house from a loved one that you have no use for, so you want to honor their memory by donating it. Or you purchased a piece of land with the intention of building on it, but never had the time. So, each year you pay taxes for something you do not use. Perhaps you invested in property, and over the years it accrued a lot of value. In some cases, the capital gains taxes you would need to pay if you sold the property, makes donation a smarter decision for the large tax deduction.

Like our Vehicle Donation Program, the process is streamlined, and our professionals will walk you through every step of the way, from start to

sale! First step includes submitting the property information; Step 2 is an evaluation period; Step 3 is the sale of the property and, finally; Step 4 is closing!

Please look for additional links and information on the VETCares website to appear in August. If someone you know would like to donate prior to the August website reveal, please reach out to Carla Lemon @ (951) 4447361 or send an email to clemon@vetcares. org. We are ready to start processing and will get the donation started immediately.

VETCares Grant Programs 2023

VETCares Grant Applications opened on April 1, 2023. We are pleased to have served veterans through numerous grants, due to your generous donations to VETCares.

Our program focus areas include suicide prevention education, alternative therapies gap grants, home buyer closing cost grants, emergency financial assistance, Trauma (Military Sexual Trauma & domestic violence) Thriver Grants, and outdoor healing adventures for those rediscovering purpose and seeking tranquility.

You may already be familiar with our current grant programs:

3. Calloway Closing Cost Grant (CCCG) – Home Buyer Housing Assistance

trauma are able to access the support they need to heal and recover.

Two TTG categories:

1. Miliary & Veteran Emergency Grant (MVEG) – Critical Help for Critical Times

4. CampCares Healing Grant (CCHG) – Outdoor Peer-to-Peer Healing Retreats

We have barely touched our veterans’ needs this year and would like to help them more with new grant opportunities. We have been working on two new Trauma Thriver Grants that will be rolled out in 2024.

• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a serious issue that affects many service members and veterans; it is important that we do all we are able, to provide support and assistance to those who have experienced it. We must continue to advocate on behalf of those affected by military sexual trauma by providing grants that enable them to access the care and resources they need to heal and move forward with their lives.

2. Stop Drop & Push Campaign Grant (SDPG) –Mental Wellness Through Alternative Therapy

VETCares’ Trauma Thriver Grants offer support to victims of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and Domestic Violence. These grants can help provide the necessary resources to ensure that victims of

• Domestic Violence within the military and veteran communities is high (according to studies and statistics). We must take action to ensure victims are safe and supported. Our grants can help individuals access services, such as counseling and legal assistance, to help them

reclaim their lives after experiencing domestic violence and becoming victorious.

Our programs ensure that veterans have access to the resources they need to overcome economic, social, and personal challenges they face to build a better future for themselves and their families. Our goal is to achieve short-term objectives while ensuring long-term sustainability.

In Summary

To continue to assist our veterans we need your help. We rely on private foundation grants, public support donations, corporate fundraising, and many other ways of giving – but your help is the most important.

following ways:

1. Help build up donations so that we have funds for the Trauma Thriver Grants to be rolled out in 2024! Donate to VETCares on our website www.vetcares.org

2. Donate to any of our grant programs and share the fundraising campaigns. Please also share our social media posts informing others of our fundraising efforts to assist the military and veteran communities.

with unwanted real estate. Share our programs with them so they may help veterans by donating it to VETCares.

5. Donate Today!

We would not be able to help veterans without your generous donations, sharing information and supporting VETCares! At VETCares, our motto is ABF – “always be fundraising” so that we may support our military and veteran communities. . . one donation at a time. . . one veteran at a time!

3. If you have a car sitting idle in the garage, donate it to the VETCares Vehicle Donation Program. Please share our program with everyone you know and share our social media posts.

Thank you . . . you make the difference for our service members and veterans!

For us to be able to reach our goals, we are calling on you to help us in the

4. Donate property –Maybe you or someone you know who inherited, or is overseeing, an estate

HARNESSING THE INFLUENCER EFFECT: COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY

In the ever-evolving landscape of the real estate industry, professionals are constantly seeking innovative ways to stand out from the competition. With the meteoric rise of social media, one strategy that has gained traction is leveraging the “influencer effect”.

