“If a veteran contacts you, they want to use their VA loan,” he said. “If you try to steer them away because you’re not confident in the product, you’re doing them – and yourself – a disservice.”
The key, he says, is education. “Master your craft. Roll your sleeves up. Learn the product. If you’re in this industry, it’s your job to know how to serve the people who served.”
The ‘extra work’ myth
The belief that VA loans involve more red tape persists, especially among brokers less familiar with them. But in Bloete’s experience, the vast majority of VA loans close as smoothly as any conventional mortgage.
“Most VA loans go off without a hitch. And if something does pop up, it’s usually a $40 fix from Home Depot,” he said. “The idea that they’re too much work is just outdated.”
He does acknowledge that in today’s competitive market, where sellers can choose among multiple offers, VA buyers need a strong strategy. That often means getting clients fully underwritten ahead of time, helping them use assets to strengthen offers, and proactively addressing appraisal concerns.