Va Home Loans

[bobbyq]

Got this from a friend of mine (I won't post her name) and I was, I guess dumbfounded that she had that problem. I go to the Phx Regional and some things are lacking but you decide:

Dear Mr. Josh Bernstein,

I am writing to you about an incident that happened to me yesterday, Friday January 17, 2009:

I am a disabled American veteran. I want to buy and house and need to use my VA benefits for a home loan. I have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) but was advised that (due to an incident in 2004) I qualify ONLY for homes priced in excess of $144,000. That was fine because the home on which I placed a bid (on a Friday and was told the following Monday that it had ALREADY closed) had already "closed." Fortunately, I had a back up choice, only problem, my second choice is listed at a price less than $144,000. So, I thought I'd ask my congressman, Mr. Shadegg, for help—to get a waiver.

When I went to Congressman Shadegg's office I was told by the Congressional Aide that I needed to first ask the VA Regional Office (VARO) for a waiver, then for Congressman Shadegg to facilitate/accelerate my request. I headed straight to the VARO and registered at the desk--specifying my request for a waiver (to use my VA home loan to purchase a home priced LESS than $144,000). The home loan officer who responded to my inquiry was Mr. Greenhause, who told me that I was not eligible for a VA home loan (because of a foreclosure that took place in 2004). When I responded that I had in my possession a COE dated this past November which clearly states that I AM eligible--he and I then engaged in a disagreement. (There is history between Mr. Greenhause and me. I fully believe that he had a part/hand in my losing my home to foreclosure in 2004.) He demanded to see my COE and became visibly perturbed and upset once he saw that it was valid. He then told me that he was going to "consult" with another home loan officer and I told him that I wanted to speak to someone else, because 'I didn't trust him (Mr. Greenhause)."

One minute later Mr. Greenhause returned with VARO security and he told me that I "had to leave the building." I stood up and asked "why" I had to leave the building. Mr. Greenhause told me that I 'had an illegitimate COE' and had 'no business being in the VARO.' I responded by raising my voice (so that the building cameras and people present could witness) saying that I am an American citizen and a veteran and wanted to know why (because I AM a citizen and veteran) I 'had no business' in the VARO and had to leave the building? I then turned to the security guard and asked him why I was being evicted from the building. Their response was again that I had no business in the building and would have to leave. I responded that I would not leave and instead I was going to file a formal complaint that I had been asked to leave.

I was feeling incredulous. I do not know how I managed to keep as clear a head as I did. I just could not believe that Mr. Greenhause had such gall, such audaciousness to try to do such a thing.

I then went to the front desk and asked for a complaint form to file a formal complaint. (All the while I spoke in a volume one or two notches higher than normal so that the cameras and witnesses could hear.) As I wrote my complaint Mr. Greenhause and the security guard stood behind me—looming—with the intent of escorting me out of the building. When I finished writing my complaint I asked to have it date stamped and for two copies. I then headed down the hall to go to the Disabled Veterans (DAV) office to talk to a VSO (Veteran Service Officer). Mr. Greenhause had "disappeared" by then. The security guard told me that I must leave and could not go down the hall. I told him that I WOULD go down the hall (that I had business) and was going to see my VSO. The senior guard told the other guard to 'leave me alone' and let me go.

I was going to see the DAV VSO but was stopped by a black woman who told me that the DAV office was closed and that I couldn't see anyone. So I went into the American Legion office and spoke to a VSO there. I explained what had happened and he responded that they, the VSOs, only work with/help with disability claims and could not help me with Mr. Greenhause trying to have me evicted from the VARO. He said that he WOULD escort me to the RO to ensure proper delivery and filing of my "formal complaint." As we left the VSO's office the security guard, who had followed me and had been waiting outside the VSO's office, followed us (at a distance). As we walked past the security guard desk (on the way to the RO front desk, they hailed the VSO escorting me, indicating that I was to leave the building—he told them that he was escorting me to the RO office desk and would talk with them later. We then specifically requested and ensured, of the receptionist at the RO front desk, that my complaint would be forwarded to the VARO Inspector General. I left the building under full security guard scrutiny.

