Roger That Newsletter - May 2023

A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR PAGE 9

THE MIGHTY MARINES PAGE 20

HOUSING COUNSELING CORNER PAGE 14

VAREP FACES IN THE CROWD PAGE 35

MAY 2023

JUNE 25 - 27, 2023

GRAND HYATT WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON, D.C.

A Letter From Our President

Dear VAREP Members,

I present you “RT – ROGER THAT – MAY 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 2022, 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

52 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

SENIOR DESIGNER

Jesus Lopez

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nick Preston

SENIOR WEB DEVELOPER

Francisco Labias

WEB DEVELOPER

David Santana

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!

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

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

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 to explore new ones together.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

REGISTRATION

COMING SOON

A WORD FROM THE ASSOCIATION DIRECTOR

Ernie Gonzales

SPRINGING INTO SPRING WITH A PURPOSE

Welcome to our Spring 2023 edition of the Roger That (RT) magazine. In addition to our quarterly publication, VAREP reminds you to follow us and share on social media. To read the most current blog posts, please visit the website. You may also receive messages regarding membership updates, upcoming events, national sponsor classes, the hit webinar series VARAP, and more. The VAREP family welcomes the new local Chapter board directors and members with a cheerful hello! We are thankful for the vast knowledge and expertise you bring to the table.

December produced a triumphant Strategic Planning Session with our National Legislative Committee (NLC) and National Education Committee (NEC), to expand upon working together. The future of leadership training to be offered and upcoming events are both exciting! The Chapter handbook is currently being reviewed and updated, with many of our Chapter directors’ and members’ suggestions. The future of VAREP, our lines of

effort, and member benefits have all been topics discussed recently, so a big thank you to all in making a difference.

In closing, VAREP would like to thank its’ staff for the tireless work they do each and every day to ensure our members and customers are served. They are the epitome of what teamwork truly means. Their efforts are unparalleled, and their results are unmatched. Please give them a hi-five next time you see them. Please assist us in keeping you informed, and remember to update both your mailing address and email address. Visit our website often and continue spreading the word!

All the best VAREP Nation!!!

Ernie Gonzales, Association Director

2023 has begun with several online fundraising and marketing campaigns to grow our donor pool and expand public awareness. We are seeking donations to help support our grant programs so that we may assist more veterans. One of our goals is to increase our recurring donors and/or amounts. We also urge each of you to consider a recurring donation each month. Every dollar makes a difference. To donate, please visit our website: www.vetcares.org and click the donate button.

VETCares Home Furnishings & More Thrift Store Update

The VETCares Home Furnishings and More Thrift Store has met several milestones the first quarter. We increased store hours and are now open Monday – Saturday, allowing for more foot traffic. For this reason and other milestones, February sales surpassed all prior months' sales.

Another exciting breakthrough in the first quarter was the purchase of the first VETCares donation

moving truck. Our donation moving truck is instrumental in leading the way in thrift store donations in Las Vegas. With the ability to go to the people, donations are generously pouring in, allowing a continually refreshed inventory for shoppers to find new and different treasures almost daily. More sales = more opportunities to assist the military and veteran communities by filling the funds available for our grant programs.

Golden Knights – THANK YOU VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS! If you are in Vegas in March stop in and purchase your raffle tickets!

Dan Holland, Store Manager, has moved the store’s success along quickly since coming on board. Dan has been in contact with many corporations in the Las Vegas area, securing donations for the store as well community involvement. The month of March features a raffle for a donated hockey puck, signed by Alec Martinez of the Vegas

Dan has also grown the store’s team. We wish to welcome our new sales and labor force team to assist with growing sales and donations pickups. Stop into the store, say hello to the team and thank them for their dedicated hard work for those we serve.

With awareness growing daily across Las Vegas, we continue to increase foot traffic, donations, and new clients who appreciate the quality of merchandise, affordable pricing, and welcoming atmosphere of the store.

