A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR PAGE 9
MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO HELP STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS!
SALUTE TO THE ARMED FORCES PAGE 18
VAREP FACES IN THE CROWD PAGE 29
PAGE 12
M AY 2 022 REGISTER TODAY! CLICK HERE
JUNE 26 - 28, 2022
GRAND HYAT T WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, D.C.
ROGER THAT MAY 2022
VAREP NATIONAL NEWS
A Letter From Our President
E D ITO R I A L
E-Zine Newsletter. This is the best way for
PUBLISHER USA Homeownership, Inc. DBA Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals EDITOR Gretchen Mccroskey
VAREP National to communicate happenings
C R E ATI V E
within our organization to our membership.
SENIOR DESIGNER Jesus Lopez
Dear VAREP Members, I present you “RT – ROGER THAT – MAY 2022”
VAREP experienced tremendous growth and recognition in 2021 for the important work that we do. Each of you should be proud and stand tall knowing that your passion to empower veterans to realize the American Dream of homeownership has enabled VAREP to be recognized by key leaders in the real estate, financial, and government sectors as the authority on, and voice of, military and veteran financialliteracy and homeownership. VAREP ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM 2014 - 2022 • 50 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.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nick Preston GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Gifford SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER Francisco Labias WEB DEVELOPER David Santana CO NTAC T VA R E P HEADQUARTERS 951·444·7363 info@VAREP.net 495 E. Rincon St., Suite 110 Corona, CA 92879 w w w .V A R E P. n e t
• 20,000 real estate and lending professional 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
Son Nguyen is the founder and president of the
the VA loan program through the live Veteran Housing Summits events hosted by VAREP local
Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals
chapters across the country.
(VAREP). Mr. Nguyen creates, implements, and
• 2,000+ military and veteran families were provided food, utilities payment, rent back payment, basic supplies, clothing, and blankets during the holiday season. This was made possible through our VAREP Cares program implemented by the VAREP local chapters. • $70,000 in the form 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-plus million active military and 22-plus million veterans on sustainable homeownership, financialliteracy 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 the other veteran service organizations simply do not offer…In other words: We complement them and do not compete with them.
overseas the programs within VAREP including working with government agencies and policy makers to create and reform veteran housing policy to remove barriers to homeownership. 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 nonprofit for vets, by vets. He believes VAREP’s proactive stance of providing financial-literacy education and advocating homeownership can greatly impact homelessness among the veteran community, by both 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
Our organization has only scratched the surface of creating awareness and having people rethink
Constellation (CV-64). A proud service-connected
how to better serve underserved military and veteran housing needs. To a great 2021...Cheers!
disabled veteran, Mr. Nguyen holds a bachelor’s
degree in Public Relations from of the University of
Son Nguyen VAREP Founder and President
2
ABOUT SON
Florida and a Master’s in Organizational Management.
VETERAN NON-PROFIT COMPARISON CHART Target Audience
VAREP
MILITARY WARRIORS FOUNDATION
OPERATION HOMEFRONT
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT
USA CARES
Veterans = 22+ Million Active Duty = 1.4+ Million
Wounded Warriors OEF, OIF, ND = 51,849
Active Duty Family of E1 - E6 = 1.1 Million
Wounded Warriors OEF, OIF, ND = 51,849
Post 9/11 Servicemembers & Family
Financial Assistance
X
X
Emergency Food
X
X
Emergency Home Repair
X
X
Critical Baby Items
X
X
Home and Appliance Repair
X
Furniture and Household Items
X
Local Moving Assistance
X
Apartment Transitional Housing
X
X
Permanent Housing Placement
X
X
Employment Job Board
X
Rehabilitation with Recreational Therapy
X
X
X
X
Peer-to-Peer Counseling
X
Family Support Retreats
X
Peer Mentoring
X
Information Technology Training Academy
X X
X
X
X
X
Community Outreach
X
X
X
Live Community Housing, Financial Literacy, and Employment Fair Outreach Events
X
REALTOR, Housing Professional, and Lender Military and Veteran Certification Course
X
Military and Veteran Friendly Database
X
Financial Literacy Education
X
VA Home Loan Program Education
X
Housing Education
X
Housing Counseling
X
Credit and Debt Management Education
X
Credit and Debt Management Counseling
X
Military and Veteran First Look Affordable Housing Purchase Program
X
Mortgage Free Donated Homes for Wounded Warrior and Spouses of Deceased Warriors
X Advocate with a Written Policy Plan
Military and Veteran Housing Lending Policy
Housing and Lending Policy Conference
X
Military and Veteran Financial Literacy, Housing, and Employment Resource Center
X
X
X
X Wounded Warriors
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 membership whom we educate to better serve the military housing needs, but ultimately we are all here to serve the military and veteran communities.
