The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) has taken the lead in helping veterans in the market for homes utilize their VA entitlements.

The WDVA partnered with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC), Washington Association of Realtors and Washington State's First Gentlemen, Mike Gregoire, in signing a memorandum of understanding designed to help veterans.

The signing recently took place at a Housing Finance Commission work session in Seattle.

"This is a great example of a public-private partnership that will help our veterans get better access to the benefits available to them," said Gregoire.

"Our state's extensive network of realtors will help veterans get the homes they want and deserve."

By working with the Washington Realtors and its nearly 19,000 members, the WDVA and WSHFC will expand awareness about the many programs and services available for veterans and their families.

All three organizations will promote the partnership through information sharing on websites, in education seminars and service sites.

WDVA will contact all veterans and families referred to by realtors as well as supply realtors with educational information.

Washington State is home to nearly 700,000 veterans.

The process of helping veterans own their homes is two-fold.

The realtors will advise and introduce resources available to veterans during the home buying process.  In turn, the WSHFC will provide veterans with aid in understanding and qualifying for loans or down payment programs.

Of note is the House Key Veterans Down Payment Assistance program.

"Realtors, who are often veterans themselves, are in every community and have face-to-face contact with clients," noted Bill Riley, Washington Realtor president.

For more information about the memorandum of understanding, visit www.dva.wa.gov/homeloans.html.