VETCares Vehicle Donation Program

VETCares Vehicle Donation Program is officially in full swing. VETCares social marketing, ad campaigns, and boots on the ground attendance of multiple local meetings is showing results that awareness of our Vehicle Donation Program is taking hold. With donation being entered into the system, and monetary donations increasing, we see the endless potential of the program to be a sustainable source in support of VETCares grant programs for our military and veteran communities.

We ask that you share the social media posts (FB, Instagram and LinkedIn) and information about the VETCares Vehicle Donation Program with everyone you know. Remember, our donation process is easy, seamless, and you may be eligible for a tax donation while assisting veterans.

WE NEED YOU, The Veterans Need Your Help – Please Donate Today!

Please see QR Code to share and donate.

The first is the CampCares Peer-to-Peer campaign. Peerto-Peer campaigns allow you, the public, to build your own page to broadcast the campaign to your sphere of influence. Imagine. . . if each one of you started your own page, shared with everyone you know, and began collecting donations, the amount of reach and money is endless. These donations will help send combat warriors through our healing camp in Montana to move them from merely surviving to thriving, and may help prevent a veteran suicide. Imagine. . . by you clicking a button, typing a few words then sending to everyone you know asking them to donate – YOU could save a veteran’s life, and will help our warriors heal from their combat experiences. Please click here to either become a fund raiser or make a donation: https://donate.vetcares. org/campaign/22-veterans-diedtoday/c463354

With your help we will be able to

efforts to assist the military and veteran communities.

3. If you have a car sitting idle in the garage, donate it to the VETCares Vehicle Donation Program.

4. If you live in the Las Vegas area, please share the below information on the VETCares Home Furnishings Thrift Store & more Donation process, shopping information and stop by to shop and say hello! Please visit the website for additional information: https:// vetcareshomefurnishings.org/

In Summary

We need your donations and your help! Your voice is needed to spread the VAREP word; your time and energy is needed to spread flyers, QR codes, the website, and social media info. Help us reach our goal to create a massive awareness, within our own organization and with everyone you know, about the VETCares Mission and how they can support our military and veteran communities . . . one donation at a time.

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

VETCares Grant Programs 2023

First Quarter has focused on designing and rolling out, several online fundraising campaigns. You may have seen a couple of them?

reach our goals. We are calling on you to assist in the following ways:

1. Donate to VETCares on our website www.vetcares.org

2. Donate to any of our grant programs and share the fundraising campaigns. Share our social media posts informing of our fundraising

Social media has become a critical component of any realtors' marketing strategy. With millions of people using several social media platforms every day, it has become an excellent tool for realtors to promote their brand and listings, connect with potential clients, and build relationships with existing ones. Here are some essential pieces of advice for realtors looking to maximize their online presence.

1. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Before you start using social media to market yourself as a realtor, you need to identify your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What are their needs and interests? Are you targeting first-time homebuyers, millennials, or luxury homebuyers?

Understanding your target audience will help you craft your social media strategy, create relevant content, and tailor your message to resonate with your intended audience.

2. USE MULTIPLE PLATFORMS

To reach the widest possible audience, realtors should consider using multiple social media platforms. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are popular options, but you may also want to consider using platforms like LinkedIn, Tik Tok, and YouTube. Each platform has its strengths, so it's essential to understand the benefits of each and how to use them to your advantage.

3. CREATE A SOCIAL MEDIA CALENDAR

Posting regularly on social media is essential to keep your followers engaged and build your brand. Creating a social media calendar will help you plan and organize your posts, ensuring that you maintain a consistent presence on social media. You can use tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule your posts in advance, so you don't have to worry about posting every day. There are certain times during each day that more people are online, so try to schedule your posts for those times.

4. SHARE VALUABLE CONTENT

The content you post on social media should be valuable to your followers. Share articles, infographics, and videos that are relevant to your audience's needs and interests. You can also create your content, such as blog posts, home buying and selling guides, and virtual home tours. By providing valuable content, you will establish yourself as a thought leader and build trust with potential clients.