3
MAY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2022
LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDERS............................ PAGE 2
SALUTE TO THE ARMED FORCES.......................... PAGE 18
A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR..................................... PAGE 9
LEGISLATIVE CORNER........................................
PAGE 22
DESIGN CORNER.................................................. PAGE 10
SDP UPDATE 2022..............................................
PAGE 25
MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO HELP STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS!..........................
PAGE 12
NEC UPDATE........................................................ PAGE 26
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (HRMS).................................................. PAGE 16
FACES IN THE CROWD.......................................... PAGE 29
2022 NATIONAL EVENTS POLICY CONFERENCE
VAREP 2022
JUNE 26TH - 28TH, 2022 GRAND HYATT WASHINGTON WASHINGTON, D.C.
POLICY CONFERENCE
STAY UPDATED AT:
JUNE 14, 2022 - VIRTUAL 9:30AM - 2:00PM PST
VAREP.NET/POLICYCONFERENCE
SEE PAGE 18 FOR ARTICLE
VAREP 2022 NATIONAL CONVENTION
NATIONAL CONVENTION
OCTOBER 16TH - 18TH, 2022 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
STAY UPDATED AT: VAREP.NET/NATIONALCONVENTION
AY ST N TU ED
VAREP 2022 POLICY CONFERENCE
JUNE 26 - 28TH, 2022 WASHINGTON, D.C.
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.
WE ARE THE BOOTS ON THE GROUND!
5
VAREP CURRENTLY HAS
32 CHAPTERS LOCATED IN 18 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
Illinois VAREP Chicago Chapter - Founded on June 21, 2016
Kentucky VAREP Louisville Chapter - Founded on June 14, 2018
Maryland
California
VAREP Annapolis / D.C. Chapter - Founded on August 23, 2018
VAREP East Bay Area Chapter - Founded on August 24, 2017 VAREP Fresno Chapter - Founded on January 30, 2019 VAREP Los Angeles Chapter - Founded on April 23, 2014 VAREP Orange County Chapter - Founded on March 11, 2013 VAREP Riverside Chapter - Founded on June 17, 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
Minnesota
Colorado VAREP Denver Chapter - Founded on August 14, 2014
Florida
VAREP Twin Cities Chapter - Founded on March 11, 2018
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
VAREP Central Florida Chapter - Founded on April 14, 2015 VAREP Miami Chapter - Founded on July 13, 2015
Texas
Georgia VAREP Atlanta Chapter - Founded on January 22, 2019
VAREP DFW Chapter - Founded on December, 2015 VAREP Houston Chapter - Founded on March 30, 2015 VAREP San Antonio Chapter - Founded on December 10, 2013
Hawaii
Virginia
VAREP Honolulu Chapter - Founded on April 04, 2014
Idaho VAREP Treasure Valley Chapter - Founded on May 17, 2018
6
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
13 CHAPTERS IN FORMATION Arizona VAREP Kingman Chapter- Coming 2023
California
Georgia
Tennessee
VAREP Augusta Chapter - Coming 2023
VAREP Nashville Chapter - Coming 2022
New Jersey
VAREP San Gabriel Chapter - Coming 2023
VAREP North New Jersey Chapter - Coming 2023
Colorado
North Carolina
VAREP Colorado Springs – Coming 2022 VAREP Northern Colorado – Coming 2022
Florida VAREP Jacksonville Chapter - Coming 2023
VAREP Fayetteville Chapter - Coming 2022
Texas VAREP Austin Chapter - Coming 2023
Washington VAREP Seattle / Bremerton - Coming 2023
Pennsylvania VAREP Philadelphia Chapter - Coming 2023 VAREP Pittsburgh Chapter - Coming 2023
7
SA VE TH ED AT E
OCTOBER 16 - 18TH, 2022
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 to explore new ones together. SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
REGISTRATION CO M I N G S O O N
8
A WORD FROM THE A S S O C I AT I O N D I R E C TO R
Ernie Gonzales Good day VAREP Nation! As the Association Director I have the honor of speaking with the chapters at least once a month. In speaking with the Chapters, one thing is clear across the nation and that is: the chapters would not be a success without the support of the local members, supporters, sponsors and the relationships with other veteran nonprofit organizations and Realtor Associations. Our mission of improving the lives of servicemembers and veterans through education, housing, and philanthropy is unique relating to the Real Estate Industry across the country. As we support the chapters across the country, our goal is to encourage chapter leaders to build relationships with the above-mentioned groups to move the mission forward and is accomplished through different forms of cooperation and joint success. The Denver chapter has shown how these relationships make a difference in the Veteran community through their VAREPCares project. The Denver Chapter partnered with their local HUD-VASH coordinator in assisting families moving into permanent housing. The Denver chapter saw a need and filled it. They plan and coordinate throughout the year to provide needed household goods by organizing a system of storing donated furnishings at a specific location, coordinate the donations and then distribute the donations with the local HUD-VASH to ensure they reach Veteran families in need. When the HUD-VASH coordinator has a need for something, they look at the inventory list and take what is needed. The goods are replenished through local donations and the HUD-VASH coordinator keeps a list of items removed so everyone knows what needs to be replaced. Coordination, meetings and much time spent on the front end, allows for smooth operation for the Denver Chapter throughout the year.
