VA home loans offer our veterans and current active military advantages that simply cannot be matched by conventional loans. Those pursuing VA home loans must review important considerations before settling on a lender. First, the lender must be approved by the VA, giving them the power to lead applicants through the entire process. Once the lender is secured, applicants must decide which program to use, such as a 15 year fixed, and make comparisons of home loans based on the chosen program. Interest rates will come into play, assigned by evaluating the loan amount, the applicant’s credit score, the length of the loan, and the fees charged by the lender. The top three providers of VA home loans include Veterans United Home Loans, Veterans First Mortgage, and New American Funding. Read on to find out more about the top three providers of VA home loans.
Top 3 Providers of VA Home Loans
- Veterans United Home Loans
- Veterans First Mortgage
- New American Funding
Veterans United Home Loans
Veterans United Home Loans has built their services around the unique needs of service members and their families. VA home loans require no down payment and are easier to qualify for than conventional loans. Service members and veterans can apply for wherever they are at any time of the day or night. Veterans United offers 24/7 customer service, and users can complete a loan application online. This company does not publish mortgage rates on the website, as they are determined by applicants’ credit scores, loan terms, and debt-to-income ratios. For applicants who have trouble qualifying for VA home loans, Veterans United offers an online first-time home buyer course as well as their Lighthouse Program, which is a free credit score education and repair service.
Highlights
- Largest VA home lender in the U.S.
- Maximum loan amount is $1.5 million.
- Minimum credit score is 620.
Veterans First Mortgage
Veterans First Mortgage was founded in 1985 with the primary aim of serving those who served. With VA home loans as 90% of their loan originations, it is fair to say that this company knows what it’s doing with the VA’s complex eligibility requirements. In addition to VA home loans, Veterans First Mortgage offers FHA loans for home purchases and refinancing for lower rates. Fixed-rate loans come in 15, 20, 25, and 30 year options, and there are no minimum or maximum loan amounts. Veterans First Mortgage has not abandoned their brick-and-mortar branches, instead opting to incorporate technology and tools to serve and interact with their customers. This company offers online loan application, tracking and document exchange, as well as the ability for borrowers to sign documents electronically. The lender’s site is also mobile compatible.
Highlights
- Branches in 46 states.
- Offers fixed-rate VA home loans.
- Online application, documentation, and loan tracking.
New American Funding
New American Funding is a mortgage lender that seeks borrowers who don’t fit the traditional mold according to the banking industry. This company specializes in VA home loans for low-income and minority borrowers, hiring employees who are well-versed in the challenges faced by these groups. New American Funding manually underwrites their VA home loans, taking a more comprehensive history of each borrower in order to decide the terms of each loan. This company provides competitive mortgage rates and low origination fees. On their website, New American Funding offers mortgage application, rate quotes, document upload and loan tracking.
Highlights
- Has 150 branches across the United States.
- Works with grant and down payment assistance programs.
- Minimum credit score of 580.