Veterans United Home Loans – 2024 Lender Review

Veterans United Home Loans is a leading mortgage lender that specializes in serving the unique needs of military service members, veterans, and their families. The company is committed to helping veterans achieve the dream of homeownership by offering several types of home loans.

Veterans United – Company Review 

The company was founded in 2002 with just four employees. Since then, it has expanded to include remote offices, partnered with veterans organizations, and started its own foundation, known as the Veterans United Foundation. In 2008, the company was approved to operate in all 50 states, allowing veterans across the nation access to its VA loan rates and helpful customer service for their home loans. 

Pros

• #1 VA Lender in the United States
• 24/7 customer service support 
• Services all 50 states

Cons

• Brick-and-mortar locations only in select states
• Largely focused on VA loans, may not be best option for non-veterans
• Lack of information information about non-VA loan options

Types of Loans: VA Loans, FHA Loans, Conventional Loans, Jumbo Loans, USDA Loans, Refinance Loans

Minimum Down Payment: $0

Minimum Credit Score: 620

Why We Like Veterans United

Since its founding, Veterans United has been named one of the best companies to work at by multiple companies, including Fortune and People Magazine. However, it should also be counted as one of the best mortgage lenders for its customers, thanks to the high level of detail and attention it places on every mortgage loan. 

Veterans United's competitors include:

• Freedom Mortgage
• Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
• Rocket Mortgage
• Better Mortgage
• Bank of America
• Navy Federal Credit Union
• New American Funding

The Veterans United mission is to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for its borrowers by being honest and transparent while also showing passion for getting borrowers a home loan that fits their goals. Fun is also at the center of all Veterans United duties, ensuring that the mortgage process isn’t dull and nerve-wracking for veterans.

Another perk that Veterans United borrowers can look forward to is the company’s dedication to organizations that help veterans. Its Veterans United Foundation matches employee contributions to donate funds for scholarships and other programs that support U.S. veterans and service members. Supporting the company by getting a Veterans United mortgage loan helps ensure the growth of the fund, too.

Types of VA Loans

Like other VA loan lenders, Veterans United Home Loans offers a few different kinds of VA loans for borrowers. The VA details several must-haves for borrowers looking for a VA loan, but borrowers must also qualify for Veterans United requirements to secure a loan. We outline the company’s VA home loan offerings with their basic requirements and who they’re best for to help you find your best loan type.

VA Purchase Loan

A VA purchase loan is similar to a non-VA conventional loan in that it’s typically used to buy single-family homes and condos. However, this loan does not have down payment requirements and typically has lower interest rates than conventional loans. VA borrowers can decrease their interest rates in most cases by choosing to buy mortgage points with their loan.

VA purchase loans also come with other benefits, like no prepayment penalty and the opportunity to have closing costs paid for by the seller. VA borrowers can also borrow up to the federal conforming loan limit, which is $726,200 for most counties in the United States. 

VA Jumbo Loan

VA-eligible homebuyers can use a jumbo loan through Veterans United Home Loans to buy a home with a purchase price above the conforming loan limit. Eligibility remains the same as far as proof of service to get a VA jumbo loan, but borrowers may need a higher credit score and income than they would for a VA purchase loan. 

Still, VA-backed jumbo loans do not usually have as strict requirements as traditional jumbo loans would, and borrowers can still benefit from having no down payment requirements or penalties for paying the loan off early.

VA IRRRL

A VA IRRRL loan is also known as a VA Streamline Refinance loan. These loans help borrowers who currently have a VA loan refinance to get a better rate and potentially lower their monthly payments while still getting the benefits of having a VA loan.

People who qualify for a VA loan can also use a VA IRRRL if they have a traditional mortgage and want to refinance into a VA loan. To qualify, VA-eligible homeowners need to meet typical mortgage requirements, be willing to have an appraisal completed on the home they refinance, and not have any recent missed or late mortgage payments on the home. 

Homeowners should be mindful that a VA IRRRL comes with closing costs, but they can typically roll these into the loan to pay them over time. 

VA Cash-Out Refinance

The VA cash-out refinance loan is another way to refinance a conventional loan or VA loan into a VA loan. However, this loan type lets the homeowner cash out their home’s equity. Homeowners using a cash-out refinance typically use the money for large purchases, like home repairs or upgrades, medical bills, or paying a child’s college tuition.

These loans do come with closing costs. In some cases, refinancers can include the closing costs in their refinance loan, but only if their loan-to-value ratio still qualifies for the loan. If not, borrowers might need to reduce the amount of cash they want to get from the loan. 

VA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)

The VA offers a unique opportunity for VA-eligible homebuyers to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes using an EEM. This loan allows for major purchases to improve energy efficiency, like installing solar panels or upgrading windows with storm windows. 

Most borrowers can qualify for a loan of up to $6,000 to make these improvements, although some may qualify for a larger amount. Improvements should be completed within six months of closing the loan.

Veterans United – Non-VA Loans

Although Veterans United mostly caters to veterans who are approved for a VA home loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the mortgage lender also helps non-VA homebuyers get loans. Veterans who do not qualify for a traditional VA loan may also benefit from one of these other mortgage options. 

USDA Loan

A USDA loan is designed for people in rural areas with low incomes to afford a home purchase. These loans come with no down payment requirements and have lower interest rates than conventional home loans. Although some people may qualify for a USDA loan with a credit score in the 500s, it’s likelier for mortgage lenders to require at least 620 to furnish the loan. 

