Hometown Hero Credit

If you are a veteran or service member planning to buy or refinance a home, current rates deserve your attention.

Rates we are seeing quoted for VA loans from most lenders today are above 7.00%, with some as high as 7.75%. This is not an official index or survey, and it does not mean every VA lender is above 7.00%. Rates change daily and vary by lender, borrower, credit profile, loan amount, property, occupancy, and points paid.

That is why it may be worth asking about a VA home loan rate as low as 5.50% (5.865% APR) through our lending partner, PRMG and CalVet/VA, available in California only. Another option may be the Hometown Hero Credit, which can provide a 2% credit up to $21,000 for eligible military families.

These are separate options. They have different requirements. Neither guarantees approval.

The CalVet/VA loan program through PRMG option

The advertised option is a VA home loan rate as low as 5.50% (5.865% APR) through the CalVet/VA loan program. PRMG is an approved lender with CalVet.

Important conditions apply:

• Products are only available in California.
• Products are limited to funds available.
• Some restrictions may apply.
• Not all buyers will qualify.
• Rates are subject to change.
• Actual payments will vary based on your individual situation and current rates.
• The rate is based on the purchase or refinance of a primary residence with no cash out at closing.
• The first-time homebuyer program is subject to certain federal tax and treasury regulations and restrictions.
• Approval is never promised.

Operation T.A.G. is a nonprofit organization, not a lender. Our certified mortgage loan partner, PRMG handles loan applications and provides information about rates, terms, and eligibility.

If you are considering this option, ask for a personalized illustration. Do not rely on a headline rate alone. Call us at 760-456-8748 and we’ll partner you with a certified VA specialis.

The Assumptions Behind That Rate

The advertised 5.50% (5.865% APR) example is based on specific assumptions. Those assumptions materially affect the APR and monthly payment. That is exactly why a personalized quote matters more than a headline rate.

APR based on a $200K sales price, 10% down payment, financing the VA funding fee under the CalVet/VA loan program, and one-year premium for disaster insurance included. Rates are subject to change. Actual payments will vary based on your individual situation and current rates. To get accurate, personalized results, please call us at 760-456-8748 or visit OperationTAG.org to be introduced to a licensed, vetted loan officer. Products are only available in California. Products are limited to funds available. Some restrictions may apply. Not all buyers will qualify. Based on the purchase or refinance of a primary residence with no cash out at closing. First-time homebuyer program subject to certain federal tax and treasury regulations and restrictions. Operation T.A.G. is a nonprofit organization, not a lender. Certified mortgage loan partners handle loan applications and provide information about rates, terms, and eligibility.

Here is what each assumption means:

1. The example uses a $200,000 sales price.
   This is an example, not a promise about your purchase price, loan amount, or payment.
2. The example includes a 10% down payment.
   VA loans generally do not require a down payment. This example uses one, so it is not a universal scenario. A different down payment changes the numbers. Ask for an illustration based on your own transaction.
3. The example finances the VA funding fee into the loan.
   Under the CalVet/VA loan program, the funding fee may be financed or paid differently. The way it is handled affects the loan amount, APR, and payment.
4. The example includes one year of premium for disaster insurance.
   Insurance costs vary by property, location, coverage, and insurer.
5. Rates and payments vary by the borrower and the transaction.
   Credit profile, debt, occupancy, property type, loan amount, and points paid can all affect the available terms and final numbers.
6. Other housing costs are separate.
   Property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, and other costs vary by property. The APR example does not cover every cost a buyer may see on a closing disclosure.
7. This is an example, not a quote.
   A personalized illustration requires an application and lender review.

The Hometown Hero Credit nonprofit program

The Hometown Hero Credit is a program of Operation T.A.G., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit project of the High Desert Community Foundation.

The Hometown Hero Credit program provides eligible veterans with honorable discharge, active-duty service members, reservists, and Gold Star surviving spouses a 2% credit up to $21,000. No repayment is required when the credit is used according to program terms.