Collaborating with influential individuals on social media platforms has become a powerful tool for real estate agents to expand their reach, enhance brand visibility, and build meaningful connections with potential clients. In this article, we will explore how the influencer effect is transforming the real estate industry and why partnerships with influencers have become an essential aspect of social media marketing.

1. THE POWER OF INFLUENCER MARKETING IN REAL ESTATE:

Influencer marketing has emerged as a potent force in the digital era. By partnering with social media influencers who have a substantial following and engaged audience, real estate professionals can tap into a highly targeted market. Influencers possess the ability to authentically showcase properties, lifestyle choices, and the benefits of specific neighborhoods, all while generating trust and credibility with their followers.

2. IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT INFLUENCERS

Choosing the appropriate influencers to collaborate with is crucial. Real estate agents should consider influencers whose content aligns with their target audience. For instance, a luxury real estate agent may seek partnerships with influencers who focus on high-end lifestyles, fashion, or travel. It's important to conduct

thorough research to ensure that an influencer's values, audience demographics, and engagement rates align with the real estate agent's objectives.

3. CREATING AUTHENTIC PARTNERSHIPS

Successful influencer collaborations in the real estate industry rely on authenticity and mutual value. Agents should approach influencers with a genuine interest in their work and establish relationships based on shared goals. By co-creating content to showcase properties, highlight unique selling points, and provide valuable insights, agents can leverage an influencer's creativity and storytelling skills to create engaging and compelling narratives.

4. EXPANDING REACH AND BUILDING TRUST

Collaborating with influencers allows real estate professionals to extend their reach beyond their immediate network. By leveraging an influencer's established platform, agents can tap into a broader audience that may not have been accessible through traditional marketing efforts. Additionally, when an influencer endorses a property or a real estate agent, it lends an element of credibility and trust, as the influencer's followers perceive the recommendation as coming from a trusted source.

5. AMPLIFYING PROPERTY MARKETING

Influencers bring a unique perspective to property marketing. Through their creativity, they can transform ordinary listings into captivating visual stories that resonate with their followers. From

visually stunning property tours to lifestyle-focused content that showcases the local community, influencers have the power to make a property come alive and evoke an emotional response from potential buyers.

6. TRACKING RESULTS AND MEASURING SUCCESS

To ensure the effectiveness of influencer partnerships, it is essential to establish measurable goals and track the impact of collaborations. Real estate professionals should monitor key metrics such as engagement rates, lead generation, website traffic, and conversions. By analyzing the data, agents can identify the most successful campaigns and make informed decisions for future collaborations.

7. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND TRANSPARENCY

As influencer marketing becomes more prevalent, ethical considerations must be at the forefront of any collaboration. Real estate agents should ensure that influencers comply with legal guidelines and disclose any relationships or sponsored content as required by relevant advertising regulations. Maintaining transparency fosters trust with both the audience and regulatory bodies.

Concept from: https://sproutsocial.com/ insights/influencer-marketing

HOUSING COUNSELING CORNER

Help with Your Second Loans aka Zombie 2nd Mortgages & HELOCs

What is a Zombie Mortgage?

“Zombie” mortgages are mortgage debts that consumers thought were forgiven or satisfied long ago but still exist. A second mortgage that may have been included in a bankruptcy, or charged off by a lender that can still foreclose years later and cost you a lot of money. These second mortgages are called Zombie mortgages because the borrowers thought the loans were gone, but many are now coming back to life. A nightmare trend is that Zombie second mortgages are rising from the past to haunt unsuspecting homeowners. USA Homeownership

Foundation has had several homeowners come to us with questions about second loans, often taken out over a decade ago, and the borrower thought the loan was written off and they were no longer required to make payments.

Loan vs. Lien:

A loan is where you receive money from a person or institution and promise to pay it back. A lien is an interest in property to secure payment of a loan or performance of an obligation. When a loan is made by a lender, it records paperwork (the lien) against the property, which will be released when the loan is paid off.

Example of a Lien:

You buy a house and a lender loans you $100.000.00. You sign a note (promise to pay) with lender for $100,000.00. You sign a mortgage (lien) that lender records against the property. If you don’t repay the loan the lender may foreclose on the lien recorded against your property. You must pay off the lien in order to remove it from your property.

What is a HELOC?

A second mortgage or junior lien is a loan you take out using your house as collateral while you still have another loan secured by your house.

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are common examples of second mortgages.

