by Rachael Hite | Jul 4, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Housing counselor Rachael Hite says that VA loan holders who are having challenges paying their mortgages are losing a mortgage rescue and restructure plan called VASP.
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In another setback for veterans facing steep mortgage pain, the Veterans Administration has ended its Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program (VASP), a move that may affect tens of thousands of struggling veterans in an already stressed economy. Many veterans who hold a VA loan are disabled, seniors or a combination of both.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2023, there were 8.1 million veterans aged 65 and older in the United States, representing approximately 49 percent of the total veteran population. Additionally, 5.2 million veterans had a service-connected disability, which is roughly 30 percent of all veterans.
So far, VASP estimates that it has helped veterans save about 20,000 homes. The ending of this program comes at a time when analytics firm Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) reports that about 90,000 veterans are behind on their mortgage payments. Of those 90,000, 33,000 are at risk of foreclosure.
Alys Cohen, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, commented, saying:
“The cancellation of the VASP mortgage assistance program for veteran borrowers puts tens of thousands of veterans and their families with VA home loans at great risk of losing their homes,” said “The VA Home Loan Program is a benefit that veterans have earned through service and sacrifice — it is meant to give them housing stability they deserve.”
Why was the program cut?
- Focus on core mission: The VA stated that the decision to end VASP reflects a need to focus on its core mission, which is the VA home loan guaranty. They believe they are not structured to act as a mortgage loan restructuring service.
- Taxpayer money concerns: Some Republicans in Congress have expressed concern that the VASP program put too much taxpayer money at risk, as the VA bought up troubled loans and held them on its own books. They worry about the potential cost of the program, with VA Secretary Doug Collins stating it would cost “multiple billions of dollars” going forward.
The VA did say they are committed to helping veterans with their mortgage issues, but only offered details of the “Wind Down” in a somewhat complex release in April.
What actions can you take?
Here’s what veterans should do now: If you’re in VASP, keep up with your loan servicer. If not, explore alternatives, such as repayment plans, forbearance or loan modification. And don’t wait: Foreclosure rates are rising, especially among VA‑backed home loans.
Contact the foreclosure attorney and your local representatives to see if they can help delay or postpone the foreclosure on your behalf.
Hot tip: We have linked the “buyers” guide from the VA for research for agents. Make sure that your new clients or return VA clients are working with a trusted VA mortgage provider to help navigate through the process so that they have the best experience possible.
Resources you need:
On a personal advocacy level, you can reach out to your state and federal representatives to let them know how this impacts homeownership and the lives of our veterans, as well as your commitment, as a Realtor, to helping individuals become and stay homeowners.
Rachael Hite is a seasoned housing counselor and thought leader in the real estate industry. Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
by Rachael Hite | Jul 3, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Regroup and rebuild a real estate team that’s gone off the rails with content and advice from trainer Rachael Hite.
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Tool Kit is a recurring column on Inman that pulls together resources for agents who want to dive deeper on specific subjects or team leaders and brokers looking for educational content on timely topics for trainings.
Making moves, maintaining talent and building culture are some of the biggest challenges brokers and sales managers will always struggle with in our industry.
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Why? Let’s say the industry tends to attract some of the best and brightest individuals that you will ever meet. However, we are all human, and the logistics of even the simplest real estate transactions require smooth practices to reach the closing table.
What’s a broker or team leader to do when the team is falling apart, burned out, has left for a competitor or worse, is in the office every day complaining they have no business? Let’s break down three best practices that will help your Bad News Bears evolve into Mighty Ducks with transactions all in a row.
Set the expectation and be the example
Brokers and team leaders need to model the behavior and expectations they want their team to follow. This means showing your team how you work, being clear about what your standards are and taking pride and passion in what you do.
Often, one of the first areas that is the easiest to fix when rebuilding your team has nothing to do with replenishing talent. It’s setting the expectation of what you want to see if you are not seeing it.
Clean your office, organize your files, and conduct client meetings with your door open so that your team can observe how you work, how frequently you work and how you interact with clients.
Ensure the office maintains a calm and productive vibe so that clients feel welcome, and agents who are working don’t have to worry about what their coworkers are saying in the background.
At every team meeting, have a teaching moment. Give an example of what you would like to see improved. If team members are doing better, acknowledge it.