I drove straight back to Congressman Shadegg's office to report to the veteran's congressional aide what had transpired: Mr. Greenhause had attempted to have me evicted from the Veterans Administration Regional Office building. The Aide advised me that there was nothing she could do about (a civil behaving disabled American Veteran being evicted from a federal building purposed to serve American veterans) the horrendous and stunningly unbelievable (attempted) eviction—because it was a legal matter and that they (congressmen) could no longer become involved once a matter involves the police. However, she said that they would pursue my original request, for a waiver with my COE.

Mr. Greenhause had alleged that I do/did not qualify for a COE (because of my past foreclosure). However, I am in possession of TWO COEs, issued by two different home loan officers out of the Phoenix VARO both of which certify that I am indeed qualified. Both COEs have been issued within the past few months.

Mr. Bernstein. I do not know whether you can or will help me in this matter or investigate any of these events. However, if you are so inclined, the issues at play here are the following…

--- In 2004 I lost my home to foreclosure under some suspicious circumstances and I believe that Mr. Greenhause was party to/had a hand in the transactions leading to/resulting in/causing the culmination of this loss. In fact, during our conversation today, he let slip a, possibly damning, comment that supports my supposition: that '…he (Mr. Greenhause) could not help that he was out sick—or that someone had placed the paperwork on the wrong desk…" in 2004 when I tried to summon help to avoid/work out an arrangement/circumvent foreclosure. (The foreclosure and following eviction from my home resulted my becoming a homeless veteran.)

--- I am in possession of two Certificates of Eligibility (COE) written by two different VA home loan specialists (one, a senior loan officer, who told me that had 20 years of experience working at the Phx VARO) both dated within the past three months certifying that I do qualify for a VA home loan.

--- Mr. Greenhause attempted to have me, a civilly behaving, disabled American veteran, evicted, thrown out of, escorted out of the Veterans Administration Regional Office building by security—for no other reason than that, as he stated, 'I am in possession of an illegitimate COE' and 'have no business being in the VARO."

Thank you for reviewing my complaint. Please advise me on other possible venues for reporting/complaining about my treatment.

[jbasser]

Sounds like a former member here at Hadit.

I hate to see anyone lose a home. I also hate to see someone get tossed from a RO. This goes to show you had better keep your cool or they will bring in Starsky and Hutch and show you the door.

This Vet should file a complaint but I doubt it will get anywhere.

J

[purple]

What????????

[rentalguy1]

Q: My prior VA loan was assumed, the assumer defaulted on the loan, and VA paid a claim to the lender. VA said it wasn’t my fault and waived the debt. Now I need a new VA loan but I am told that my used eligibility can not be restored. Why?

Or,

Q: My prior loan was foreclosed on, or I gave a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or the VA paid a compromise (partial) claim. Although I was released from liability on the loan and/or the debt was waived, I am told that I cannot have my used eligibility restored. Why?

A: In either case, although the veteran’s debt was waived by VA, the Government still suffered a loss on the loan. The law does not permit the used portion of the veteran’s eligibility to be restored until the loss has been repaid in full.

[Ricky]

I think maybe your friend is confused. First it has never happened that the VA required you to purchase a home more than xxxx amount of dollars.

Now the lender may have told him/her that he could only purchase a home that is less than 144,000.00 which would mean that his current VA guarantee is around 28,800.00. Considering that today's limits are around 60,000.00 to 66,000.00 that is quite a bit and probably means that he owes the govt approx 37,000.00 (just an example as there is no way to tell how much of his original prior to 2004 entitlement he/she used).

At any rate he/she can use any unused portion of their VA guarantee, if any remains. However they must repay any loss suffered by the govt due to a VA home loan guarantee.

That's just the way the ball bounces. I think the claims that the VA Home Loan officer is responsible for the foreclosure is way out in left field. First, I never heard of the govt, especially the VA doing anything that would result in them paying out money. Second, if a vet really tries to work with the home loan guys at the VA it is kind of hard to lose your home. Well not hard to lose it but they will assist you quite a bit in working with your lender to keep the home. They always have and continue to do so.