5. ENGAGE WITH YOUR AUDIENCE

Social media is a two-way street, and it's essential to engage with your audience. Respond to comments and messages promptly, like and share relevant posts, and ask your followers questions. By engaging with your audience, you'll build relationships and create a sense of community around your brand.

6. USE HIGH-QUALITY VISUALS

Visuals are crucial on social media. Use high-quality photos and videos to showcase your listings and create eye-catching graphics to accompany your posts. Remember that first impressions count, and high-quality visuals will help you stand out on crowded social media feeds.

7. MEASURE YOUR RESULTS

Measuring your social media performance is essential in tracking your progress , so you can adjust your strategy if necessary. Use tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and Twitter Analytics to track your followers' engagement, clicks, and shares. By measuring your results, you'll be able to identify what's working and what's not, so you can refine your strategy and improve your efforts.

In conclusion, social media is a vital tool for realtors looking to connect with potential clients, build relationships with existing ones, and promote their brand and listings. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to building a successful social media presence and growing your real estate business.

*Paraphrased from: https://blog.hubspot. com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/5911/social-mediados-and-don-ts-for-realtors.aspx and https:// www.searchenginejournal.com/social-mediaposts-real-estate-inspiration/476943/#close

HOUSING COUNSELING CORNER

USA HOMEOWNERSHIP’S HOUSING COUNSELING PARTNERS WITH BANK OF AMERICA FOR AFFORDABLE LOAN PROGRAM AND HIGHLIGHTS DPA PROGRAMS FOR ACTIVE MILITARY AND VETERANS

The Housing Counseling department of the USA Homeownership Foundation is proud to partner with Bank of America on its Community Affordable Loan Program (CALP). CALP is a new mortgage solution for first-time homebuyers, that offers a bank-provided down payment and no closing costs. The Community Affordable Loan Solution is available in designated markets, and USA HF is partnering with Bank of America for the Los Angeles market, but it is being offered in Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, and Miami. CALP is a Special Purpose Credit Program which uses credit guidelines based on factors such as timely rent, utility bill, phone and auto insurance payments. It requires no mortgage insurance or minimum credit score. Individual eligibility

is based on income and home location. Anyone from any race or ethnicity is welcome to apply but this loan program is targeted to improve African-American and Hispanic homebuyers. Prospective buyers must complete a homebuyer certification course provided by select Bank of America and HUD-approved housing counseling partners, like USA Homeownership Foundation, prior to application. There are some counseling guidelines that have to be met and it can be combined with the Bank of America Down Payment Program offering up to $17,500 in down payment and closing costs.

In addition to the CALP program, there are many other down payment Assistance programs offered throughout

the U.S. specifically for military and veteran individuals. Out of the more than 2,000 homebuyer and DPA programs available across the U.S., 60 feature incentives for military homebuyers, and 189 waive first-time homebuyer requirements for veterans and military personnel. Below we’re highlighting a few more affordable homeownership programs that have incentives for active military members and veterans:

OHIO HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY (OHFA)

OHIO HEROES

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s (OHFA) Ohio Heroes is a first mortgage program that rewards Ohio public servants — including veterans, active duty military members, members of

reserve components, and surviving spouses — with a mortgage interest rate discounted by 0.25%. Ohio Heroes can be applied to conventional mortgages as well as loans backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Ohio Heroes' loans can also be combined with OHFA’s DPA and Mortgage Tax Credit (MTC). For more program details and eligibility requirements, visit https://myohiohome.org/ ohioheroes.aspx

FLORIDA HOMETOWN HEROES

The Florida Hometown Heroes housing program makes homeownership more affordable for active military and veterans in addition to other frontline community workers. Qualified homebuyers receive down payment and closing cost assistance totaling 5% of the total loan amount (up to $25,000) in the form of a non-amortizing, 30-year deferred second mortgage. Participants also receive reduced upfront fees, freedom from origination points and discount points,

and lower-than-market rates on FHA, VA, Rural Development (RD), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac first mortgages. Program income limits are based on county and range from $118,950 to $153,750. Loan limits are based on county and loan program and range from $420,680 to $710,700.