Further reading
Stop the nonsense
Suppose your team or members at your brokerage are tied up in petty arguments, gossip, drama, etc. Put an end to it. Great leaders listen and then take action. You don’t have to be everyone’s friend, but you do have to let team members know that nonsense will not be tolerated, or they will be asked to leave.
Why do teams fall apart? Usually, it’s because someone feels left out, underappreciated or annoyed by another member who has a terrible habit and gets away with it.
The biggest reason? Leadership fails to maintain a standard that is fair and easy to understand.
If the entire team is working to have an A+ experience for consumers and their personal lives, that is where the magic happens. If you have team members who are providing C- or D-level results, it pulls down the rest of the team.
Brokers and team leaders must be unwavering in their commitment to quality control for consumers. If they are not, they are essentially sending unchecked experiences into the market, with potentially catastrophic results.
Further reading
Fire and hire with intention
It’s not unreasonable, especially in a commission-driven industry, to set expectations for those who work underneath your brand and your license. This is your reputation.
Leaders have two choices: They can collect franchise fees and their cut of commissions and be a revolving door for untrained professionals to keep the “lights on,” or they can be the brokerage or team that has a strong connected presence in the community. With the latter, top talent know that when they come into work, they have a team they can be proud of and brag about.
Don’t be afraid to let go of those who create more work than they do wins for your team. Hire for passion. Hire with your clear expectations in mind. Don’t gamble on talent.
If you’re not bragging about how incredible your team is, there’s an issue, especially heading into the uncertain winter of 2026.
Further reading
Ins and wins
Rebuilding a team is one of the most challenging tasks that brokers and team leaders must manage. The pipeline always needs to be filled, and agents and office staff are busy and overwhelmed.
Lead conversion and customer management take more touches and attention than ever before. Loyalty? Most brokers and team leaders would settle for folks who don’t argue during meetings and constantly complain that they need more leads.
Be an example. Be what you want your team to be. Manifest positive change, and be honest about the changes you want to see. Authenticity is inspiring, and it’s never too late to rebuild, revivify and start again. Focus on the ins and wins, and the rest will begin to come together.
Rachael Hite is a seasoned housing counselor and thought leader in the real estate industry. Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
by Rachael Hite | Jun 15, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
One of the things I most admire about the real estate industry is how many hard-working dads are not only coaching their real estate teams to success, but then they roll out of the parking lot and head to the ballfield to help out their kids and the kids in their community as well.
The spirit of community is alive and well in the real estate industry. This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate and recognize the Dads doing the most and appreciate the laughter and love they bring to their offices, homes, and communities.
What Dads really want this year
Here are three things that Dads really want this Father’s Day weekend.
1. They want room to step away from stereotypes without the fear of social criticism
I cannot tell you how many men I have spoken to recently who feel like being a man, a father, a business professional, a son and a friend is extremely challenging right now. They think that no matter what path they choose, they feel like someone is ready to argue with them and tell them they are wrong.
They feel conflicted and frustrated that, even if they exhibit good behaviors and habits, it’s overshadowed by the bad that lesser men inflict on society every day.
Don’t just praise men for doing the bare minimum; praise them when they are doing the hard work of managing their emotions without anger, managing the office with attention to detail and consideration for others, and above all, give them space to be soft and kind without derogatory comments.
Masculinity is under the microscope, and it’s been turned into a political weapon that does not favor men or women. It fosters power, oppression and closed-mindedness.
Men are encouraged and praised for choosing violent hobbies and interests, but not commended for sharing equal labor in the home and when raising children. Men are often praised for titles, financial gains and awards, but they are not often commended for compassion, kindness and adopting non-violent practices as part of child rearing and interacting with society.
Men deserve to eliminate the phrase: “Just wait until your father gets home,” and replace it with the phrase “Your Dad will want to talk to you and spend time with you when you get home because your relationship is important to him.”
2. Dads deserve a chance to break away from ‘tradition’ and build new legacies
There was a powerful scene in one of my favorite new shows, The Last of Us, where a young Joel sits with his father at the kitchen table and has a beer with him as they discuss a serious family issue. The father, in a rare show of emotional openness, explains that despite his parental failings, he knows he is doing better for his sons than his father did for him.