HELOC Definition: A line of credit is where the lender agrees to a loan maximum amount within an agreed term. Collateral is borrower’s equity in his /her house . Usually with a second mortgage, lender typically does not advance entire sum at closing-advances. Heloc is obtained through credit cards, debit cards or checks. Interest rate is variable.

Issues with HELOC’s, lenders write off loans, and bankruptcy pitfalls

Ÿ Sometimes homeowners are unable to pay off the HELOC

Ÿ Many homeowners filed bankruptcy, had the loan discharged, and no longer pay on the second loan. Many lenders wrote off the second loan.

Ÿ Unfortunately, the lien was not always removed when the HELOC was

written off or discharged in bankruptcy.

Ÿ Lenders allowed a deduction for the writeoff but are also allowed to pursue the debt and generate revenue. Lenders can sell written off loans as non-performing debt to third-party collection agencies. Lenders typically do not release the lien when loan is written off.

Ÿ Most likely the collection agency has been monitoring your property waiting for you to list the property for sale, or can try collecting if you have equity.

Ÿ You can attempt to pay off the collection agency by offering a small amount (the collection agency likely paid just a few cents on the dollar to purchase the loan)

Ÿ Once the property is up for sale it is more difficult to negotiate with a collection agency.

Ÿ If a collection agency sees you have equity in your property, it may demand the full amount to record the release.

Secured Debt:

Any debt that is secured by an asset of the debtor (i.e., notes secured by security deeds, automobile financing loans, recorded liens, other securitized notes, etc.)

Discharge:

A permanent court order that releases the debtor from personal liability for certain specified types of debts, thereby releasing the debtor from any legal obligation to pay any discharged debts.

Ÿ Although your personal obligation on a secured debt may be wiped out in bankruptcy, the lien survives and stays attached to the property.

Ÿ Bankruptcy works well to wipe out many types of debt, however, if a lender has a lien attached to the obligation (meaning that the lender can take certain property if the borrower fails to pay), things can get tricky.

Ÿ Remember: The loan may be wiped out, but the lien remains!

Ÿ A lien or security interest is wholly unsecured if the equity in your property does not cover any of the lien amount.

Ÿ For example, if your home is worth $500,000 and your first mortgage is $550,000 and your second mortgage is $50,000, your first mortgage is greater than the equity in your home, there is no equity left over to cover your second mortgage.

Ÿ If the lender were to foreclose, the first mortgage holder would get $500,000 and the second mortgage holder would get nothing.

Ÿ If your second loan was written off or discharged in bankruptcy, but the zombie lien remains, you have a few options:

1. Pay the second mortgage in full – difficult to do.

2. Let the second mortgage foreclose – not an ideal situation.

3. Contact the party that now owns the lien and negotiate for its removal -they may agree to let you pay only a percentage of your debt’s face value if you offer a lump sum amount.

4. Work with the Housing Counselors at USA Homeownership Foundation/VAREP to negotiate a workout.

5. Sell the home, take your money, and run.

INTRODUCING THE MICROSOFT 365 COPILOT EARLY ACCESS PROGRAM AND 2023 MICROSOFT WORK TREND INDEX

Jared Spataro - CVP Modern Work & Business Applications

Microsoft 365 Copilot Early Access Program

Since March, we’ve been testing Copilot with 20 enterprise customers, learning alongside companies like Chevron, Goodyear, General Motors and Dow. Their overwhelming feedback is that Copilot has the potential to revolutionize work. They point to how it is a game changer for meetings and is beginning to transform the way they create. And, they’ve identified areas where we can do more to help people adapt to this new way of working, like the need for more conversational, multi-turn interactions. As we bring Copilot to more customers, we’ll continue to rely on this kind of feedback to refine Copilot and help guide users as they adapt to novel method of completeing daily work tasks.

And, to help every customer get AI-ready, we’ll also start rolling out Semantic Index for Copilot – a new capability in Microsoft 365 E3 and E5. Semantic Index for Copilot is a sophisticated map of your user and company data. For example, when you ask it about the “March Sales Report,” it doesn’t simply look for documents with those words in the file name or body. Instead, it understands that “sales reports are produced by Kelly on the finance team and created in Excel.” And it uses that conceptual understanding to determine your intent and help you find what you need. The Semantic Index for Copilot is critical to getting relevant, actionable responses to prompts in Microsoft 365 Copilot. And, it enhances enterprise search results for E3 and E5 customers – whether they are using Copilot or not.

