Advanced VA Strategies
How Veterans Can Maximize Their Home Loan Benefits
VAREP East Bay Chapter
Veteran Housing Tuesday — Week 3
Pat Onquit · Darren Pomponio · Christina Tovera · Luis Renteria
Brought to You By VAREP East Bay
Meet Your VAREP East Bay Leadership Team
Serving Veterans Through Education and Advocacy
Pat Onquit
President
Darren Pomponio
Vice President
Christina Tovera
Secretary
Luis Renteria
Education Director
Today's Roadmap
The Biggest VA Loan Myth
MYTH
"You Can Only Use Your VA Loan Once."
Most veterans believe their benefit is a one-time use.
FACT
Many Veterans Use Their VA Benefit Multiple Times
Throughout their lives — at every stage of their housing journey.
Your VA Loan Benefit Can Be Reused
Sell & Restore
Sell your home and restore full entitlement
Pay Off & Keep
Pay off the loan and retain the property
PCS Relocation
Use remaining entitlement at new duty station
Multiple Purchases
Multiple VA purchases throughout a career
You May Still Have Buying Power
First Home
$350,000 VA-financed property
Second Purchase
$700,000 using remaining entitlement
The Hidden Opportunity Few Buyers Understand
VA Assumptions
What Is a VA Assumption?
A buyer takes over the seller's existing VA loan — including the original interest rate.
Low-Rate Opportunity
Lock in historically low rates from prior years — even as market rates rise.
Risks & Benefits
Seller's entitlement remains tied until buyer substitutes their own entitlement.
Build Wealth While Living In The Property
Multi-Unit Properties
Let Your Property Help Pay The Mortgage
House Hacking For Veterans
Benefits Many Veterans Don't Know Exist
Disabled Veteran Benefits
Funding Fee Exemption
Disabled veterans are exempt from the VA funding fee
Property Tax Exemptions
State-level property tax reductions or full exemptions
Adaptive Housing Grants
SAH and SHA grants for home modifications
State-Specific Benefits
Additional programs vary by state — often untapped
Special Housing Programs
HUD-VASH and other targeted veteran housing programs
Case Study #1: The PCS Move Strategy
01
Buy First Home
VA loan — zero down, primary residence
02
Receive PCS Orders
Relocation to new duty station
03
Convert to Rental
Original home generates rental income
04
Buy Second Home
Remaining entitlement funds new primary
Case Study #2: The House Hack Strategy
Case Study #3: The Assumption Opportunity
$1,096
Monthly Savings
By assuming a 2.75% VA loan instead of financing at today's market rate.
Buyer assumes a 2.75% VA loan → Avoids today's higher interest rates → Creates significant monthly savings
Advanced VA Strategies Create Opportunity
Key Takeaways
Your VA Benefit Can Often Be Reused
Sell, restore, or leverage remaining entitlement
Remaining Entitlement May Allow Another Purchase
Even while holding an existing VA loan
Assumptions Create Tremendous Value
Lock in low rates and save thousands monthly
Multi-Unit Properties Build Wealth
Let tenants help pay your mortgage
Knowledge Creates Opportunity
Disabled veterans may qualify for significant additional savings
Live Q&A — Ask Your Questions
VAREP East Bay Chapter
Pat Onquit · Darren Pomponio · Christina Tovera · Luis Renteria
Helping Veterans Build Wealth Through Homeownership, Education, and Advocacy.
Brought to You By VAREP East Bay