For more program details and eligibility requirements, visit https://www. floridahousing.org/programs/ homebuyer-overview-page/ hometown-heroes

IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY (IFA) MILITARY HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Iowa Finance Authority’s Military Homeownership Assistance Program empowers active service members, veterans, and surviving spouses of eligible service persons with a $5,000 grant to cover down payment and closing costs. The DPA grant never has to be repaid, and participants do not have to be first-time homebuyers to qualify. The Military Homeownership Assistance Program may be used in conjunction with IFA’s FirstHome and Homes for Iowans affordable mortgage

programs. However, because DPA funding is limited based on availability, the grant is awarded on a first come, first served basis. For more program details and eligibility requirements, visit https://www.iowafinance. com/homeownership/ mortgage-programs/ military-homeownershipassistance-program/

MASSHOUSING CLOSING COST CREDIT FOR VETERANS AND SERVICE MEMBERS

MassHousing’s Closing Cost Credit for Veterans and Service Members is a $2,500 grant exclusively for national guard, reserves, active-duty military, veteran and Gold Star families. The funds are applied toward closing costs and never have to be repaid because there is no first-time homebuyer requirement associated with this program. It is well suited for military members in Massachusetts who are purchasing their first home or looking to upsize or downsize from their current home. For more program details and eligibility requirements, visit https:// www.masshousing.com/ home-ownership/homebuyers/ homebuyer-loans

UTAH VETERAN FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER GRANT

The Utah Veteran First-Time Homebuyer Grant supports active military or veterans who retired in the last 5 years with a $2,500 grant toward down payment, closing costs or other mortgage expenses. Applicants must be purchasing their first home in Utah but may still be eligible if they previously owned property in another state. Grant recipients are permitted to work with any lender authorized to originate mortgages in the state of Utah and may choose any conforming loan program, including VA, FHA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans. For more program details and eligibility requirements, visit https:// utahhousingcorp.org/homebuyer/programs/grants

WASHINGTON STATE HOUSING FINANCE COMMISSION (WSHFC) VETERANS DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE LOAN PROGRAM

The WSHFC Veterans Down Payment Assistance Loan Program provides financial support for honorably discharged veterans, military spouses who never remarried and dependent children of deceased veterans. Program participants can receive up to $10,000 and a 3% mortgage rate, and even though DPA must be repaid to the commission, payments can be deferred for the lifetime of a loan (up to 30 years). Borrowers must be first-time homebuyers or buying in a targeted area. The Veterans Down Payment Assistance Loan Program can also be combined with WSHFC’s Home Advantage or House Key first mortgage loan program. For more program details and eligibility requirements, visit https://www. wshfc.org/buyers/keyveterans.htm With militaryfocused homebuyer programs active all across the country, our servicemen and servicewomen have ample opportunity to achieve affordable, sustainable homeownership on the homefront.

Design Corner

Canva, the popular graphic design tool, has just announced new features at Canva Create 2023 that can take your business to the next level. These features include Brand Hub, Translate, Magic Write, Magic Edit and Eraser, Magic Presentation, Draw, Magic Design, Animation, Beat Sync, and Text to Image. Each of these features is designed to help entrepreneurs save time and enhance their visual communication. In this article, we'll explore each of these new features in more detail.

create brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all your designs. This feature is especially useful for businesses with multiple employees or contractors who are responsible for creating marketing materials.

Translate

The Translate feature is designed for businesses that operate globally. Translate quickly converts your designs into different languages without having to recreate them from scratch. Canva uses machine learning to automatically translate your text into your desired language, and lets you edit the translation afterwards, if needed. This eliminates the need to hire professional translators.

Brand Hub

Brand Hub is a powerful new feature that allows entrepreneurs to create, manage, and share their brand assets all in one place. With Brand Hub, you can upload your brand assets such as logos, color palettes, fonts, and templates, and keep them organized in one central location. Plus you can also

Magic Write

Magic Write is a feature that uses machine learning to suggest words and phrases to enhance your writing. Magic Write analyzes the context of your text and suggests words that are relevant and appropriate for your audience. This feature can improve the clarity and readability of

your text, saves you time when writing content.