2023 Work Trend Index

The platform shift to AI is well underway. Just as customers turned to Microsoft to help them make the shift to remote and flexible work, they’re now turning to us to help them understand how this new era of AI will change work yet again.

trends on LinkedIn to understand what the new era of AI means for work. The data paints a clear picture: The pace and volume of work has increased exponentially, and employees are struggling under the weight of work – putting innovation at risk. Leaders and employees alike are eager for AI to lift the burden.

“This new generation of AI will remove the drudgery of work and unleash creativity,” said Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “There’s an enormous opportunity for AIpowered tools to help alleviate digital debt, build AI aptitude, and empower employees.”

The report unearthed three key insights business leaders need to know now, as they look to responsibly adopt AI:

Digital Debt Costing Us Innovation

Today, we’re excited to announce the Microsoft 365 Copilot Early Access Program, an invitation-only, paid preview that will roll out to an initial wave of 600 customers worldwide.

Our 2023 Annual Work Trend Index surveyed 31,000 people in 31 countries and analyzed trillions of aggregated productivity signals in Microsoft 365, along with labor market

We’re all carrying digital debt: The volume of data, emails and chats has outpaced our ability to process it all. Every minute spent managing this digital debt is a minute not spent on creative work. In a world where creativity is the new productivity, digital debt is more than an inconvenience – it’s impacting business.

When 62% of employees report spending too much time searching for information, communicating and

“THIS NEW GENERATION OF AI WILL REMOVE THE DRUDGERY OF WORK AND UNLEASH CREATIVITY.”

coordinating, they have less time for deep thinking, creating and social collaboration. Nearly two in three people say they don’t have enough time and energy to do their job. And those same employees are 3.5 times more likely to struggle with innovation and strategic thinking.

There’s A New AI-Employee Alliance

One of the predominant narratives around AI is the notion employees are fearful it may ultimately put them out of a job. While 49% of our respondents had some concerns about job security, a staggering 70% would still choose to delegate as much work as possible to AI to lessen their workloads. Simply put: Employees know what’s in it for them, the promise of relief outweighs the threat. They envision using AI not just for administrative tasks, but also for analytical and creative work.

This is one place where employees and leaders agree. Our data shows managers are two times more likely to say they’re looking to empower people with AI, rather than replace them. In fact, reducing headcount was last on their list. Their top hopes for AI? Increasing productivity, automating tasks, increasing employee well-being and enabling employees to focus on impactful work.

Every Employee Needs AI Aptitude

AI will introduce an entirely new interaction model between humans and computers, and soon we won’t be able to imagine work without it. A platform shift this big will require new skilling – from prompt engineering to reimagining workflows with AI. Eighty-two percent of leaders anticipate employees will need new skills in the AI era, and we’re already seeing a 79% year-over-year increase in the number of LinkedIn job postings in the U.S. that reference “GPT” or “GAI” (generative artificial intelligence).

Employees are ready for this new aptitude — learning new skills is the No. 1 thing they’d do with more time and energy. Leaders feel the same: Learning new skills is also the No. 1 thing they wish their employees would do with more time and energy.

Introducing New Microsoft 365 Copilot Capabilities

When we introduced Copilot in March, we unveiled capabilities across the Microsoft 365 suite of apps that millions use every day to get work done. We’re not stopping there – we’re continuing to add new Copilot capabilities to bring AI to every part of the suite, enabling employees and organizations to unleash creativity, unlock productivity and uplevel skills.

Copilot in Whiteboard will make Microsoft Teams meetings and brainstorms more creative and effective. Using natural language, you can ask Copilot to generate ideas, organize ideas into themes, create designs that bring ideas to life and summarize whiteboard content.

By integrating DALL-E, OpenAI’s image generator, into PowerPoint, users will be able to ask Copilot to create custom images to support their content.

Copilot in Outlook will offer coaching tips and suggestions on clarity, sentiment and tone to help users write more effective emails and communicate more confidently.

Copilot in OneNote will use prompts to draft plans, generate ideas, create lists and organize information to help customers find what they need easily.

Copilot in Loop helps your team stay in sync by quickly summarizing all the content on your Loop page to keep everyone aligned and able to collaborate effectively.

