Veterans Day golf shares home-buying tips for vets

Can you think of a better way to celebrate Veteran's Day than to play golf in beautiful weather and raise money for Veteran's charities? Well that's just what 70 players did at the Indian Palms Country Club and the turnout exceeded expectations for this inaugural Indio event. The field included six enlisted Marines from 29 Palms.

VAREP AND ITS MISSION
The tournament host was the Coachella Valley Chapter of the Veteran Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP). This nationwide, non-profit organization is dedicated to educating both veterans and real estate professionals about the multitude of benefits available to past members of the armed forces.

"Veterans and Active Military are not informed of the benefits they are entitled to before exiting the military," said CV board member Mickey Jumapao. "And a vast number of Realtors and lenders don't understand the dynamics of Veteran loans for home purchase" he continued, "so they discourage the Veteran borrower from using their VA and steer them to programs they (the Realtors) are familiar with."

BENEFITS & CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT
Tournament proceeds go to a variety of educational programs put on by VAREP including the Veteran's University held each May. This year's event was attended by 400 veterans and family members and held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Thousand more participated online to help improve the lives of veterans, service members and their families.

Board Member Reno Barela added "I would like to think of VAREP as the HUB or a source of information and connecting when our Vets need assistance -- even outside of their real estate needs. We may not have the answer all the time, but definitely we will know someone who will quickly. Also VAREP has a direct line to Congressman Ruiz...he is responsible for helping us get our chapter started here in Coachella Valley and he is a heavy supporter so far."

THE GOLF
Excellent scoring conditions led to many birdies and a low score of 57 by the team of E. Rosales, F.Ruiz and R. Ruiz. They slipped in just one shot ahead of the team of M.Dodge, J. Jackson, G.Miller and S. Krause who fired a 58. Another 2 shots back at 60 and in 3rd place was the team of K. Hayhurst.

The seventy players who participated looked happy at the end, having played fairly quickly for this sort of event. Of course they might have been looking forward to the buffet lunch and hosted beverage service awaiting.

Post round awards and prizes also moved right along. Sofonio Plastic Surgery donated a $750 Facial Rejuvenation Certificate. Cimarron Golf Resort and Marriott Desert Hot Springs were also very generous with multiple green-fee certificates.

For more information, please visit varep.net/index.php/coachella-chapter or call (951) 444-7363