Magic Edit and Eraser

The Magic Edit and Eraser feature is another exciting new feature that uses machine learning to remove unwanted elements from your designs. With it, you can quickly erase backgrounds, objects, or even people from your images. It can also replace unwanted details with relevant images from Canva's library. Magic Edit and Eraser can be a real timesaver when you need to edit your designs quickly.

Magic Presentation

If you frequently create presentations, you'll love Magic Presentation. The Magic Presentation feature uses machine learning to suggest layouts, fonts, and colors for your presentation slides. You can also use it to create animated transitions between slides, making your presentation more engaging and professional-looking.

Magic Presentation saves time and facilitates more visually appealing productions.

Draw

Canva's Draw feature is perfect for those who love to sketch and doodle. With Draw, freehand designs are created with either your mouse or touchpad, and custom shapes and illustrations can be added to your designs. You can also use it to create custom shapes and illustrations that can be added to your designs. This feature is especially useful for those who want to add a personal touch to their designs.

gets you started on your designs quickly, saving valuable brainstorming time.

Animation and Beat Sync

It's now easier than ever to create more dynamic and engaging designs with Canva's Animation and Beat Sync feature. Adding animated elements which can be synced to music creates an immersive experience for your audience.

Text to Image

media posts, blog articles, or marketing materials.

Magic Design

Magic Design is another facet that uses machine learning to suggest design elements for your projects. With it, you can quickly generate different ideas by selecting your preferred style and color palette. Magic Design will then suggest a variety of design essentials that fit your preferences, including images, shapes, and fonts. This feature

The Text to Image option is a gamechanger for entrepreneurs who need to create visual content quickly. With it, you can enter your text, and Canva will automatically generate a relevant image to accompany it. This feature uses machine learning to analyze your text and generate an image that matches its tone and subject matter. This saves time and increases the appeal of your designs.

The Text to Image feature is especially useful for businesses that need to create a large amount of visual content, such as social

Canva's new line of features aim to provide entrepreneurs with powerful tools to improve their visual communication and branding. With the use of machine learning, these developments can save time and effort on creating visual content and enhance the quality of your designs. From managing brand assets to generating relevant images, these features can benefit businesses of all sizes and those who operate globally. As technology continues to advance, Canva's commitment to providing innovative features can help entrepreneurs stay competitive and make a lasting impact in their respective industries.

The

Mighty

U.S.

Marines: Honoring Core Values and Living by a Timeless Motto

If there's one branch of the United States military that has become synonymous with toughness, courage, and resilience, it's the U.S. Marine Corps. Since its inception in 1775, the Marines have been instrumental in protecting our nation and our interests abroad. Their commitment to duty, honor, and selfless service has become legendary, as has their unwavering devotion to their core values and motto.

A Brief History of the Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps has a long and storied history that dates back to the American Revolution. The Continental Marines were established on November 10, 1775, to provide naval infantry for the Continental Navy. Since then, the Marines have fought in every major conflict in U.S. history, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror.

Throughout its history, the Marine Corps has earned a reputation for toughness, discipline, and tenacity. Marines are known for their ability to adapt to any situation, their willingness to take on difficult missions, and their devotion to their fellow marines.

The Marine Corps Core Values

The U.S. Marine Corps is built on three core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These values guide every aspect of marine life, from training and deployment to everyday interactions with other marines and civilians. Let's take a closer look at each of these values:

Honor: Marines are held to the highest standards of ethical and moral behavior. They are expected to demonstrate integrity and honesty in all their actions and to always do what is right, even when it's not easy or popular.

Courage: Whether facing an enemy in combat or dealing with challenges in their personal lives, Marines are expected to be courageous. They must have the mental and physical fortitude to overcome obstacles and push through adversity.

Commitment: The Marine Corps expects its members to be fully committed to their duties and responsibilities, to their fellow marines, and to the Corps itself. This means putting the needs of the team above personal interests and always striving to improve oneself and the organization.