Copilot in Viva Learning will use a natural language chat interface to help users create a personalized learning journey including designing upskilling paths, discovering relevant learning resources and scheduling time for assigned trainings.

For over a century, the U.S. Air Force has been a stalwart defender of the United States, safeguarding the nation in the air, space, and cyberspace. The legacy of the Air Force is a testament to the skill and bravery of American Airmen, whose contributions have shaped the force's role in modern warfare.

The Mission and Vision

The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win - delivering airpower anytime, anywhere. This mission has been achieved through the dedication of more than 689,000 personnel, including active duty, Guard, Reserve, and civilians. These Airmen work tirelessly to support all aspects of airpower, which includes five core functions: air superiority; global strike; rapid global mobility; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and command and control.

The Total Force

Delivering airpower for the nation requires more than just aircraft. It requires Total Force Airmen – individuals in all Air Force specialties working together as a seamless team to operate, maintain, and enable the mission. This concept of Total Force is a key aspect of the Air Force's legacy, reflecting the diverse and inclusive nature of the force.

The Legacy Continues

The legacy of the Air Force is not just about its past, but also about its future. As Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. notes, bringing the unique capabilities and effects of airpower to bear requires the continued dedication and teamwork of all Airmen. The Air Force's storied history serves as a foundation for its ongoing mission, shaping its role in modern warfare and beyond.

This article is a tribute to the legacy of the U.S. Air Force, highlighting how its origin and core values have shaped its role in modern warfare. It emphasizes the importance of the Total Force concept, the dedication of its Airmen, and the ongoing mission of the Air Force in the face of evolving threats. As we look to the future, the legacy of the Air Force continues to inspire and guide its mission, ensuring the safety and security of the United States.

Source: https://www.af.mil/ About-Us/Air-Force-History/

"The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win"

Ever found yourself daydreaming about how your comfy couch or antique table would look in a new home before you've even packed a single box? Well, you're in luck! With the magic of technology, specifically Augmented Reality (AR), you can now do just that. So, let's take a journey into the world of AR and see how it's shaking things up with property tours in the real estate business.

So, What's This AR Thing

All About? Before we get too carried away, let's take a moment to understand what AR really is. Picture this: you're looking at the world around you, but there's an extra layer of digital information - like images, sounds, or even 3D models - added to

what you see. It's like your imagination has been given a tech upgrade, guided by a computer, and it can be incredibly detailed and realistic. That, my friend, is Augmented Reality. AR and Real Estate - A Perfect Pairing Now, you might be scratching your head, thinking, "That's pretty cool, but what's it got to do with real estate?" Well, a whole lot, actually! AR is totally changing the way property tours are presented. Instead of having to walk through an empty property and imagine it filled with stylish furniture, potential buyers or renters can now explore virtually staged properties using AR. All they need to do is point their phone's camera at the space, and voila! They're on an augmented tour of the property. They can walk around and see the potential of the place, even if it's physically empty. They can even play around with wall colors or see how their favorite appliances will fit in.

The Perks of AR property tours AR property tours aren't just a fun tech trick - they offer some serious benefits for both real estate professionals and clients. For real estate agents, AR tours can be a real time-saver. Instead of staging homes, which can be costly and time-consuming, agents can offer clients a more personal and immersive way to explore and experience properties. A Peek into the future as AR technology keeps getting better, we can expect AR property tours to become even more immersive and realistic. Who knows? Future updates might even let us interact with objects in the virtual space, or 'experience' different interior design styles and layouts. The possibilities are truly mindboggling. AR is opening a whole new world in real estate, changing the way we'll conduct and experience property tours. Exciting times ahead, don't you think?

AR IS TOTALLY CHANGING THE WAY PROPERTY TOURS ARE PRESENTED.

7,891 LMI HOUSING INQUIRIES

INTERNET, TELEPHONE, & COMMUNITY EVENTS

3,041 LMI FAMILIES

RECEIVED PRE-PURCHASE, CREDIT, & HOUSING COUNSELING

971 VETERAN FAMILIES

SUCCESSFULLY PLACED IN HOMES THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS

501 VETERANS

WERE REFERRED TO HUD VASH PROGRAM

1,121 VETERANS

ENGAGED IN CREDIT COUNSELING TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL READINESS

5,710 VETERANS & SERVICEMEMBERS

EDUCATED ON VA HOME LOAN BENEFITS, IMPORTANCE OF GOOD CREDIT, & THE HOME BUYING PROCESS THROUGH COUNSELING & OUTREACH EVENTS

“To maintain the momentum from the Policy Conference, I have appointed G-II Varrato, Lynn Jabs, Mary Corcoran, Christin Griffin, Julio Velezon and Bob Voss to form VAREP’s National Legislative Committee (NLC). The NLC’s task is to do the background and heavy-lifting work necessary to move our mission and the bill forward.”