Another example is Chapter relationship building with local REALTOR Associations. The Las Vegas, Louisville and other chapters have created and maintained very close partnerships with their associations to the extent that the associations help promote events, include Chapter Directors in meetings with the Realtor Association’s president and CEO through the Industry Partner meetings, become annual sponsors of the local chapters and in Louisville were able to Partner with their Local Association and National to meet State Requirements to teach the MVHC Course for CE credit. This year as in the past, the REALTORS Association Community Outreach Committee voted to donate $5,000.00 to be an annual sponsor of the VAREP Las Vegas chapter. These examples are happening all over the country with VAREP chapters. The relationships built between VAREP Chapter sponsors, members and community supporters are an important to growing the local chapter bonds between likeminded veteran organizations and community businesses. We encourage each chapter to seek to build relationships with other veterans’ organizations in your area to advance your local presence in the community and move the VAREP mission forward to serve the your local veterans. In closing, VAREP thanks all of our sponsors, partners supporters and members who spend countless hours helping to move the mission forward in the local communities. We would not be where we are today without each and everyone of you. Moving the Mission Forward through VAREP Nation
Ernie Gonzales, Association Director
9
Design Corner
There’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram….. Then, There Is Also VAREP Social Network!
F
or years, social media has been a great avenue for networking, marketing and landing your next client. Let’s face the facts, it hasn’t been the same on social media lately. At least not for business owners. Question: Have you noticed your business post not getting as much engagement as it used to? Yet, when and if you post regarding current events or even controversial, the engagement is HIGH. This is because most social media platform algorithms are working the same. But first, let’s look at what an algorithm is exactly. Social media algorithms are a way of sorting posts in a users' feed based on relevancy instead of publish time. Social networks prioritize which content a user sees in their feed first
10
by the likelihood that they'll actually want to see it. So, the old way (what we were all used to) was that we post something and it had at least 18-25 minutes before it was lost in the social media feeds. Now, depending on what people like, share or comment on most on social media, that is what will be placed in the users’ feeds. Someone may have clicked like on your business page but if they have not engaged in any of your post, then likely your future post will not appear in their timeline feed. This is why you see the word influencer thrown around. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are prioritizing what you see based on what is popular. Larger business are paying influencers
to push products to their followers. In order to get your posts and products seen, the answer may be to boost your advertising budget on social media, but are these numbers true or click farms? What is a click farm? A click farm is a form of click fraud where a large group of lowpaid workers are hired to click on paid advertising giving you the business owner the illusion that your advertising budget is paying off. What did VAREP do about it?
No algorithms in our network, just momentum! Log on and take advantage of: Direct communication with your professional network Share your updates and be seen on feeds Never miss an update from your Local Chapter or VAREP National Need a referral in another state? Easy! Post on the All Members page.
VAREP National designed a Social Media Network exclusively for its’ active members!
As this is our newly launched Social Media Network, the growth and possibilities continue to grow. Click here for a video tour of the VAREP Social Media Network.
Through our Social Media Network you can post, add and communicate directly with your local membership.
As always, THANK YOU for being part of the VAREP Mission and becoming a member. VAREP National Marketing Team
This is a look at what you will see when you access the VAREP Social Networking Part of the website. 11
HOUSING COUNSELING CORNER
MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO HELP STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS! By HUD Housing Counseling Department, USA Homeownership Foundation
Good news, there are Mortgage Assistance programs across the US, in most every state! The programs are to help struggling homeowners who suffered a financial hardship due to Covid get back on track with their mortgage payments. Since VAREP members are located all across the US, we are providing a link to find mortgage assistance programs in your state. Visit the National Housing Conference website that lists mortgage help programs across every state: https://covid19.nhc.org/ homeowners/ Today we are focusing on California’s Mortgage Relief Program which is one of the first mortgage assistance programs to be up and running. In 12
late December 2021, California launched its Cal HFA Mortgage Relief Program and applications were available for California homeowners that have fallen behind on their mortgage payments. This program offers up to $80,000 in mortgage reinstatement to help homeowners who are behind on their mortgage, get caught up. There are income and loan guidelines to be eligible for the program and its best to work with a housing counselor to be successful. California’s MRP is being launched by the California Housing Finance Agency, CAL HFA and although it’s just for California homeowners, there are also mortgage assistance programs across the US in every state. And many of the requirements are similar for applying for the program. We’ve provided the link below to find mortgage help in your area. We thought it would be helpful to provide some basic information to help homeowners successfully apply for assistance.
