Veterans and Active Military

Resources for Veterans and Active Military

Whether you're currently serving our country or have served, we want to make finding your next home a simple and rewarding process. From finding a Mainstreet REALTOR® to applying for home loans, these local and national resources will help you buy and maintain the home of your dreams.

Military Relocation Professional

Mainstreet REALTORS® with the Military Relocation Professional certification (MRP) are trained in helping current service members and veterans find their ideal homes. Before you begin your home search, find an MRP to help you. These Mainstreet REALTORS® understand your needs and can help you access your benefits.

Accessing VA Loans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Home Loan Program assists veterans and active military members and their families in purchasing and maintaining homes. These loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies. Because the VA guarantees to cover part of the loan, these lenders can offer you more favorable terms.

  • Purchase Loans help you purchase a home at a competitive interest rate, often without requiring a down payment or private mortgage insurance.
  • An Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) can help you obtain a lower interest rate by refinancing your existing VA loan.
  • The Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program helps eligible Native American veterans finance the purchase, construction or improvement of homes on Federal Trust Land, or help reduce the interest rate of a VA loan.
  • Adapted Housing Grants help veterans with disabilities purchase or build adapted homes or modify their existing homes.

Lean more about eligibility requirements for these loans here.

Home Financing for Veterans

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs offers mortgage assistance and resources for veterans experiencing a difficult mortgage payment.

 

Property Tax Exemptions

In Illinois, veterans qualify for a number of property tax exemptions.

  • The Returning Veterans' Homestead Exemption provides qualifying veterans a one-time $5,000 reduction to their homes' equalized assessed value.
  • The Disabled Veterans' Standard Homestead Exemption offers a $2,500-5,000 homestead exemption for disabled veterans. This exemption also applies to a veteran's spouse. Spouses of service members killed in the line of duty are also exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence.

To see if you qualify for these exemptions and apply, contact your local county assessor's office:

Veterans' Homes

Veterans’ homes offer long-term care for eligible veterans and their spouses. If you move into one of these communities, you’ll live alongside others who have served. Illinois has four, located in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. Learn about your eligibility and your options here.

For other questions about buying or selling a home as a veteran or active service member, contact your nearest Veteran Service Officer.

Good luck on your house hunt, and thank you for your service!