- Son Nguyen, VAREP Founder & President

G-II VARRATO NLC Chairman U.S. Air Force

CHRISTIN GRIFFIN NLC Member Patriot

MARY CORCORAN NLC Member Patriot

JULIO VELEZON NLC Member U.S. Air Force

LYNN JABS NLC Member Patriot

BOB VOSS NLC Member U.S. Army

WE’RE ON A ROLL IN 2023 IN THE 118TH CONGRESS. VAREP AS A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED VSO BEING PASSED INTO LAW IS WITHIN REACH. THE VALID ACT 2023 BEING PASSED INTO LAW IS WITHIN OUR REACH.

The National Legislative Committee (NLC) put together the most impressive Policy Conference in VAREP history. On June 26th and 27th, a team of 42 Government Affairs Directors (GADs) completed over 358 appointments with members of both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate.

Our mission was to make personal contact with key members of Congress whom VAREP believes would be advocates of our legislative agenda for the 118th Congress. That mission was a resounding success.

VAREP AS A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED VSO

The VAREP VSO Bill (HR 3240) – Progress Report The actual Bill title is: H.R.3240 - To amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals.

The National Legislative Committee Team of POC’s successfully worked with Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) and Rep Michelle Steel (R-CA) to introduce the VAREP VSO Bill HR 3240 to the House of Representatives on May 11th, 2023. We also have a third introducing representative, Rep. David Trone (D-MD).

Lynn Jabs was very engaged with Rep. Susie Lee’s office fellow, Sara Harper, as they worked through the maze of politics to gain the cooperation of Rep.

Michelle Steel’s office to agree to sign on to the bill as a co-introducing member of the House.

It is important that I give enormous recognition to Glenn Perez, Orange County Chapter, who ushered in the cooperation with Rep. Steel. When Lynn and I met with Rep. Steel during our February trip, Rep. Steel told us that she listens to the guidance she receives from Glenn during her veteran council meetings. In fact, Rep. Steel said, “If Glenn tells me a bill is a good bill for veterans, I’m going to endorse and/or co-sponsor that piece of legislation. I trust Glenn that much.”

The bill has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee. In the House, the NLC

mission is to get the bill moved to mark-up and then through to a vote in the Judiciary Committee. Once we have that accomplished, we’ll press the same agenda in the Senate.

During our DC Policy Conference we successfully gained cooperation from Senator Ben Cardin to lead and write the Senate Companion to the VSO Bill. Senator Cardin’s office expects to have the Senate Companion Bill introduced with a bipartisan contingent of Senators within the month of August 2023.

VA Loan Informed

Disclosure act of 2023 also referred to as the VALID Act of 2023.

INFORMED CONSUMER CONSENT DISCLOSURE.

H.R.4335 - TO AMEND THE NATIONAL HOUSING ACT TO INCLUDE INFORMATION REGARDING VA HOME LOANS IN THE INFORMED CONSUMER CHOICE DISCLOSURE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED TO PROSPECTIVE FHA BORROWERS.

On June 23rd, 2023, the VALID Act 2023 was re-introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Derik Kilmer, Bergman, Hageman and Pettersen. This was a bipartisan introduction with two Ds and two Rs.

This means that VAREP now has two bills on the floor of the House of Representatives. The VALID Act 2023, of course, adds a third column of disclosure for loan applicants who are eligible for a VA Home Loan. Current law only provides two columns of disclosure differences, one for an FHA loan and the other for a conventional loan.

And… again, while we were in DC for the Policy Conference, when we met with Senator Ben Cardin’s staff, they also committed to being the lead Senator to introduce the VALID Act 2023 in the Senate. The Senate Companion bill will also have a contingent of bipartisan co-leads.