The Marine Corps Motto: Semper Fidelis

The Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis, means "Always Faithful"

in Latin. This motto embodies the Marine Corps' commitment to the United States and its values, as well as the loyalty and camaraderie that marines share with one another. Semper fidelis is more than just a slogan; it's a way of life for every marine.

Honoring the Marines

The U.S. Marine Corps is an essential part of our nation's military and has played a vital role in protecting our freedoms and interests. As Americans, we owe a debt of gratitude to the marines who have served and continue to serve our country with honor, courage, and commitment.

To honor the marines, we can support them in various ways, including donating to organizations that provide support to marines and their families, attending Marine Corps events and ceremonies, and showing our appreciation to individual marines we may encounter in our daily lives.

The U.S. Marine Corps is a mighty and esteemed military organization with a rich history and a commitment to core values that are as relevant today as they were over two centuries ago. Semper Fidelis, the Marine Corps' motto, speaks to the loyalty and dedication that define this proud and exceptional organization. As Americans, we should always honor and respect the Marines who have served and continue to serve our nation with distinction.

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, Michael Hamilton, 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

MICHAEL HAMILTON NLC Member Patriot

CHRISTIN GRIFFIN NLC Member Patriot

MARY CORCORAN NLC Member Patriot

JULIO VELEZON NLC Member U.S. Army

LYNN JABS NLC Member Patriot

BOB VOSS NLC Member Veteran

WHERE WE’RE HEADING IN 2023 AND THE 118TH CONGRESS BECOMING A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED VSO TO BE PASSED INTO LAW INFORMED CONSUMER CONSENT DISCLOSURE TO BE PASSED INTO LAW

Lynn & G2 spent several days in Washington DC from 7 February 2023 through 9 February 2023, meeting with members of 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.

informed consumer consent disclosure

VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2023 also referred to as the VALID Act of 2023.

During our most recent trip to DC, we had notably positive meetings with the staff of 22 congress members. We successfully met

with Rep. Derik Kilmer (WA), Rep. Michelle Steele (CA), and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ).

Much of our trip and the meetings we engaged in were centered around gaining collaboration and cooperation to get the VALID Act 2023 introduced in the House of Representatives of the 118th Congress.

We were made aware that a “shuffling of the deck chairs” is taking place, in as much as the GOP Co-Lead Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA) pulled his engagement in the VALID Act. We were told that Rep. Reschenthaler (PA) was concerned that the House Finance Committee had not ‘green-lit’ moving the VALID Act forward to ‘markup’, once the bill is

introduced in the House of Representatives.

This information moved us to recalibrate our thoughts about which members of congress we could approach to for support to be CoLead/s to the VALID Act 2023. To that end, we had a favorable meeting with the staff of Rep. Michelle Steele (CA). Rep. Steele agreed to have a deeper discussion with our VAREP team in California when she returned to her district in the coming weeks.

Lynn & G2 also met with the staff of Co-Chair, Rep. Maxine Waters (CA) of the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives. During that meeting we were assured that Rep. Maxine Waters (CA) and her staff would be

significantly forward leaning in the Finance Committee and do all she could to move the VALID Act 2023 to and through the markup process, once the bill is introduced.

VAREP AS A CONGRESSIONALLY CHARTERED VSO

We met with Rep. Susie Lee’s (NV) Defense Fellow Sara Harper and Veteran Legislative Aid BO (Bowen) Peard who advised us that the VSO Bill is ready to be introduced into the House of Representatives. Introducing the VSO Bill has been delayed because we are on the hunt for a GOP Co-Lead.

The GOP Co-Lead, Rep. Nancy Mace (NC), who was on board to Co-Introduce the VSO Bill in the 117th Congress pulled her interest to continue in that position in the 118th Congress.

We were advised that Rep. Susie Lee’s (NV) team is in hot in pursuit of a replacement GOP Co-Lead for the VSO Bill. Prospective candidate House Representatives include Rep. Cathy McMorris

Rodgers (OR), Rep. Chip Roy (MD), both contenders, and even stronger GOP contenders yet are Rep. Darrell Issa (CA), and Rep. Michelle Steele (CA).