Because there is no down payment required on a USDA loan, borrowers will need to pay private mortgage insurance as an extra safety net for lenders. 

FHA Loan

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration to help homebuyers with low incomes or credit scores still be able to purchase a home. These loans typically have lower-than-average interest rates and less stringent requirements for down payments and closing costs, making them more affordable than traditional loans overall. 

Homebuyers need a minimum credit score of around 500, but many lenders require a higher credit score of about 620. Most homebuyers are only required to pay 3.5% as a down payment, but they’ll need to pay mortgage insurance to make up for it. The insurance payment gets added to your monthly mortgage payment.

Conventional Mortgage

Conventional mortgages are not backed by a government program like VA mortgages, FHA loans, or USDA loans. Instead, they come directly through a lender to fund the borrower’s home purchase. Because they aren’t backed by another agency, they have more demanding requirements for homebuyers, such as a credit score of 720 or more and a down payment of 10%-20%.

The good news is that conventional loans can be quicker to get approved for than other loan types because only the lender needs to decide its eligibility requirements rather than both the lender and government agency having their own set of requirements. 

How to Qualify for a Veterans United VA Loan

Veterans United VA home loans are for eligible veterans and servicemembers of the United States military. The lender gives mortgages to borrowers who qualify based on the VA’s requirements for a home loan.

Eligible service members and veterans had to have served at least 181 days of active service during peacetime, 90 consecutive days of duty during wartime, or have at least six years of serving in the National Guard or Reserves. Spouses of servicemembers who died while serving or due to a service-connected disability may also get a VA loan from Veterans United. 

Also, service members who do not qualify based on these requirements may still qualify if they received an approved discharge from the military, such as a medical discharge. Veterans United will need your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA to prove that you’re eligible for a VA loan before moving on with the application process.

Other requirements to get a Veterans United home loan through the VA loan program include a minimum credit score of 620, a debt-to-income ratio of 41% or less, and having adequate income for a mortgage. Veterans United will ask you for income documentation during the preapproval process to see how much home you may qualify for. 

How To Apply for a Veterans United Home Loan

When applying for a Veterans United home loan, the first step is to fill out the quick form on the website to see if you qualify. If you’re a veteran or service member looking for a VA loan, you’ll need to have a COE available to show that you’re eligible for a VA loan. Then, Veterans United can begin the preapproval process, determining how much home you can purchase with one of its loans. To get preapproved, you will need to show proof of your income, proof of citizenship status, and credit history. 

Once you’re preapproved, you can begin looking for homes. The award letter can help you show sellers that you’re able and ready to purchase their home. After getting your offer approved by the seller, let Veterans United know the offer's details. Then, you can move on to the full qualification process to secure your home loan. During this process, the VA sends someone to appraise the home and, with Veterans United, will move into underwriting. 

How To Contact Veterans United

Veterans United is available for customers 24/7 to make it easy for service members in any time zone to contact the company. The all-hours phone line can be reached by calling 800-884-5560. Anyone who’d like to ask a question or share their thoughts can also call the client advocate team at 800-212-5200.

For non-urgent issues, you can also email Veterans United at [email protected] or visit the online help desk featuring frequently asked questions and online contact forms for various issues.

Customers and non-customers of Veterans United home loans can also connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

After the Loan Closes

After underwriting, you must close on your loan. Veterans United will contact you to set up an appointment to close on your loan. You’ll also be made aware if you do have any closing costs that you’ll need to pay to close on your loan. 

During the closing, you’ll sign your mortgage documents and get the keys to your home. The process can take an hour or so, depending on how much paperwork is involved in your specific home. You’ll also get documents that explain how to make your first mortgage payment for your Veterans United home loan. 

Veterans United Realty

Veterans United Realty is a program from Veterans United that helps veterans and service members who are getting VA loans find a real estate agent to guide them toward their dream homes. The program only uses vetted real estate agents who are well-versed in Veterans United home loan offerings to ensure that each borrower gets a tailored experience that fits their home buying situation.

Using a Veterans United Realty agent can also give homebuyers who are using a Veterans United home loan the chance to save on their mortgage by taking advantage of financial benefits, like lower interest rates or reduced closing costs. The program also offers rebates to qualified homebuyers.

Is Veterans United Right for Me?

Veterans United home loans are best for veterans and service members who are eligible for VA loans and want a company that understands these loans and how to help borrowers get into their ideal homes. In addition, Veterans United has several years of experience working with VA loans specifically, which could give you some peace of mind knowing that you’re working with true experts in the field.

However, the company is also highly capable of helping homebuyers seeking a conventional loan for their home. Homeowners can also rely on Veterans United to get a VA-backed refinance loan when they become eligible for one.

If you’re considering Veterans United home loans as your lender, contact its customer support line to get your questions answered. We also suggest comparing Veterans United to other mortgage lenders you’re considering in terms of the support they offer, fees related to your loans, and the type of loan products the company has. Researching your best mortgage lender options is not only acceptable, but it’s also widely encouraged in the industry. After all, your home is one of the most important purchases you’ll make.

To start the process of getting approved for your VA loan through Veterans United, first ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements from the VA for a home loan. Then, visit the Veterans United website to prequalify yourself using its short form. Once you’re qualified, you can begin the preapproval process to start looking for your home.

 Disclaimer: NMLS #1907 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Veterans United Home Loans is a VA-approved lender; Not endorsed or sponsored by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. Equal Opportunity Lender. Licensed in all 50 states.