GETTING LEGISLATION PASSED TAKES A VILLAGE

Over the past many weeks, the NLC GAD teams and Presidents of Chapters have held ZOOM training meetings to inspire and educate the NLC team about the two primary pieces of legislation we’re advocating for in the 118th Congress.

The NLC GAD team did a tremendous job while on Capitol Hill. With just under 90 boots on the ground the NLC GAD team connected with nearly 400 of the 535 members of Congress, in efforts to promote and garner co-sponsors to our two pieces of legislation.

By the beginning of August 2023, VAREP will have four bills in Congress, two in the House of Representatives and two in the U.S. Senate.

STAY TUNED AND WE’LL BE BACK WITH MORE THE NEXT TIME

Stay Safe! Stay Healthy! And… #IAmVAREP

G-II Varrato II

VAREP National Legislative Committee Chair

Our Housing Counseling

USA Homeownership Foundation’s Housing Counseling Program is a no cost service open to service members and veterans throughout the United States. Our Housing Counseling Department is based out of VAREP’s National headquarters in Corona, but open to any Veteran, service member or patriot living in the United States. Our Housing Counseling Program currently offers pre-purchase, home buyer counseling, financial capability, credit and budget counseling, foreclosure prevention, and post purchase counseling.

If Veterans or service members need help accessing their VA Loan Benefits or Certificate of Eligibility, Thomas Griffin, our HUD certified Housing Counselor and U.S. Marine veteran can assist them. We’ve successfully assisted over 500 clients this year alone with credit improvement, budgeting, homeownership, and foreclosure prevention. Have a client whose credit needs work before buying a home? Send them over to our Housing Counseling Department.

Captivating Real Estate Videography: Unlocking the Power of Visual Storytelling

HUMANS ARE NATURALLY DRAWN TO STORIES"

In the dynamic world of real estate, where first impressions matter, capturing the attention of potential buyers is crucial. In recent years, real estate videography has emerged as a powerful tool that enables real estate agents and property owners to showcase properties in a visually compelling and immersive manner. With the rise of online listings and virtual property tours, real estate videography has become an indispensable asset, revolutionizing the way properties are marketed and creating unforgettable experiences for buyers.

1. Creating Immersive Experiences:

Real estate videography allows prospective buyers to experience a property from the comfort of their own homes. Through carefully crafted videos, viewers can explore each room, navigate through the layout, and gain a genuine sense of space and ambiance. By incorporating cinematic techniques such as smooth panning, aerial shots, and creative editing, videographers can capture the essence of a property and evoke emotions that static images alone cannot achieve.

2. Highlighting Unique Selling Points:

Every property possesses unique features and qualities that set it apart from the competition. Real estate videography provides an opportunity to showcase these selling points in an engaging and memorable way. Whether it's a breathtaking view, an exquisite kitchen, or a luxurious outdoor space, videography allows these features to shine, leaving a lasting impression on potential buyers.

3. Storytelling and Emotional Connection:

Humans are naturally drawn to stories, and real estate videography harnesses this innate attraction. By incorporating narrative elements and carefully selected music, videographers can create a compelling story around a property, allowing viewers to imagine themselves living within its walls. Skillful cinematography can evoke a stronger emotional connection between the viewer and the property.

4. Amplifying Online Presence:

In today's digital age, online presence is paramount. Real estate videography helps agents and property owners cut through the noise and capture the attention of potential buyers in a crowded marketplace. Engaging videos attract higher click-through rates, increase social media engagement, and generate more leads. By leveraging the power of real estate videography,

professionals can maximize their online visibility and differentiate themselves from competitors.

5. Building Trust and Credibility :

Real estate transactions involve substantial investments and require a high level of trust. Real estate videography adds an element of transparency and authenticity to the buying process, as potential buyers can see the property from multiple angles and perspectives. This transparency builds trust and credibility, fostering a sense of confidence in prospective buyers, and increasing the likelihood of them taking the next step in the purchasing journey.

Real estate videography has become an indispensable tool in the competitive real estate market. Through immersive experiences, storytelling, and amplified online presence, videography captures the attention of potential buyers and leaves a lasting impression. By harnessing the power of visual storytelling, real estate professionals can effectively showcase properties, build trust, and ultimately close more deals. In a world where first impressions matter, real estate videography is transforming the way properties are marketed and experienced.

The Purpose of the National Education Committee (NEC) is to assist with empowering and preparing all communities for sustainable homeownership through the advancement of knowledge and financial literacy.

