This site features listings from companies that provide compensation, which may affect their placement and order.
Primary Editor
Research and compare today’s top VA mortgage lenders serving your area saving time and money. Get the best rate on your VA mortgage. Apply online with flexible terms and award-winning customer service.
Veterans United Home Loans, founded in 2002 in Columbia, Missouri, is the nation’s #1 VA purchase lender, specializing in serving military service members, veterans, and their families. Operating nationwide, the company offers VA purchase loans, IRRRL streamline refinances, VA cash-out refinances, and VA jumbo loans—all with $0 down (for most borrowers), no PMI, and competitive rates. Veterans United also provides extensive educational resources, personalized support teams, and the Lighthouse credit-building program, emphasizing specialized guidance and support for military homeowners.
Sage Home Loans, founded as a digital-first mortgage lender and licensed in 49 states plus D.C., offers a fully online application and closing experience. Owned by Red Ventures since 2020, Sage provides a range of loan products including conventional, FHA, jumbo, and VA mortgages. VA-eligible borrowers can access $0-down purchase loans, competitive rates, and digital preapproval, while also benefiting from Sage’s online borrower portal for streamlined document management and loan tracking.
Finding the perfect mortgage can be a daunting task, but LoanDepot offers a tech-forward approach to simplify your journey. With an array of loan options and a digital-first process, LoanDepot aims to make getting a mortgage as straightforward as possible. Let’s explore what makes LoanDepot a standout choice, and consider both the benefits and potential drawbacks.
Veterans United Home Loans, founded in 2002, is the nation’s #1 VA purchase lender and a trusted leader in serving military members, veterans, and their families. Operating nationwide, the company specializes almost exclusively in VA loans, offering $0-down purchase loans, VA refinance options (IRRRL and cash-out), and VA jumbo financing. With strong educational resources, dedicated support teams, and programs like the free Lighthouse credit-building service, Veterans United provides expert, military-focused guidance that sets it apart from traditional lenders.
CrossCountry Mortgage, founded in 2003 in Cleveland, Ohio, has grown into America’s #1 retail mortgage lender with over 7,000 employees and 700+ branches nationwide. The company offers more than 120 loan programs, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, Non-QM, HELOCs, reverse, and construction loans. CrossCountry is known for fast approvals and closings, first-time homebuyer assistance programs, and specialty products like FHA 203(k) renovation loans and bridge loans, making it a comprehensive, nationwide lender for diverse borrower needs.
TopFeaturedBrands’ editors review service providers offerings, fees, results, services levels, accolades, accreditation, and customer service
TopFeaturedBrands monitors engagement and response across multiple sources to present some of the largest and most popular brands within a category
TopFeaturedBrands monitors and measures consumer sentiment, brand reputation, and reviews to present viable and credible providers
TopFeaturedBrands’ editors review top providers and comb a number of sources to curate the most up-to-date information
2024’s top choice for debt consolidation
1. Who qualifies for a VA mortgage?
Active-duty service members (after 90 consecutive days), veterans who served minimum periods (typically 90 days during wartime or 181 days during peacetime), National Guard and Reserve members (after 6 years), and surviving spouses of service members who died in service or from service-connected disabilities. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to prove your eligibility.
2. Do I really need zero down payment?
Yes, VA loans allow 100% financing with no down payment required, though you can put money down if you choose to reduce your loan amount and monthly payments. This is one of the biggest advantages over conventional loans (requiring 3-20% down) and makes homeownership accessible to those without significant savings.
3. What is the VA funding fee and can I avoid it?
The funding fee is a one-time charge (typically 2.15% for first-time use with zero down, 1.25% with 5%+ down, 3.3% for subsequent use) that helps sustain the VA loan program. Veterans receiving VA disability compensation and surviving spouses are exempt from this fee. The fee can be financed into your loan amount rather than paid upfront.
4. What are the property requirements for VA loans?
The home must be your primary residence, meet VA minimum property requirements (safe, sound, and sanitary conditions), and pass a VA appraisal. The property must have adequate heating, roofing, water, and electrical systems. Investment properties and vacation homes don’t qualify, though you can use your VA benefit multiple times for different primary residences.
Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Request your COE through the VA’s eBenefits portal, your lender, or by mail using Form 26-1880. Most lenders can obtain your COE electronically within minutes if you provide your service details. The COE confirms your eligibility and shows your available entitlement amount.
Get Pre-Approved with a VA-Approved Lender Contact lenders approved to offer VA loans (not all lenders participate). Submit financial documentation including income verification, credit reports, bank statements, and employment history. The lender pre-approves you for a specific loan amount based on your income and debt-to-income ratio (typically capped at 41%).
Find a Home and Make an Offer Work with a real estate agent to find homes meeting VA standards. Make an offer including a VA loan financing contingency. Sellers sometimes prefer conventional offers due to VA appraisal requirements, but VA loans are reliable and close successfully when properly managed.
VA Appraisal and Underwriting The lender orders a VA appraisal (not a home inspection) to ensure the property meets minimum requirements and is worth the purchase price. The appraiser identifies any health/safety issues requiring repair before closing. Simultaneously, underwriting verifies all your financial information and approves the final loan.
Closing Sign loan documents, pay closing costs (typically lower than conventional loans—seller can pay up to 4% of costs), pay the funding fee if applicable, and receive your keys. Your VA entitlement is tied to the property until you sell or refinance it away.
No Down Payment or PMI Finance 100% of the home’s purchase price without needing years of savings. Unlike conventional loans requiring PMI when putting down less than 20%, VA loans never require mortgage insurance, saving you $100-300+ monthly on an average home.
Competitive Interest Rates and Terms VA loans typically offer lower interest rates than conventional mortgages because the VA guarantee reduces lender risk. Choose from 15-year or 30-year fixed-rate terms, or adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). The rate difference (often 0.25-0.5% lower) saves thousands over the loan’s life.
Limited Closing Costs and Seller Concessions The VA limits what closing costs lenders can charge veterans, and sellers can pay up to 4% of the home price toward your closing costs, discount points, and prepaid items. Veterans cannot be charged for certain fees like attorney fees or loan processing fees.
Refinance Options and Reusability Access streamlined refinancing through the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) with minimal documentation and no appraisal required. Your VA benefit is reusable—once you sell or pay off a VA-backed home, your full entitlement restores for future purchases. You can even have multiple VA loans simultaneously in certain situations.
What’s Not Included VA loans don’t cover investment properties, vacation homes, or fixer-uppers requiring substantial repairs before occupancy. The funding fee (unless you’re exempt) adds to your loan cost. VA appraisers are strict about property conditions, potentially requiring repairs before closing. While the VA guarantees your loan, you’re still responsible for all payments—defaulting damages your credit and can result in foreclosure.
