9 Best VA Mortgage Lenders of August 2021

Why we like it

Pros

• Wide variety of loan types and products.

• Improved online capabilities, and robust iOS and Android apps.

• Considers alternative credit data, like cell phone payments.

Cons

• Limited number of physical mortgage offices.

• No rate information is available without beginning an application.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers low rates and fees when compared with other lenders.

• Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.

• Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.

Cons

• Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.

• Doesn’t offer renovation loans.

Why we like it

Pros

• Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness.

• Offers full online mortgage application, rate quotes, document upload and loan tracking.

Cons

• Mortgage rates offered to borrowers are higher than the government-reported median of all lenders.

Why we like it

Pros

• Quicken Loans couples a fully online application with available mortgage advisors for those who want a human touch.

• Instantly verifies employment and income for many working Americans.

• Offers custom fixed-rate loan terms that are between eight and 30 years.

• Provides a wide variety of loan types, including renovation loans and all government-backed mortgage products.

Cons

• Quicken Loans doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• Quicken's lender fees can be stout and it doesn't offset those fees with particularly low mortgage rates.

Why we like it

Pros

• Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.

• Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.

• Offers competitive rates and origination fees.

Cons

• No online loan process updates or tracking.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.

• Has online application and pre-qualification.

• Offers a free credit counseling service.

• Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.

Cons

• Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 18 states.

• Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on their website.

• Charges higher rates and fees than some other lenders.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.

• Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.

• Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.

Cons

• Mortgage rates aren't posted online.

Why we like it

Pros

• Specializes in VA loans and working with military borrowers.

• Offers several low-down-payment government loan options.

Cons

• You can't shop rates online.

• Doesn't offer conventional home loans or renovation mortgages.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.

• Has an online application for preapproval.

• Offers low rates compared with most lenders.

Cons

• Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.

• Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.