Here are two ways you can apply for the help:
2. Visit the California Mortgage Relief Program application portal and DIY it.
1. Reach out to USA Homeownership Foundation’s HUD Housing Counseling Department If you are unfamiliar with what a housing counselor does well, a housing counselor’s purpose is to assist homeowners and renters with their housing concerns, provide options to resolve your housing issues and help you work with your lender to resolve your housing issues. So, if you are looking to apply for the California Mortgage Relief Program or just have questions about loan modifications, but don’t know where to get started, contact a housing counselor at USA Homeownership Foundation so they can answer any questions and provide guidance. Since the application is online, you will need someone to help you create an account, upload any documents required, and potentially have to deal with identity verification for any household members using a code verification system. Housing counselors can walk you through this process to help you get started and provide the necessary documentation.
California Mortgage Relief Before you get started, you’re going to want to gather some essential information, such as: All personal verifiable information, e.g., name, phone, email, SSN, from any adults above the age of 18 in the household. A recent utility bill, so look for a most recent copy of an electric or water bill. You will need to gather the two most recent bank statements from all bank accounts of each adult in the family. If one of the adults in the household in the family doesn’t have a bank account, then have the adult write a letter stating they don’t have a bank account and have them sign and date it. A copy of your most recent mortgage and escrow account statement. Not only is the escrow account statement required, but you will need it to complete property tax, homeowner’s insurance, mortgage insurance, and HOA questions, if applicable. 13
Here are other documents that do not need to be submitted during the time of applying. However, to forgo any delays it’s best if you do submit any applicable documents concerning your situation. Active bankruptcy approvals trustee documents. A denial letter from your servicer stating that you do not qualify for any loss mitigation programs, such as a loan modification, short sale, or deed in lieu. Proof of employment letter to evaluate the homeowner’s eligibility. You can obtain a copy of the template on the application, ask your employer for one, or ask your housing counselor if they have a template for your use. Once you have collected all the appropriate documents, you’ll need to scan and upload to your computer so the documents are easily available to upload into the application. And the process is just that simple. There may be some follow up communication if you are missing documents or if they need updated documentation. Provide them with as much complete information as possible in a timely manner. Now it’s time to wait for them to evaluate your application and provide you with an outcome. Hopefully, you will be successful, if not, contact USA Homeownership Foundation’s housing counselors to discuss additional possible options. 14
We assist Veterans, Military Members and Patriots that need foreclosure prevention, rental, Home Buying, VA Loan, Down Payment and Credit counseling. If you, a client, or friend needs help, please refer them to our Housing Counseling Department to speak with our HUD Housing Counselors.
GETTING HELP IS AS
EASY AS 1, 2, 3
1. Contact Contact our Housing Counseling Department by visiting our website at MyHomeOwnership.org click on counseling and complete the online intake forms. And view our short video on Housing Counseling services: myhomeownership.org/counseling/
2. Call Call our toll free number 888. 273.7267
3. Email Email your request to Gabriel Cornejo Housing Counseling Administrative Assistant, at gcornejo@varep.net.
Media Corner
VA R E P SOCIAL
We are excited to share with you the progress we’ve made on social media. Most of you should be familiar with our Facebook page, but if you haven’t liked our page, take a moment to do so now. We are at nearly 3,000 likes and climbing. A lot of our posts on Facebook are about you, the Chapters. From local Chapter fundraisers and Cares Events, VARAP Podcasts, Success Stories, and our beloved Home Donations, you can find it all on Facebook. Make sure to follow us on Instagram. There, we have a variety of posts including our TikTok videos, highlights, candid photos of National Events as well as some office antics at Headquarters. Speaking of TikTok, while you’re there, check out our VARAP Podcast clips. YouTube is where we house every single video in our library. Everything from entire VARAP Podcast episodes, Chapter events, USA Homeownership Success Stories, Stop Drop Push initiatives, MVEG Grants and much, much more can be viewed. Lastly, connect with us on LinkedIn where you can network with other professionals in your industry. We’re dedicated to putting VAREP on the map. Show your support by clicking that like and subscribe buttons.
15
IT Corner
Human Resource Management System (HRMS) What is an HRMS? What is its full form?
An HRMS is ‘Human Resource Management System’, a cloud-based array of softwares to automate your organization’s HR functions end to end and eliminate repetitive tasks, easing the administrative burden of your HR department thereby.
An HRMS system paves the way for the organizations of the 21st century to conduct their HR functions in a faster, secure and structured manner unlike the traditional HRIS that were just limited to managing employee
The technological advancement in the HRMS today has offered immense flexibility to the organization of all sizes to streamline HR processes more effectively, manage employees and their data swiftly, saving time and costs for the strategic planning and growth.
