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In an effort to make it possible for veterans returning from World War II to purchase a home, the Veterans Administration (VA), now the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), offered the opportunity for veterans to purchase a home with no money down. In order to make this loan acceptable to lenders, the DVA agreed to guarantee the top portion of the loan. Since lenders were now protected in the event of a default by the borrower, lenders agreed to loan four times the current DVA Entitlement.

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Final answer:

The DVA facilitated veterans' ability to buy homes through the G.I. Bill by guaranteeing loans, leading to an increase in American homeownership and contributing to the postwar economic boom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Veterans Administration (VA), now known as the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), offered a transformative home loan benefit through the G.I. Bill for those returning from World War II. This Bill dismissed the down payment requirement, facilitating veterans in purchasing homes with little to no money upfront.

The DVA guaranteed the top portion of these loans, providing assurance to lenders and thereby allowing veterans to borrow up to four times the amount of their DVA entitlement. This bold move resulted in a dramatic increase from 40% to 60% in American homeownership within a decade, marking a growth in the nation's middle class and contributing to the postwar economic boom.

The impact of the G.I. Bill was substantial, not only enabling approximately four million veterans to become homeowners but also supporting 200,000 in purchasing farms and offering guaranteed financing for small businesses.

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