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Resources for Veterans

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.

Veteran's Affairs

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!

Info You Need to Know

2025 Illinois Housing Market Forecast

September 18, 2024

The 2024 Illinois housing market proved to be challenging, particularly for home buyers across suburban Chicagoland. Limited inventory and rising mortgage rates caused housing affordability to hit historic lows. Despite this, well-positioned homes remained in high demand, quickly moving off the market, often leaving many buyers feeling frustrated. So, what can we expect for the Illinois housing market in 2025?

Do I Need a REALTOR®?

September 18, 2024

Key Benefits of Working With a REALTOR® for Buyers and Sellers in Chicagoland

Must-Attend Chicagoland Events for Fall and Winter 2024

September 18, 2024

As the seasons change and the days grow shorter in Northern Illinois, it's a wonderful time for area families and homeowners to explore their surroundings. Our region provides a wealth of events and activities that can help you settle into your community, meet new people in the place you call home, and fully embrace the season. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, seasonal festivals, or unique local experiences, Northern Illinois has something to offer. This guide will take you through some of the most exciting Chicagoland events happening this fall and winter, with a specific focus on the best events for new homeowners and those thinking about moving to or within the region.

Resources for Seniors

September 4, 2024

We want to help you buy or sell your home with confidence. As a senior, you may have different questions or needs than you did as a first-time homebuyer. Whether you're searching for senior housing or thinking of working with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, we've got answers to your questions.

Property Rights

September 2, 2024

Know Your Property Rights Navigating homeowner rights can be tricky. And when important issues are muffled under policy jargon, how do you know where to turn? Local REALTOR® associations like Mainstreet are committed to advocating for homeowner rights at local and state levels.

Multi-racial people sitting with arms on shoulders

Fair Housing

August 31, 2024

The Fair Housing Act Do you understand your rights as a homebuyer? At Mainstreet, we’re dedicated to supporting homebuyers, and we’re here to help you navigate your rights. Learn the resources you can turn to if you feel you’ve experienced discrimination during the homebuying process.

Aerial view of Chicagoland area neighborhoods

Illinois Housing Resources

August 30, 2024

Everyone deserves a place to call home, but many of us need a little help to find that home and settle in. From educational materials and workshops to financial assistance, these organizations can help you.

Couple reviewing documents with a REALTOR

Why Choose a Mainstreet REALTOR®

August 29, 2024

A Mainstreet REALTOR® will work with you to make buying or selling a home as easy as possible. They can help you find the home of your dreams and make sure you get the best deal possible. And, it's their job to make sure you're protected and treated fairly during the entire buying or selling process.

6655 Main St., Downers Grove, IL 60516

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