Discover in this Human Resource Guide, the Top 5 reasons why your company should go for automation with HRMS:
With the right HRMS System at your disposal, the HR team can be liberated from hours of manual work, spreadsheet management, documentation troubles; allowing them to concentrate more on the true assets of your company- your people. Why do you need the HRMS System? How does the software help your organization?
If we go back in time, offices used to have a dedicated room for piles of files carrying sensitive data about employees. Then came the era of machines, where every information was stored in formats in the spreadsheets, requiring good bandwidth servers. Manual upkeep and maintenance of this data in the spreadsheets consumed a significant amount of time and accuracy was still questionable.
The past decade has marked a massive disruption with the introduction of AI, Machine Learning and the world of work has changed drastically. Automations are no longer the luxury but the necessity for the organizations to truly adapt to the dynamic economies. 16
1. CENTRALIZED & SECURE DATA MANAGEMENT
An HRMS with a strong workforce management software module on the other hand captures, syncs and integrates the employee data across the entire lifecycle and makes it available in a second
in any required format. The software uses 2 way encryption for additional data security and restricts access of data to unwanted people.
2. SYSTEMATIZED PROCESSES Does disparity in policies, timeline jumps give you constant headaches as the HR head? A well designed HRMS allows you to quickly configure multiple policies with pre-existing formats and templates to kick start the operations. Set up the workflow engine to trigger tasks to the right people in the order of their
solutions to go mobile first. An evolved mobile first HRMS comes handy with not just Employee Self Service but a fully functional solution for HR and solution for managers to enable ease of access for every stakeholder!
5. EMERGENCE OF EXPERIENCE CULTURE
Also, there is no one-size-fits-all answer so the best way to systematize processes with HRMS systems will vary depending on the specific organization and its needs. Defining your business processes and objectives will help you to identify which processes need to be automated and which ones can be handled manually. Once the HRMS system is up and running, managing and monitoring various HR processes becomes easy and smooth.
‘It’s imperative for the companies to remodel their traditional HR practices, and choose the HRMS that can help them with a full circle experience management with continuous listening, positive communication and effective Reward and Recognition system to retain the talent and build happier workplaces’ with ‘It’s imperative for the companies to remodel their traditional HR practices, and choose an HRMS with a powerful employee engagement software module. A solution that can help them with a full circle experience management with continuous listening, positive communication and effective Reward and Recognition system to retain the talent and build happier workplaces.
3. EMPLOYEE SELF SERVICE
6. PEOPLE ANALYTICS
The non existence of the HRMS System in the earlier times saw dependency of employees on the HRs for basic queries like salary slips, tax breakups, submission of attendance sheets via emails etc. Resulting in unanswered questions and lack of employee satisfaction. HRMS caters to its key stakeholders- the employees with an easy to use Employee Self Service where employees can punch in their attendance, raise leave requests, lodge a query in the help-desk and perform many other crucial day to day functions.
How do you ascertain your workforce performance and that your people are performing to the best of their capabilities? Modern HRMS knits every action taken on the Performance Management Software into a data point and collectively represents these data points as insights via a combination of dashboards. As a CEO, you can now take a quick sneak peek into workforce attrition rate, average workforce costs, your net liabilities, top performers of the organization department wise and much more elusive decision worthy analytics!
4. MOBILE APPS When was the last time you used your desktop to skim through the social media feeds or shop for your favorite product online? As of today, there are over a billion subscribers on mobile, this is inspiring disruptions in the B2B enterprise
17
18
In this issue of the RT, we wanted to celebrate all of our armed forces. Since May is known as National Military Appreciation Month, we figured this would be the best issue to celebrate the heroes of our armed forces. May has quite a few different holidays and observances sprinkled throughout the month starting with Loyalty Day on May 1st. Next is Public Service Recognition Week (a week to celebrate government employees), VE (Victory in Europe) Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and Armed Forces Week (the third week in May), leading up to Armed Forces Day. The month of military appreciation concludes with Memorial Day, a day to honor our fallen.
The History of Armed Forces Day According to the Department of Defense, originally, Armed Forces Day was a type of “educational program for civilians,” one in which there would be an increased awareness of the Armed Forces. It was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job is performed and the role of the military in civilian life. It was a day for the military to show “stateof-the-art” equipment to the civilian population they were protecting. And it was a day to honor and acknowledge the people of the Armed Forces of the United States. On Aug. 31, 1949, Defense Secretary Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the armed forces under one agency -- the Department of Defense.
When is Armed Forces Day? Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May, and it is the day Americans celebrate their military. In 2022, it falls on Saturday, May 21.
Who is honored on Armed Forces Day? Armed Forces Day is the day to honor all who currently serve and all who have served, both active and former, in the reserves, National Guard or on active duty.