GETTING LEGISLATION PASSED TAKES A VILLAGE

Over the past many weeks, the NLC, GAD's and Presidents of chapters have headed 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.

Most impressive, is that as of the writing of this article, our Chapter GAD's have held ZOOM calls with nearly 220 members of congress' offices, to include the 22 face-to-face meetings that Lynn & G2 had in Washington DC the week of 7 through 9 February.

VAREP’s LEGISLATIVE INTERESTS IN THE 118TH CONGRESS

CONTINUE TO BE

H. R. 5776 Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act

H.R.7299 - Strengthening VA Cybersecurity Act of 2022 or the SVAC Act of 2022

H.R.8260 - Faster Payments to Veterans’ Survivors Act of 2022

PASSED in the House in the 117th Congress and in the Senate…

S.4646 - Faster Payments to Veterans’ Survivors Act of 2022

Both bills remain STALLED in the reconciliation process and when resolved they will both receive new bill dates, altering the bill number and year to 2023.

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.

2023’s Top 5 App Security Tips

To keep your cellphone free of malicious software and your PII and password secure, take these five mobile security tips with you into the new year.

1. Delete old apps.

The new year is as good a time as any to unload any unnecessary baggage, emotional, literal, or in this case, digital. Go through your phone and delete the apps you haven’t used in the last six months. Make sure to completely delete your account with that app and not just hide it from your homepage. The smaller your digital footprint, the less at risk your PII is of being compromised in a breach.

2. Carefully vet new apps.

Before you download any new app, it’s a good idea to conduct some background research on it. How many detailed reviews does it have? Who is the app developer? A phony app usually reveals itself through its lack of reviews. Consider apps with less than 50 reviews fishy. Skim the reviews for specific details and typos. If it’s lacking in detail but

brimming with typos and grammatical mistakes, it could signal a fake. This research should take about five minutes, so don’t worryit shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience, and that will be time well spent.

3. Stay on top of security news.

Just like it’s a good idea to keep on top of global news, set up news alerts for cybersecurity breaches. If a company falls to a cybercriminal, the alert will give you the valuable time you need to act quickly to either delete your account or change your password.

4. Use unique passwords. For every online account, it is essential to create a unique password or passphrase. That way, if you do get hacked through an app or get tricked by a fake one, you don’t have to worry about cybercriminals using that password to walk into your other accounts. Password managers are an excellent way to keep all your passwords secure and free up your brain space for things other than dozens of passwords.

5. Share as few personal details as possible.

When you sign up for a new app, you can expect to give it a username, a password, and maybe your first name; however, if it has optional fields for your full birthday or your address, consider leaving those blank. The less information the company has about you, the less that can end up in cybercriminals’ hands if the app is breached.

Enjoy Safe Mobile Apps in 2023

The first step to better cyber habits is arming yourself with the knowledge of the threats that are out there. The best advice here is to slow down, observe and think about your next move every time you download a new app. The signs of a fake are usually not difficult to spot. Then, once you’re confident in its legitimacy, limit the amount of PII you share with it. In this digital world we live in, consider everyone susceptible to a breach.

https://www.mcafee.com/blogs/mobile-security/2022s-top-5-app-security-tips/

THE POWER OF VIDEO IN REAL ESTATE:

HOW IT CAN HELP YOU STAND OUT AND GROW YOUR BUSINESS

"VIDEOS PROVIDE A MORE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE THAN PHOTOS."

Real estate is a highly competitive industry, with countless agents vying for the attention of potential clients. In such a crowded market, it is essential to find ways to stand out from the crowd. One of the most effective ways to do this is by incorporating video into your marketing strategy. In this article, we will explore the importance of using video in real estate and how it can help you to increase your sales and grow your business.