Look, friends, therapy is cool, and I think everyone should try it at least once because we all carry issues that need to be resolved. Having a space to talk about these issues should not be seen as weakness. Men shouldn’t be seen as a “lesser man” because they admit they need help or that they went through some trauma. It’s about taking action so you don’t pass it on to your wife, kids, friends or coworkers.
June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Dads need support. We all need support. Life is incredibly challenging, and we shouldn’t be afraid to discuss it. Currently, men outnumber women in suicide rates, and the risk increases if they have had personal trauma or are veterans.
Break away from traditional expectations of what you think a father should be, and become the Dad you want to be. Dads need room to do it their way and build a better future, instead of just masking their problems.
3. Dads need to think about fitness and health, without having pressure to become a bodybuilder
Trying to make time for the gym is rough, and as a woman, going into the gym can sometimes be very intimidating. However, I actually feel worse for the men in there, putting on some strange caveman show for each other. Who has the biggest arms, can press the most weight, can run the fastest, can jump around and yell the loudest?
It doesn’t make for a calm and peaceful experience, and if you are mentally worn out or overweight, it’s hard to immediately jump into that mindset and not feel like it’s a punishment. I’m all for encouraging fitness, providing help and maintaining accountability with friends, but most of the time, what I see is men pushing themselves too far for the sake of showing off to random people around them.
Dads need to know that they can be healthy without being “sexy,” it’s OK to have a “dad bod,” and they can go to the gym and play sports without blowing out knees, shoulders and whatever else joints they haphazardly ruin while trying to keep up with the show.
Dads, please go on a family walk, and eat something healthy once in a while, so you don’t develop heart issues, diabetes and mobility issues. Dads need to be OK with self-care, so they can be here longer for us and be stronger for us in the long run.
Grateful for Dad jokes
I’m so grateful for the great dads I know, especially those who excel at telling terrible dad jokes and giving hugs. A dad who knows how to bring laughter into sad situations, who gives good hugs, who can be a best friend when you need to work on a serious project and who is the best listener when you need help.
Those are the Dads we need more of in today’s challenging world. Dads need room to show love and to be soft as well as firm. Happy Father’s Day to all the special men and Dads in the real estate industry who are raising the bar and making a difference.
Cheers to those who support them, and may we raise a new generation of Dads who are part of the solution as they bring more compassion and kindness into this world.
Rachael Hite is a seasoned housing counselor and thought leader in the real estate industry. Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
by Rachael Hite | Jun 5, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
I’m exercising my freedom of speech by writing about the National Association of Realtors’ insistence that their review of potentially changing the Realtor Code of Ethics, which passed intact through committee in preparation for a vote Thursday, is less about Trump’s presidential policy against DEI and more about a drop in revenue, membership and potential future legal battles.
Because let’s be real, that is what’s being pushed back on here. Privileged agents want an exception, a free pass, a Get Out of Jail Free card to do what they want to do, without suffering professional consequences.
NAR wants membership dues to cover its debts, and also wants to ensure that it’s not responsible for the actions of agents under the brand, as it can no longer afford the risk of carrying such a low professional threshold for licensing and poor training, and the results that it produces.
To increase membership numbers, NAR needs to make it more appealing to be a Realtor. And who wants to be a Realtor and pay dues if there are so many rules to follow? Sales is hard enough; let’s remove some barriers and get things cranking like it was 2006 and sell, sell, sell. Who cares about how it’s done? We need to get this train back on track.
The message is that NAR is willing to change its beliefs on DEI because the current state of membership is so chaotic and filled with liability that it’s willing to compromise its Code of Ethics to stay in business.
So, the trade group will continue to offer Code of Ethics training, but perhaps now, it will look the other way and not enforce it. What is the end goal here?
Past is prelude
In 2000, NAR was focused on many of the issues that remain in the spotlight today: fair housing, affordability and affiliated business agreements to ensure consumers had transparency in pricing and who was profiting, laying the groundwork for the founding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Essentially, NAR was focused on protecting the interests of the consumers because unfair business practices and happenings were still rampant in the industry.
Since 2000, NAR has failed to address many of the problems it set out to resolve over the past 25 years. Fair housing and fair appraisals remain issues, and transparent commissions continue to be a concern, sparking daily heated arguments. Now, thanks to a series of lawsuits, the public trusts real estate agents less than ever before.