How to Celebrate Armed Forces Day The first Armed Forces Day was celebrated by parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows. In Washington, D.C., 10,000 troops of all branches of the military, cadets and veterans marched past the president and his party. In Berlin, 1,000 U.S. troops paraded for the German citizens at Tempelhof Airfield. In New York City, an estimated 33,000 participants initiated Armed Forces Day "under an air cover of 250 military planes of all types." Today, Armed Forces Day is celebrated in American communities and on military bases throughout the world with parades, picnics, shopping discounts, festivals and parties. Again, VAREP wants to thank all of our armed forces past and present.
sources: https://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month/history-of-armed-forces-day.html, https://www.uso.org/stories/2225-when-is-armed-forcesday#:~:text=Armed%20Forces%20Day%20is%20celebrated,falls%20on%20Saturday%2C%20May%2015., https://afd.defense.gov/History/
19
THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP VAREP’s Housing Counseling Department is a HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency providing home buying, credit, budget, post purchase and foreclosure prevention counseling services to Veterans, Active Military and the community nationwide. Over the past year, from January to December 2021, we provided the following housing counseling services:
2022 COUNSELING & OUTREACH STATISTICS
688
INQUIRIES FOR SERVICES
482 112 370
GROUP WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS FROM VHS CHAPTER EVENTS
CLIENTS
COUNSELED
1 ON 1 HOUSING COUNSELING CLIENTS
TYPES OF COUNSELING PROVIDED
106 37 144 27 PRE-PURCHASE
HOMEOWNERSHIP
POST PURCHASE
FORECLOSURE
FINANCIAL
PREVENTION
HOMEOWNERSHIP
56 CREDIT
COUNSELING
SUSTAINABILITY COUNSELING
VISIT W W W.VETHOMEOWNERSHIP.COM OR CALL: 888.273.7267
6,280 LMI HOUSING INQUIRIES INTERNET, TELEPHONE & COMMUNITY EVENTS
2,611 LMI FAMILIES RECEIVED PRE-PURCHASE, CREDIT & HOUSING COUNSELING
850 VETERAN FAMILIES SUCCESSFULLY PLACED IN HOMES THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS
472 VETERANS WERE REFERRED TO HUD VASH PROGRAM
983 VETERANS ENGAGED IN CREDIT COUNSELING TO IMPROVE FINANCIAL READINESS
4,611 VETERANS & SERVICEMEMBERS
* S t at i s t i c s f r o m 2 0 14 -2 0 2 2
EDUCATED ON VA HOME LOAN BENEFIT, IMPORTANCE OF GOOD CREDIT & HOME BUYING PROCESS THROUGH COUNSELING & OUTREACH EVENTS
VISIT W W W.VETHOMEOWNERSHIP.COM OR CALL: 888.273.7267
“To maintain the momentum from the Policy Conference, I have appointed G-II Varrato, Yeimalis Acevedo-Rasmussen, Robbie Grossman, Lynn Jabs, Nacho Castro, Victoria Blass and Michael Hamilton 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
NACHO CASTRO NLC Member U.S. Army
22
YEIMALIS ACEVEDO-RASMUSSEN
ROBBIE GROSSMAN
VICTORIA BLASS
MICHAEL HAMILTON
NLC Member Patriot
NLC Member Patriot
NLC Member Patriot
NLC Member Patriot
LYNN JABS
NLC Member Patriot
A LOOK FORWARD AS VAREP MOVES CLOSER TO OUR 2022 LEGISLATIVE MISSION The primary VAREP NLC legislative mission for 2022 is for VAREP to become a congressionally chartered VSO (Veterans Service Organization), and as I wrote in the last RT, this did not mean that VAREP set aside other, especially important legislative initiatives and efforts, and we remain committed to those as well. Highlights for 2022 1) Become a Congressionally Chartered VSO 2) Moving closer to having an actual firm commitment, by the VA as an advocate for the VAREP Congressionally Chartered VSO mission 3) Complete the work on VA Loan Disclosures 4) Gathering and aggregating data for congress, about inconsistencies in access to homeownership by veterans trying to use their VA Home Loan Benefit.
The NLC continues to advance efforts to secure congressional support for VAREP to become a Congressionally Chartered VSO. The NLC currently has a commitment from Congressman Lou Correa to support and introduce legislation, in the House of Representatives in support of VAREP as a Congressionally Chartered VSO The NLC is close to gaining the commitment from the Senate and is in active discussions with GOP Senator John Cornyn’s office, as well as Democrat Senators, Mazie Hirono & Kirsten Sinema and Independent Senator Angus King. The NLC has had discussions with the VA about VAREPs goal to become a Congressionally Chartered VSO. In those conversations, VA staff, familiar with the conversation acknowledged the benefit VAREP continued to bring to educating the real estate and lender industries regarding best practices to represent, assist and advocate for veterans who wish to use their VA Home Loan Benefits.