JAIMIE GARRETT NEC Chair Patriot

MICHELLE CRUMLEY NEC Member Patriot

DIANA MOLENAAR NEC Member Patriot

STEPHEN DEMUTH NEC Member Patriot

JOHN MILLER NEC Member U.S. Air Force

SEAN SELTERS NEC Member U.S. Army

NEC UPDATE

The MVHC updates were completed earlier this year and many classes have been held with more scheduled. Plans for creating short videos on a variety of MVHC topics are in the works. These videos will be added to the toolbox to help MVHC instructors have a better comprehensive understanding of the material.

On May 19-20, the NEC held the first Homeownership Education Literacy Program, H.E.L.P. class at NOVA in Florida. This course is a VAREP National course and taught by HUD certified instructors. The NEC will begin working with local chapters to make connections with their VA hospitals and colleges for outreach to expand this program. Every member of the NEC will be working with Chapter Presidents and Education Directors to roll out new lunch and learn topics and education ideas for future events.

Mark your calendars for the National Convention Oct. 15-17 in Orlando, you won’t want to miss this event.

The line-up of new classes including SCRA and Fair Housing, along with the national required MVHC course and Becoming the Teacher will be held Sunday, Oct. 15th. In addition, there will be several break-out sessions and amazing speakers that will invigorate you to bring your knowledge and passion back to teach and share within your local community.

The number of lunch and learns and MVHC classes being held across the country continues to grow. On behalf of the NEC, thank you all for the time, dedication, and education you are providing to further the mission. You are making a difference to empower . . . One Veteran at a Time! Please reach out if you have any questions, we are all here to help you continue your growth.

Jaimie Garrett, National Education Committee, Chair HUD Certified Educator, Patriot 253-224-8906

PROMOTING VETERAN STABILITY TO PREVENT VETERAN SUICIDE

WHO WE ARE

The Stop, Drop and Push Campaign (SDPC) is part of the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals’ (VAREP) philanthropic platform of giving back (VAREP is a 501c.3 non-profit focused on housing for veterans). Although our focus may be on veteran housing, we cannot stand idle while our brothers and sisters are part of the 22 veteran suicide statistic.

HISTORY OF THE NUMBER 22

In 2012 the Department of Veterans Affairs released a 59-page report outlining veteran suicide. The report states the number of veterans who die from suicide each day has remained relatively stable over the past 12 years (ranging from 18 -22 per day).

STOP, DROP & PUSH MISSION

To lower the 22 veteran lives lost each day due to suicide by educating the public about veteran reintegration issues, connecting alternative veteran therapy providers to those who need treatment, and provide the necessary funding to ensure treatment is possible so our heroes will rediscover purpose and lead productive lives.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY

Research has determined that in addition to medication and traditional therapy, a holistic approach including alternative therapies such as existential/transpersonal, animal-assisted psychotherapy and play therapy, (examples include martial arts, fly fishing, mountain climbing and rafting) are important as part of the road to recovery for many veterans.

FACES IN THE CROWD

“Faces in the Crowd” is a handful of responses to an intriguing question... VAREP Members share their stories of all things VAREP related!

#IAMVAREP

Why do you give your money, time, & energy to VAREP and its mission?

Primarily, to help other veterans. I have been on the other side, not knowing what I don't know. I want to facilitate as much information transfer as possible!

What is unique about VAREP?

WHY I’m VAREP

We tend to focus on the mission instead of changing the intent based on who we are communicating with.

WHY I’m VAREP

What would go undone if VAREP closed tomorrow?

If it closed tomorrow, I feel that VA Loans would lose a major, neutral advocate. Leaving VA home buyers at the mercy of what they are being told by their lender (whether it be right or wrong, good or bad).

#IAMVAREP

What would go undone if VAREP closed tomorrow?

Real Estate professionals will lack the knowledge of how to better assist us, I say us because my husband and I are veterans.

What is unique about VAREP?

Why do you give your money, time, & energy to VAREP and its mission?

WHY I’m VAREP

Because I am a Vet, I went off to war and came back alive and well, no physical ailments. So many do not come home whole and healthy or at all. It is my way to give back to my brothers and sisters.

VAREP is an organization that actually cares about people, not just about Veterans but also about the people within the organization.

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justi ed, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.”

- George Washington