[Tbird]

your comment "I was going to see the DAV VSO but was stopped by a black woman who told me that the DAV office was closed and that I couldn't see anyone", now what difference does it make that it was a black woman? no difference, i'd say, so why categorize folks, it just adds more division between us. imho

Got this from a friend of mine (I won't post her name) and I was, I guess dumbfounded that she had that problem. I go to the Phx Regional and some things are lacking but you decide:

Dear Mr. Josh Bernstein,

I am writing to you about an incident that happened to me yesterday, Friday January 17, 2009:

I am a disabled American veteran. I want to buy and house and need to use my VA benefits for a home loan. I have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) but was advised that (due to an incident in 2004) I qualify ONLY for homes priced in excess of $144,000. That was fine because the home on which I placed a bid (on a Friday and was told the following Monday that it had ALREADY closed) had already "closed." Fortunately, I had a back up choice, only problem, my second choice is listed at a price less than $144,000. So, I thought I'd ask my congressman, Mr. Shadegg, for help—to get a waiver.

When I went to Congressman Shadegg's office I was told by the Congressional Aide that I needed to first ask the VA Regional Office (VARO) for a waiver, then for Congressman Shadegg to facilitate/accelerate my request. I headed straight to the VARO and registered at the desk--specifying my request for a waiver (to use my VA home loan to purchase a home priced LESS than $144,000). The home loan officer who responded to my inquiry was Mr. Greenhause, who told me that I was not eligible for a VA home loan (because of a foreclosure that took place in 2004). When I responded that I had in my possession a COE dated this past November which clearly states that I AM eligible--he and I then engaged in a disagreement. (There is history between Mr. Greenhause and me. I fully believe that he had a part/hand in my losing my home to foreclosure in 2004.) He demanded to see my COE and became visibly perturbed and upset once he saw that it was valid. He then told me that he was going to "consult" with another home loan officer and I told him that I wanted to speak to someone else, because 'I didn't trust him (Mr. Greenhause)."

One minute later Mr. Greenhause returned with VARO security and he told me that I "had to leave the building." I stood up and asked "why" I had to leave the building. Mr. Greenhause told me that I 'had an illegitimate COE' and had 'no business being in the VARO.' I responded by raising my voice (so that the building cameras and people present could witness) saying that I am an American citizen and a veteran and wanted to know why (because I AM a citizen and veteran) I 'had no business' in the VARO and had to leave the building? I then turned to the security guard and asked him why I was being evicted from the building. Their response was again that I had no business in the building and would have to leave. I responded that I would not leave and instead I was going to file a formal complaint that I had been asked to leave.

I was feeling incredulous. I do not know how I managed to keep as clear a head as I did. I just could not believe that Mr. Greenhause had such gall, such audaciousness to try to do such a thing.

I then went to the front desk and asked for a complaint form to file a formal complaint. (All the while I spoke in a volume one or two notches higher than normal so that the cameras and witnesses could hear.) As I wrote my complaint Mr. Greenhause and the security guard stood behind me—looming—with the intent of escorting me out of the building. When I finished writing my complaint I asked to have it date stamped and for two copies. I then headed down the hall to go to the Disabled Veterans (DAV) office to talk to a VSO (Veteran Service Officer). Mr. Greenhause had "disappeared" by then. The security guard told me that I must leave and could not go down the hall. I told him that I WOULD go down the hall (that I had business) and was going to see my VSO. The senior guard told the other guard to 'leave me alone' and let me go.

I was going to see the DAV VSO but was stopped by a black woman who told me that the DAV office was closed and that I couldn't see anyone. So I went into the American Legion office and spoke to a VSO there. I explained what had happened and he responded that they, the VSOs, only work with/help with disability claims and could not help me with Mr. Greenhause trying to have me evicted from the VARO. He said that he WOULD escort me to the RO to ensure proper delivery and filing of my "formal complaint." As we left the VSO's office the security guard, who had followed me and had been waiting outside the VSO's office, followed us (at a distance). As we walked past the security guard desk (on the way to the RO front desk, they hailed the VSO escorting me, indicating that I was to leave the building—he told them that he was escorting me to the RO office desk and would talk with them later. We then specifically requested and ensured, of the receptionist at the RO front desk, that my complaint would be forwarded to the VARO Inspector General. I left the building under full security guard scrutiny.

I drove straight back to Congressman Shadegg's office to report to the veteran's congressional aide what had transpired: Mr. Greenhause had attempted to have me evicted from the Veterans Administration Regional Office building. The Aide advised me that there was nothing she could do about (a civil behaving disabled American Veteran being evicted from a federal building purposed to serve American veterans) the horrendous and stunningly unbelievable (attempted) eviction—because it was a legal matter and that they (congressmen) could no longer become involved once a matter involves the police. However, she said that they would pursue my original request, for a waiver with my COE.

