The big interview: More than thanks: Serving veterans means you ‘back it up with action’
Newrez has an internal military and veteran lending certification that is part of onboarding, along with monthly continuing education classes for any team member, Boccher said. It also has a director of VA education and policy, a scenario desk staffed by subject matter experts for originators with tough files, and support for obtaining a borrower’s certificate of eligibility.
“We want you to know the military alphabet. We want you to understand the rank structure. We want you to understand the move cycle and what that is like and why the closing date is not flexible,” Boccher said. “And there’s a period at the end of that sentence. The closing date is not flexible.”
Newrez also gives every military borrower or veteran a challenge coin, whatever the loan product, in person at closing or by mail, she said. A new version of the coin is in the works for 2027.
“The transaction didn’t stop at the closing table; the relationship just begins,” Boccher said. “We’re starting this journey of homeownership with you. It’s not ending.”
Where the money goes
Newrez asked military spouses and veterans to form a council and identify what keeps military families from owning a home, Boccher said. The council settled on five barriers, which are mental health, employment, financial readiness, family readiness, and the move itself.
