Another satisfied veteran, another CalVet Home Loans success story. Frequently, CalVet Home Loan agents receive “thank-you” notes, flowers, or letters from veterans whom they’ve helped achieve the dream of homeownership.

This one, from U.S. Navy veteran Stephanie Barker of Sacramento, to CalVet Property Agent Adam Cone and his team that includes home loans processor Jamie Moore and underwriter Shelly Griffin, is worth sharing in its entirety.

Hi Adam,

Wow! My first home! I am still in awe. I did not know what to expect from CalVet as my lender. I submitted my home loan application in January 2021 and Adam was assigned as my direct contact. Since that time, Adam and I built a rapport, and I felt comfortable working with him. However, I was unsure if I would continue to work with Adam, or if I would be assigned to work with someone else. I worked for the State of CA for nine years, so I was aware of how suddenly things could change…employees separating from State, retiring, or transferring to a different department. Fortunately, Adam was with me from beginning to end. I tear up when I think about it, because Adam was so happy for me when my offer was accepted and when I finally closed.

I did consult with other lenders on my journey, but ultimately, I chose to work with CalVet. When I entered escrow, I began receiving calls from other lenders; each promising their rates were the best. Although I had decided to work with CalVet, I could not help but wonder if I owed it to myself to shop lenders just one more time. After all, I was about to make the largest purchase of my life time, and I wanted to be sure I was making the right decision. A few days after my offer was accepted, I went to my bank to wire the deposit to the escrow company. The loan officer asked if they could review my cost sheet, as they believed they could offer me a better rate and services. After reviewing the cost sheet, the loan officer literally said, “CalVet is offering you a great rate and services, and I am unable to offer you anything comparable to that…stick with them.” That was the watershed moment, when I knew that I had made the right decision to trust CalVet with my mortgage loan.

The same week that (my bank) informed me that I was getting the best mortgage rate possible, my car and renter’s insurance company informed me that they were unaware of any lender in the industry that offered the type of homeowner’s insurance that CalVet offers to veterans. (They) said that fire, flood, and hazard insurance is so expensive in some areas, that it literally presents a barrier to homeownership for many people. Being the awesome insurance company that they are, (they) permitted me to purchase a liability policy for my home, since CalVet insured the home!

The customer service that CalVet provided was outstanding! Moreover, they worked so quickly on every escrow detail and we closed in record time! Here is a brief summation of my timeline to homeownership. July 29, 2023, saw the home with my realtor. July 30, 2023, offer accepted. August 1, 2023 (my birthday), Adam emailed to congratulate me on the offer and gave me a list of items needed. August 2, 2023, entered escrow…inspections, more inspections, sign documents, sign more documents, remove contingencies. August 25^th, keys in hand and officially a homeowner! I literally purchased myself a home for my birthday! The home is perfect for me and I love it.

CalVet, I can’t thank you enough for all of your assistance. This has been quite the journey, and after many years of trying, I am a homeowner! Adam, Jamie, and Shelley, you were wonderful to work with. From start to finish, you all made every step of my home buying experience seamless, stress free, and enjoyable. You all worked extremely well with my realtor! Thanks again, CalVet, you are absolutely the Best!

Stephanie Barker, Navy Veteran

1^st time Homeowner

Thank you, Stephanie, for your service, and for letting CalVet serve you.

For more information on obtaining a CalVet Home Loan, visit www.calvet.ca.gov/calvet-programs/home-loans or call us directly during regular business hours at (866) 653-2510. We are happy to help.