Mr. Greenhause had alleged that I do/did not qualify for a COE (because of my past foreclosure). However, I am in possession of TWO COEs, issued by two different home loan officers out of the Phoenix VARO both of which certify that I am indeed qualified. Both COEs have been issued within the past few months.

Mr. Bernstein. I do not know whether you can or will help me in this matter or investigate any of these events. However, if you are so inclined, the issues at play here are the following…

--- In 2004 I lost my home to foreclosure under some suspicious circumstances and I believe that Mr. Greenhause was party to/had a hand in the transactions leading to/resulting in/causing the culmination of this loss. In fact, during our conversation today, he let slip a, possibly damning, comment that supports my supposition: that '…he (Mr. Greenhause) could not help that he was out sick—or that someone had placed the paperwork on the wrong desk…" in 2004 when I tried to summon help to avoid/work out an arrangement/circumvent foreclosure. (The foreclosure and following eviction from my home resulted my becoming a homeless veteran.)

--- I am in possession of two Certificates of Eligibility (COE) written by two different VA home loan specialists (one, a senior loan officer, who told me that had 20 years of experience working at the Phx VARO) both dated within the past three months certifying that I do qualify for a VA home loan.

--- Mr. Greenhause attempted to have me, a civilly behaving, disabled American veteran, evicted, thrown out of, escorted out of the Veterans Administration Regional Office building by security—for no other reason than that, as he stated, 'I am in possession of an illegitimate COE' and 'have no business being in the VARO."

Thank you for reviewing my complaint. Please advise me on other possible venues for reporting/complaining about my treatment.

[halos2]

bobby q

Sounds like your friend had a unfortunate incident. I also do not see "her" reasoning to note a "black woman" stopped her to tell "her" the office was closed...it really didn't make any sense to single out the race of one individual...there were men who were there, may we assume they were not of color? No I am not hitting on this but to expand on what others have. It doesn't matter who treated her the situation went from bad to worse. Give some people a little power and it goes to their head. The episode is just an example of some miscommunication going array.

I do not forsee change about this as I am sure they(VA staff who dealt with her), labeled her as a hostile individual...she will have a difficult time getting further along. Seems like even if one is right, if you step on someone's toes, you (the vet), has to toe the line or dance to the beat of their(VA) drummer.

Is it fair? With the VA as a rule what is fair? Sometimes, documentation rather than words may be one's best bet. Freedom of speech and one's rights are our's according to the constitution, but bureaucratics enjoy twisting words to their favor. Tood bad for her...

Got this from a friend of mine (I won't post her name) and I was, I guess dumbfounded that she had that problem. I go to the Phx Regional and some things are lacking but you decide:

Dear Mr. Josh Bernstein,

I am writing to you about an incident that happened to me yesterday, Friday January 17, 2009:

I am a disabled American veteran. I want to buy and house and need to use my VA benefits for a home loan. I have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) but was advised that (due to an incident in 2004) I qualify ONLY for homes priced in excess of $144,000. That was fine because the home on which I placed a bid (on a Friday and was told the following Monday that it had ALREADY closed) had already "closed." Fortunately, I had a back up choice, only problem, my second choice is listed at a price less than $144,000. So, I thought I'd ask my congressman, Mr. Shadegg, for help—to get a waiver.

When I went to Congressman Shadegg's office I was told by the Congressional Aide that I needed to first ask the VA Regional Office (VARO) for a waiver, then for Congressman Shadegg to facilitate/accelerate my request. I headed straight to the VARO and registered at the desk--specifying my request for a waiver (to use my VA home loan to purchase a home priced LESS than $144,000). The home loan officer who responded to my inquiry was Mr. Greenhause, who told me that I was not eligible for a VA home loan (because of a foreclosure that took place in 2004). When I responded that I had in my possession a COE dated this past November which clearly states that I AM eligible--he and I then engaged in a disagreement. (There is history between Mr. Greenhause and me. I fully believe that he had a part/hand in my losing my home to foreclosure in 2004.) He demanded to see my COE and became visibly perturbed and upset once he saw that it was valid. He then told me that he was going to "consult" with another home loan officer and I told him that I wanted to speak to someone else, because 'I didn't trust him (Mr. Greenhause)."