23
The NLC has a high degree of confidence that Congressman Derek Kilmer will be in a position to introduce legislation that will update the Informed Consumer Consent Disclosure to include, not only written, sideby-side comparisons, of the differences between FHA and Conventional loans, but will also add the missing and very important side-by-side disclosure of the comparison of the VA loan to borrowers.
And… not a single one has the skill set or tools that VAREP brings to the veteran a process of understanding financial literacy, maintaining good credit, making wise money decisions, recognizing and reporting rental and housing discrimination, avoiding predatory lending, maintaining a job, accessing homelessness resources, and understanding the VA Home Loan Benefit without duress.
Finally, the NLC is currently gathering additional statistical data about the use of the VA Home Loan Benefit by veterans who try to buy and finance their next home using the VA Home Loan Benefit, but are denied access to that benefit by sellers and/or real estate agents and/or lenders.
None of the other VSO's among the 45,000 or the more than 90 Congressionally Chartered VSO's come anywhere close to being able to address helping veterans with these benefits and how to access them successfully.
One more piece of information today. In the past I have told you that there are over 45,000 VSO but only 93 of them are Congressionally Chartered. Well, while it is true that there are over 45,000 VSO, actually, that number hovers closer to 100,000 VSOs but still only 93 are Congressionally Chartered.
Of the 93 Congressionally Chartered VSO, only 30 of the 93 chartered VSO are recognized by the VA on Directory of VETERANS AND MILITARY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND STATE DIRECTORS OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
24
So as we get ready to pay a visit to members of Congress this June in Washington D.C. at the Annual Policy Conference, remember these points. They are powerful to share with Congress. Stay tuned and watch this space. Stay Safe! Stay Healthy! And… keep your #SocialDistance #IAmVAREP
G-II Varrato II VAREP National Legislative Committee
STOP, DROP & PUSH
CAMPAIGN "DONT TELL SOMEONE TO GET OVER IT, HELP THEM THROUGH IT."
We have some exciting news to share with all of you. The Stop Drop & Push Campaign is no longer operating under our National philanthropic endeavors VAREP Cares. We have a new entity housing ALL of our amazing Cares programs, “VETCares, Inc”. This is our newest 501c3 designed to help all of our military and veteran hero’s “get through it” or like we like to say “give them their hand up, not hand out”. VETCares is up and running full operational with the following programs: Stop Drop & Push Campaign – Helping end the 22 a day veteran suicide by offering gap funding for alternative therapy. Calloway Closing Cost Grant – this offers first time home buyers a fully forgiveable $2,000 closing cost grant. Military & Veteran Emergency Grant – This grant offers assistantance to our hero’s when they come across a difficult time they may not have been prepared for. Housing payment, car insurance or repairs, medical needs, baby needs etc. Camp Cares – This program is currently being built. VAREP is working on opening its very own alternative therapy facility in Pray, Montana that will offer counseling while fly fishing, hunting and creating community.
You can learn more about each of these programs by visiting vetcares.org. Currently we are almost out of funds for the the CCCG so if you know any organizations looking to donate money please send them our way so we can work on raising more money. We do not want to turn anyone away if possible. SDP was able to give away a gap funding grant to a Veteran out of Texas who was receiving a therapy dog. We paid for her gas money to drive from Texas to Florida and paid all costs for her 7-night stay while she bonded with her new gray hound service dog.