The CFPB is under attack by the current administration, and to make things even more fun, additions to the Code of Ethics that were made during the pandemic to protect consumers, along with DEI and other serious issues, are under the lens because some Realtors feel that their freedom of speech is being violated if they face professional and financial penalties from grievances filed against them under 10-5.
Thoughts and prayers for those against 10-5
I’ve prayed more than I ever have in my whole life recently, and I’ve had a tough road with religion from childhood. My frustration is that this world is a very broken and scary place.
So many people do not have a “fair” or “equal” chance; the playing field is not the same for everyone, and we all don’t have the same tools or skills or even opportunities given to us based on where we grew up, who raised us, physical health, mental health, and modern culture and politics.
I pray for the folks who use their religion as a weapon and an excuse to judge, hurt or oppress marginalized groups and the less fortunate, and that their ignorance or delusion is creating a world that is even less welcoming for current and future children.
I pray for people who are considering suicide because they do not feel welcome in this world, that they find the strength to stay, and someone who helps them understand that their worth has nothing to do with money, status, who they love or what gender they are.
I pray mostly for empathy and compassion, and especially for those in privileged positions who can help others achieve success. I pray for people to worry about their own lives and stop worrying about how others choose to live. I hope that something in the universe teaches them that diversity is what makes our communities stronger.
However, here’s the thing about thoughts and prayers: They don’t accomplish anything without action. I call my reps, I speak out against hate, and I insist on holding people accountable when they are contributing to the problem and not the solution.
That’s what 10-5 is about. It’s a ribbon of protection for consumers, and some guardrails for maintaining the Realtor brand and upholding the pledge of the Golden Rule. When NAR stepped up and created 10-5, it was because it needed to demonstrate to consumers that Realtors care and would not tolerate discrimination. NAR took action.
If the Code of Ethics doesn’t align with your personal beliefs and religious beliefs, then perhaps you should not be working with the public.
If you struggle to explain how you get paid, why you get paid, and what you charge for your work, then you may not be suited for sales with consumers. It’s just that simple. It’s not an if-then scenario when you work with the public.
The public has the right to know if you are engaging in activities on your personal time that would make them feel unsafe, discriminated against or that you don’t have their best interests at heart. They should be able to research you and know not to work with you.
Finally, even if 10-5 is changed or removed, consumers still have the right to file a grievance against you at any time for multiple reasons. If you are behaving in a way that raises questions, you will likely still be called before your governing board to explain what you were doing to warrant the call or grievance.
That’s what democracy is about. You have the total freedom to participate in and say whatever you want, but the public and the Realtor brand do not have to sit next to you while you do it, nor agree with your agenda.
Rachael Hite is a seasoned housing counselor and thought leader in the real estate industry. Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
by Rachael Hite | May 23, 2025 | Industry, News Feed
Bigger. Better. Bolder. Inman Connect is heading to San Diego. Join thousands of real estate pros, connect with the Inman Community, and gain insights from hundreds of leading minds shaping the industry. If you’re ready to grow your business and invest in yourself, this is where you need to be. Go BIG in San Diego!
In a push to reverse declining birthrates that sounds suspiciously like The Handmaid’s Tale, the current presidential administration, backed by advocates including JD Vance and Elon Musk, are promoting policies designed to “help or convince women to have more babies,” according to recent reporting in The New York Times.
It’s no secret that the current administration loves to talk about women, babies and how “great” everything will be for women in the near(?) future. But the reality is that moms and potential moms can’t house, support, feed and educate their families on enthusiasm alone.
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There is big business in “Momopoly.” Having children impacts every aspect of our current and future economy. Credit Karma released an estimate in April based on original projections by the Department of Agriculture, showing that if a family were to have a child in 2025, it would cost $318,949 to raise the child to 18. This means a family would need an additional $18,761 a year of income to raise a child comfortably.
Let’s break down the incentives offered and what moms need to help make this new “baby boom” happen.
A house with a picket fence and good schools
In this economy, finding your dream home is unrealistic for most Americans living paycheck to paycheck, who cannot find sufficient affordable housing.
