Congress is taking steps to make permanent a provision that the Department of Veterans Affairs implemented on a temporary basis last year. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1815, the VA Home Loan Reform Act, by a unanimous voice vote. The act aims to codify the temporary policy, implemented in June 2024, that allows veterans to directly compensate their real estate agents. This will provide certainty and ensure that veterans can continue to participate in the housing market on equal footing with other home buyers. The bill would also create a partial claims program to assist veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments. Professional representation is crucial for veterans to navigate the specific requirements of VA loans. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) strongly supported the legislation in a letter to House leadership, emphasizing that real estate professionals guide veterans through the homebuying process and play an essential role in ensuring that home sellers see and consider a veteran’s offer.
Source: NAR; 5/27/2025