One minute later Mr. Greenhause returned with VARO security and he told me that I "had to leave the building." I stood up and asked "why" I had to leave the building. Mr. Greenhause told me that I 'had an illegitimate COE' and had 'no business being in the VARO.' I responded by raising my voice (so that the building cameras and people present could witness) saying that I am an American citizen and a veteran and wanted to know why (because I AM a citizen and veteran) I 'had no business' in the VARO and had to leave the building? I then turned to the security guard and asked him why I was being evicted from the building. Their response was again that I had no business in the building and would have to leave. I responded that I would not leave and instead I was going to file a formal complaint that I had been asked to leave.

I was feeling incredulous. I do not know how I managed to keep as clear a head as I did. I just could not believe that Mr. Greenhause had such gall, such audaciousness to try to do such a thing.

I then went to the front desk and asked for a complaint form to file a formal complaint. (All the while I spoke in a volume one or two notches higher than normal so that the cameras and witnesses could hear.) As I wrote my complaint Mr. Greenhause and the security guard stood behind me—looming—with the intent of escorting me out of the building. When I finished writing my complaint I asked to have it date stamped and for two copies. I then headed down the hall to go to the Disabled Veterans (DAV) office to talk to a VSO (Veteran Service Officer). Mr. Greenhause had "disappeared" by then. The security guard told me that I must leave and could not go down the hall. I told him that I WOULD go down the hall (that I had business) and was going to see my VSO. The senior guard told the other guard to 'leave me alone' and let me go.

I was going to see the DAV VSO but was stopped by a black woman who told me that the DAV office was closed and that I couldn't see anyone. So I went into the American Legion office and spoke to a VSO there. I explained what had happened and he responded that they, the VSOs, only work with/help with disability claims and could not help me with Mr. Greenhause trying to have me evicted from the VARO. He said that he WOULD escort me to the RO to ensure proper delivery and filing of my "formal complaint." As we left the VSO's office the security guard, who had followed me and had been waiting outside the VSO's office, followed us (at a distance). As we walked past the security guard desk (on the way to the RO front desk, they hailed the VSO escorting me, indicating that I was to leave the building—he told them that he was escorting me to the RO office desk and would talk with them later. We then specifically requested and ensured, of the receptionist at the RO front desk, that my complaint would be forwarded to the VARO Inspector General. I left the building under full security guard scrutiny.

I drove straight back to Congressman Shadegg's office to report to the veteran's congressional aide what had transpired: Mr. Greenhause had attempted to have me evicted from the Veterans Administration Regional Office building. The Aide advised me that there was nothing she could do about (a civil behaving disabled American Veteran being evicted from a federal building purposed to serve American veterans) the horrendous and stunningly unbelievable (attempted) eviction—because it was a legal matter and that they (congressmen) could no longer become involved once a matter involves the police. However, she said that they would pursue my original request, for a waiver with my COE.

Mr. Greenhause had alleged that I do/did not qualify for a COE (because of my past foreclosure). However, I am in possession of TWO COEs, issued by two different home loan officers out of the Phoenix VARO both of which certify that I am indeed qualified. Both COEs have been issued within the past few months.

Mr. Bernstein. I do not know whether you can or will help me in this matter or investigate any of these events. However, if you are so inclined, the issues at play here are the following…

--- In 2004 I lost my home to foreclosure under some suspicious circumstances and I believe that Mr. Greenhause was party to/had a hand in the transactions leading to/resulting in/causing the culmination of this loss. In fact, during our conversation today, he let slip a, possibly damning, comment that supports my supposition: that '…he (Mr. Greenhause) could not help that he was out sick—or that someone had placed the paperwork on the wrong desk…" in 2004 when I tried to summon help to avoid/work out an arrangement/circumvent foreclosure. (The foreclosure and following eviction from my home resulted my becoming a homeless veteran.)

--- I am in possession of two Certificates of Eligibility (COE) written by two different VA home loan specialists (one, a senior loan officer, who told me that had 20 years of experience working at the Phx VARO) both dated within the past three months certifying that I do qualify for a VA home loan.

--- Mr. Greenhause attempted to have me, a civilly behaving, disabled American veteran, evicted, thrown out of, escorted out of the Veterans Administration Regional Office building by security—for no other reason than that, as he stated, 'I am in possession of an illegitimate COE' and 'have no business being in the VARO."

Thank you for reviewing my complaint. Please advise me on other possible venues for reporting/complaining about my treatment.

Edited January 25, 2009 by halos2