JP Morgan released its housing outlook in February, and it cited several issues that real estate agents are very familiar with: high interest rates, new construction that has been underbuilt against the demand, not enough multifamily housing options, and fewer people moving because they are “rate locked.”
For kicks and giggles, I used the Living Wage Calculator to estimate the household income that we would need to raise a family of four in our rural suburban town, about 60 minutes outside of Washington, D.C.
Finding a modest three-bedroom, two-bath home is a challenge. Even a small home would likely cost over $300,000. This recently listed home is just over 1,000 square feet and will likely be under contract in days.
To qualify for a conventional mortgage, either one or both working adults would need to have an income of over $100,000 and a hefty down payment.
This means that one or both adults need to be working in middle to manager-level jobs in our area to have the income even to come close to supporting the purchase of this modest home.
I’m a rich girl, but this has gone too far
On average, managers in Winchester, Virginia, make around $124,000, but the reality is that we all cannot be managers. Factor in how much child care is (and the waiting lists) in our area, so we can work to pay the mortgage, or my household would have to make the hard call of who would have to stay home with the kids.
A popular blog called MyKidReports.com estimates that infant child care in my area for five days a week could cost the following:
Full-day rates for infant daycare in Virginia
- For 5 days per week: $1,000-$2,000 per month
- For 3 days per week: the range is $600-$1,200 per month
- For 2 days per week: the range is $400-$800 per month.
Full-day rates for toddler daycare in Virginia
- For 5 half-days: per week $1,000-$1,500 per month
- For 3 half-days: per week $600-$900 per month
- For 2 half-days: per week $400-$600 per month
Full-day rates for preschool in Virginia
- For 5 days per week: $2,000-$3,000 per month
- For 3 days per week: $1,500-$2,250 per month
- For 2 days per week: $1,000-$1,500 per month
Full-day rates for Pre-K in Virginia
- For 5 days per week: $400-$1,000 per month
- For 3 days per week: $240-$600 per month
- For 2 days per week: $160-$400 per month
The incentives being offered
I know many women are asking if there was even a woman in the room when these incentives, developed by the Trump administration to solve America’s slowing birth rates, were being floated around the room before being released to the press.
Incentives like classes on women’s anatomy and natural conception practices, a $5,000 baby bonus, expanding IVF access (which is now in conflict with many states’ current abortion laws) and the potential of earning a medal for having six or more children are not only tone deaf, but essentially useless to American women who are interested in expanding their families.
What the hell are we talking about here?
The March of Dimes currently rates American health care services for baby and maternal health care in the U.S. with a D+ rating. Not only is having a baby costly in terms of health costs associated with pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care, but the average total is $18,865, and the average out-of-pocket payments total $2,854 for women enrolled in large group plans.
Childbirth is dangerous, and many women have no paid maternity leave to recover from childbirth.
I know many women who would love to have more children, but friends, as I have pointed out before, the math isn’t mathing.
So what incentives would make sense?
This isn’t rocket science; women have been asking for these incentives for decades, but policymakers continuously try to come up with everything but what American families need for success.
- Building and offering affordable housing with tax incentives
- Paid maternity leave
- Affordable health and maternity care services that are safe and based on science
- Affordable childcare
- Flexible work week and remote work options to support busy families
- Affordable before-and-after-school childcare and summer camp options for school-age children
All moms deserve a medal
If you have ever battled the parent drop-off line, been vomited on multiple times, answered the dreaded what’s-for-dinner question, and sat on the sidelines freezing as you watch the kiddo run up and down the field, you deserve a medal.
For working moms, especially those trying to figure out how to get to work on time, have childcare and still be everything to everyone, the mom’s job is not easy, but the rewards are so very special.
Real talk: If America wants more moms, our country needs to make women feel safe, welcome and heard.
We need safe schools so we don’t have nightmares about sending our babies into a mass shooting.
We need affordable housing so we can avoid living in poverty as we try to make ends meet and have enough room to grow.
We need to make adoption more accessible and affordable so the children who are already here in foster care have more opportunities for a better life.
We must treat existing humans better and improve the quality of life here.
More babies? Better policy and programs first. That’s the real incentive that women need.
Rachael Hite is a seasoned housing counselor and thought leader in the real estate industry. Connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
This post was originally published on this site