First and foremost, videos are a powerful tool for showcasing properties. With video, you can provide potential buyers with a virtual tour of a property, allowing them to get a feel for the space before they ever set foot inside. Videos provide a more immersive experience than photos, allowing viewers to see the layout and flow of a property and get a sense of its size and features. This can save time and money for both the buyer and the seller, as it can help to weed out those who are not interested in a property before they schedule an in-person viewing.

Additionally, videos can help build trust and credibility in potential clients. By showcasing your expertise and knowledge of the local market, you can establish yourself as a trusted advisor and build a rapport with potential clients. Videos help to humanize your brand, allowing potential clients to see the faces behind the business and get a sense of your personality and approach.

Want to increase your reach and exposure? Posting videos is an excellent way to do that. With the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, videos have become more accessible than ever. By creating compelling and shareable videos, you can reach a wider audience and attract more potential clients. Plus, videos improve your your search engine optimization (SEO) by driving more traffic to your website and increasing engagement.

Finally, videos may help clients differentiate between you and your competitors. With so many real estate agents competing for business, it can be challenging to stand out in a crowded market. By incorporating video into your marketing strategy, you can create a unique and memorable brand that sets you apart from your competitors. This alone can attract more clients and close more deals, ultimately leading to increased sales and growth for your business.

In conclusion, videos are a powerful tool for real estate agents looking to increase their sales and grow their business. By showcasing properties, building trust, increasing reach and exposure, and differentiating yourself from your competitors, videos can help you to stand out in a crowded market and attract more clients. As the real estate industry continues to evolve, it is essential to stay ahead of the curve by incorporating video into your marketing strategy.

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

JEFF WILSON NEC Member U.S. Army

SEAN SELTERS NEC Member U.S. Army

NEC UPDATE

The NEC would like to welcome and introduce Diana Molenaar to you. Diana originally joined VAREP with the Treasurer Valley, Idaho Chapter in November 2018 as the Vice President. She has served as the President and Education Director with a passion in education. Diana is excited to support new initiatives to help local Chapters grow and be the GO-TO resource for VA education. When asked why she wanted to be part of the NEC, Diana said she feels this opportunity will allow her to bring her experience and knowledge to the table for a greater impact on military families and the veteran community. She is truly looking forward to the 2023 National Convention.

Mark your calendars for the National Convention Oct. 15-17 in Orlando and get energized! The line-up of new classes including SCRA and Fair Housing, is something you won’t want to miss on Sunday, Oct. 15th. In addition, there will be several break-out sessions and amazing speakers that will invigorate you, so can take your new knowledge and

passion back to your Chapter and share within your local community. The MVHC is in the process of being updated to include the 2023 VA changes, and version 9.0 is slated to be out in April. The addition of VA Assumptions will be included to further educational opportunities.

You may have seen our first VARAP Educational Series with James Heaslet, the Veterans Affairs Chief Appraiser, as our guest speaker. Check the calendar for NEC upcoming VARAP series. This is an incredible opportunity for VAREP and we look forward to hundreds being part of the call. It is wonderful to see the local Chapters increasing the number of lunch and learns along with the MVHC classes being taught across the country. Your time and education are making a difference and empowering one veteran at a time!

NEC appreciates all your dedication and work through the mission. Please reach out if you have any questions, we are all here to help you grow!

Jaimie Garrett, National Education Committee, Chair

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 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?

I wanted to be apart of something larger than myself, larger than a food bank type charity, and related to my career.

What is unique about VAREP?

WHY I’m VAREP

Educating both the real estate community and our veteran clients about options and changes as well as grass roots improvement of policy/laws and charity involvement.

WHY I’m VAREP

What would go undone if VAREP closed tomorrow?

Local education provided to military and veterans. Support local military and veterans experience with special events local chapters have for their community.

#IAMVAREP

What would go undone if VAREP closed tomorrow?

The never ending push to make sure that Veterans are educated on their benefits, and to change legislation to ensure they see those benefits.

What is unique about VAREP?

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

WHY I’m VAREP

Because I care about our veterans and want to give back to them for giving so much to us.

Teaching realtors and real estate professionals to be great in their field for veterans.

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