The 2% credit up to $21,000 may be applied to eligible:

• Closing fees
• Interest-rate buydowns
• Real estate agent fees
• In some cases, debt reduction that supports VA loan qualification

The credit cannot be used for a down payment or for non-loan purposes. It is calculated on the loan amount, not the sales price. The Hometown Hero Credit nonprofit program is not limited to first-time buyers.

The Hometown Hero Credit program is a partnership between Operation T.A.G. and PRMG, one of the nation’s top VA lenders. Operation T.A.G. is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit project of the High Desert Community Foundation that administers the program. PRMG is the lending partner that originates and underwrites the VA loan.

PRMG was ranked No. 14 nationally for VA loans in the 2026 Scotsman Guide. That is an industry ranking, not a guarantee of approval, pricing, or outcome.

Final loan approval, rates, terms, and eligibility are determined by PRMG and applicable program and lender requirements. The 2% credit up to $21,000 does not guarantee loan approval.

Call us at 760-456-8748 or visit our website at OperationTAG.org to request more information on the Hometown Hero Credit program or the CalVet/VA loan program rate as low as 5.50% (5.865% APR) .Ask direct questions and get the answers in writing.

Why a Rate Comparison Is Not Just About the Rate

A lower rate with higher fees is not automatically the better offer.

Points paid upfront affect the effective cost of the loan. A rate as low as 5.50% (5.865% APR) may look attractive from other lenders, but you still need to understand the complete structure.

Compare:

• The interest rate and APR
• Discount points and lender fees
• Total closing costs
• The total monthly payment
• The payment components
• The total cost over the period you expect to keep the loan

A clear comparison helps you understand what you are receiving and what you are paying.

Questions to Ask Any Lender

Before choosing a loan, ask:

1. What is the rate and APR together?
2. How many points are being charged?
3. What are the total lender fees?
4. What does the payment include: principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA dues?
5. Does the loan have a prepayment penalty?
6. Can I receive a written Loan Estimate?
7. Is any credit or grant being applied?
8. Exactly where will that credit or grant appear on the Closing Disclosure?

These questions give you useful information without relying on general marketing language.

Timing matters, but do not rush

Rates move daily. No one can predict where they will go next.

The right time to request a personalized illustration is when your finances and housing plan are ready. Having current numbers in hand helps you compare offers, understand your options, and decide based on your own budget.

You do not need to rely on pressure. You do need accurate information.

This Is Not Financial Advice

This article is educational information, not financial, legal, or lending advice. Veterans and military families should compare offers, review their own budget, and consult qualified professionals about their individual situation.

If you are ready to explore your options, contact Operation T.A.G. and ask to be introduced to one of our Community Ambassadors so they can introduce you to a licensed, vetted, PRMG loan officer. You can also learn more about the Hometown Hero Credit nonprofit program.

Brett Stacy
National Director & Founder of the Hometown Hero Credit, a program of Operation T.A.G. (Tangible Act of Gratitude), and 501(c)(3) non-profit project of HDCF.

Contact: 760-456-8748 (24-hour Information Line)
Websites: OperationTAG.org and HometownHeroCredit.com

APR based on a $200K sales price, 10% down payment, financing the VA funding fee under the CalVet/VA loan program, and one-year premium for disaster insurance included. Rates are subject to change. Actual payments will vary based on your individual situation and current rates. To get accurate, personalized results, please call us at 760-456-8748 or visit OperationTAG.org to be introduced to a licensed, vetted loan officer. Products are only available in California. Products are limited to funds available. Some restrictions may apply. Not all buyers will qualify. Based on the purchase or refinance of a primary residence with no cash out at closing. First-time homebuyer program subject to certain federal tax and treasury regulations and restrictions. Operation T.A.G. is a nonprofit organization, not a lender. Certified mortgage loan partners handle loan applications and provide information about rates, terms, and eligibility.

Free Mission Homeownership PDF E-book

This is a separate educational homeownership resource.

Educational information only. This is not legal, financial, or lending advice. Rate and APR examples are illustrative and based on the assumptions stated. Rates change and vary by borrower and lender. Operation T.A.G. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a project of the High Desert Community Foundation. Operation T.A.G. is not a lender. Operation T.A.G. is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

There's a difference between SERVING military families…and just MARKETING to them.