New York veterans agency to host VA home loan webinar Nov. 17

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will hold a free virtual “Veterans Mean Business” event on Nov. 17 to explain VA home loan benefits for veterans, service members, military families and real estate professionals. The session is designed to clear up common misconceptions and help eligible buyers navigate homeownership.

Why it matters: - The VA home loan benefit can make homeownership more accessible for eligible veterans, service members and military families. - The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services says the event is meant to turn earned benefits into practical housing opportunities. - Real estate professionals who understand VA financing can help make the homebuying process smoother for military families.

What happened: - The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will host a free virtual Chat & Chew session, “Veterans Mean Business! A Primer for Real Estate Professionals, Veterans, Service Members & Military Families,” on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - The event is part of Veterans Month programming. - Registration is open now through the Webex registration page.

The details: - The discussion will focus on VA home loan benefits. - The session will address common misconceptions about the benefit. - The goal is to give eligible homebuyers practical guidance for navigating the path to homeownership. - Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen, New York State Department of Veterans’ Services commissioner and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said Veterans Month is about ensuring those who served can fully access the opportunities and benefits they have earned. - Dr. DeCohen said homeownership can provide stability, financial security and a lasting foundation for military families. - Dr. Lessie Branch, DVS special assistant for community engagement and a U.S. Navy veteran, will moderate the event. - The panel will include Michelle Viola-Straight, executive director of military home loan benefits at ClearPath Mortgage Solutions. - The panel will also include Leslie Curry, mortgage sales manager and assistant vice president at Home Mortgage, Citizens. - Branch said the Chat & Chew series is meant to create a welcoming space where veterans and military families can ask questions, connect with trusted professionals and get practical information. - Branch said the conversation is also an opportunity to strengthen understanding among real estate professionals. - Viola-Straight said the VA home loan benefit is one of the most valuable financial tools available to eligible veterans and service members. - Viola-Straight said misunderstandings can prevent people from using the benefit fully. - Curry said real estate professionals play an essential role in helping military families reach homeownership goals. - Curry said better understanding of VA financing can lead to a smoother, more informed homebuying experience.

Between the lines: - The event is aimed at both potential homebuyers and the professionals who guide them. - The department is using a consumer-education format to reduce confusion around a benefit that can affect affordability and access to housing. - The emphasis on real estate professionals suggests the agency sees misinformation as a barrier not just for buyers, but across the transaction process.

What's next: - The event will take place virtually on Webex on Nov. 17, 2026. - Veterans, service members, military families and real estate professionals can register for free before the session begins. - New Yorkers who need benefits help can contact the department at 888-838-7697 or visit veterans.ny.gov to meet with an accredited Veterans Benefits Advisor. - The department also directs people to its social channels on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky and YouTube.