The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is pleased to announce the creation of a new position aimed at improving service and business partnerships for the Oregon Veteran Home Loan Program. The new position of business development representative will work to build and support relationships with mortgage loan operators throughout Oregon and southwest Washington to offer the Oregon Veteran Home Loan to qualified veteran borrowers purchasing real property in the state of Oregon. Charity Knight, an ODVA loan coordinator for the past three years, will serve as the agency’s new business development representative. The Home Loan Program is ODVA’s longest-running and signature service. Established by the Legislature at the founding of ODVA in 1945 the program was created to provide home and farm loans to returning World War II veterans. “ODVA is excited to strengthen our signature Home Loan Program through the creation of this new position of business development representative,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “Purchasing a house is one of the most important decisions someone can make. At ODVA, we are grateful to have had the opportunity to help hundreds of thousands of Oregon veterans navigate this process, and our friendly and knowledgeable staff looks forward to continuing this good work for another 75 years — AND more.” Knight said she has a strong desire to partner with lenders and brokers to grow their business — and a passion for helping veterans navigate the homeownership process. “I’m really looking forward to representing ODVA in the communities where everyone works and lives,” Knight said. “My experience and passion for mortgage lending make me exceptional at building relationships and I’m excited to expand our footprint to serve more veterans.” Mortgage loan originators interested in broadening their product offerings for veterans may contact Knight directly at 503-373-2005 or charity.knight@odva.oregon.gov. Oregon is one of only five states that offers a veteran home loan program — which is separate and distinct from the federal VA Home Loan Guaranty. ODVA has lent approximately $8 billion in low-interest home loans more than 334,000 veterans since 1945. Currently, ODVA’s Home Loan Program offers eligible veterans fixed-rate financing for the purchase of an owner-occupied, single-family residence up to the Fannie Mae limit, which has been set at $548,250 for 2021. The program does not offer refinancing options. The Oregon Veteran Home Loan Program is a lifetime benefit and may be used up to four times. For more information about the Oregon Veteran Home Loan Program, visit www.orvethomeloans.com.