Ivie and Sting have bonded beautifully and Ivie has started feeling safe in her home, sitting in open spaces and feels an overall peace now thanks to her new best friend Sting and the help of SDP & The Hounds & Heros Program. VetCares has also awarded 1 CCCG and 2 MVEG grants. We are doing great things and it is only possible due to us all working as a team in our fundraising efforts, caring hearts and the desire to make a difference. If you have an event coming up and would like to turn it into a fundraiser in honor of any of our initiatives, then please contact Tamra Coulter or Dex Cajigal to discuss. Together we can make a difference helping, one veteran at a time. TCoulter@varep.net / DCajigal@stopdroppush.net
25
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
JOHN MILLER NEC Chair U.S. Air Force
EDDIE DE LEON NEC Member Patriot
26
STEPHEN DEMUTH NEC Member Patriot
SEAN SELTERS NLC Member U.S. Army
KIMBERLY LARKIN RITTER NEC Member Patriot
JEFF WILSON NLC Chairman U.S. Army
MICHELLE CRUMLEY NEC Member Patriot
2022 is off to a great start! The NEC has updated several Lunch and Learn programs and power points for local chapters to further our education mission. Our team is also writing new Lunch and Learn education programs with a target release the second part of this year. Our committee had the opportunity to attend a zoom presentation of the course: PCS, Know Your Orders, hosted by the Alaska VAREP Local Chapter and instructor Michelle Crumley. Specific chapters will be offering this local throughout the year so be sure to watch for this and be sure to sign up, it’s worth your investment of time. As a committee we are settling into our roles and getting to know each other. I recently asked 2 of our newest committee members John Miller, President for the VAREP Louisville, KY Chapter, and Michelle Crumley,
Education Director for VAREP Hampton Roads Chapter, a couple questions regarding their experience with the NEC so far. Below are their responses. ’What are you most excited about being part of the NEC?’ John Miller: Education is such a large piece to what we do as an organization and the impact we have in our professional & veteran communities. I am humbled to be a part of this committee that shapes the educational direction of this organization. I am excited to watch our committee become more effective in providing resources to the chapters on the ground which allow them to execute this important mission at a very high level. As an organization ran by volunteers it is extremely important for the NEC to provide strong, easily accessible, and impactful training to our local chapters. I believe with Jaimie’s leadership and our committees current focus points, we are on our way at accomplishing that objective. Michelle: Excited to be a part of this organization as it is so valuable in our military and veteran communities and being part of the NEC provides the opportunity to influence and help shape our educational landscape. What are you looking forward to in Oct. 2022 at the National Convention and VA Education? John: I often reflect on my first National Convention in October that I ever attended, in Phoenix, Az. As a veteran who struggled a wee bit with my transition away and into real estate, I felt disconnected. As a local chapter we had only been in existence for four (4) months and were still getting our "legs" about us. Being at that first National Conference, I finally felt at home. That evening at our Stop, Drop & Push Campaign fundraiser, I sat back, watched, and felt at
"home." At home, surrounded by people who understood me, who had navigated those same pain points...giving me a family. I often explain that our two major conventions have vastly different impacts. The Policy conference allows you to see firsthand the impact we are making to our veteran communities through advocating and experiencing how we are trying to better their lives. Whereas The National Convention nourishes the soul, brings this large organization together. At this convention Son & Dustin built a conference that is designed to "give back" to our volunteers and our VAREP community. With a goal of improving the individual, the chapter, and the organization. Potentially unbeknownst to our founders, this opportunity to come together to learn and break bread created brothers & sisters...a family. And I am forever grateful. Michelle: The energy and ideas! It is so amazing to be a part of our National organization, Chapter board members, and sponsors all coming together to learn from each other, hear about what is happening in the community, and say hello to old friends and new faces. Thank you, John and Michelle for bringing so much heart and positive energy to the NEC and VAREP, it’s an honor having you part of this committee. We are looking forward to seeing members at the June Policy Conference in DC and working towards common goals to improve the VA Home Benefits of Home Ownership for all Veterans. Thank you to all the local chapters, communities, sponsors, and industry leaders for your continued support. YOU make the difference . . . One Veteran at a time. Jaimie Garrett, National Education Committee, Chair HUD Certified Educator, Patriot 253-224-8906 27
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
STOP, DROP & PUSH MISSION
In 2012 the Department of Veterans Affairs
To lower the 22 veteran lives lost each day due
released a 59-page report outlining veteran
to suicide by educating the public about veteran
suicide. The report states the numbers of Veterans
reintegration issues; connecting alternative veteran
who die from suicide each day has remained
therapy providers to those who need treatment; and
relatively stable over the past 12 years (varying
provide the necessary funding to ensure treatment
from 18 -22 per day).
is possible so our heroes will rediscover purpose and lead productive lives.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY Research has determined in addition to medication and traditional therapy, a holistic approach including alternatives 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.
951-963-9386 | info@stopdroppush.org
WWW.STOPDROPPUSH.ORG
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!
29
P E R A V #IAM Why do you give your money, time, & energy to VAREP and its mission? I come from a family of veterans. My father was a Vietnam veteran who struggled greatly after returning home. After watching the issues he had to deal with over the years I have tried to do what I can to help other veterans, especially with real estate since that is my profession.
30
WHY I’m VAREP What is unique about VAREP?
Most of our board is young, both in age & in their career.
WHY I’m VAREP What would go undone if VAREP closed tomorrow?
Relationships built to some degree and the avenue of helping our veterans through this channel. 31
P E R A V M A #I What would go undone if VAREP closed tomorrow? The efforts that have begun in gaining awareness in discrimination of our Veterans as it pertains to Housing.
32
WHY I’m VAREP Why do you give your money, time, & energy to VAREP and its mission?
WHY I’m VAREP What is unique about VAREP?
I love that we are involved at a local community level.
As an informed Veteran, I feel that I have knowledge and an opportunity to share and look out for fellow Veterans who are at a disadvantage.
“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation.” - George Washington
VETERANS ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS info@VAREP.net
w w w . V A R E P. n e t
951- 444 -7363