Veterans United Home Loans Review

In a Nutshell

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Veterans United at a Glance 

Overview

Veterans United is one of only a handful of dedicated VA lenders. You won’t find conventional or FHA loans there, but you will find everything to do with VA loans. This includes VA purchase loans, as well as a range of refinancing options, including: VA Streamline, Interest Rate Reduction Refinance (IRRRL) and Cash-Out refinancing.

Suitable For?

VA loans are available to anyone who meets the minimum qualification requirements set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans United serves all of these people and it brings with it more experience in VA loans than any other lender. Veterans United goes above and beyond for its customers, including realty and advisory services built specifically for veterans by veterans 

Types of Loans/Products

 Veterans United offers only one type of home loan: the VA loan. A VA home loan is a loan offered by private lenders and partially guaranteed by the federal government’s Department of Veterans Affairs. The government’s involvement allows lenders to take on more risk than they would with an ordinary borrower.

Here are some of the features offered by Veterans United:

• Veterans United Military Advisors, a team of former senior enlisted leaders from each branch of the Armed Forces whose mission is to educate veterans about homeownership and VA loans.
• Veterans United Realty, an independent affiliate partner of Veterans United that offers a nationwide network of real estate agents with experience in serving Veterans.
• Lighthouse Program, a free service that helps Veterans build their credit score and improve their financial picture before applying for a home loan.
• Veterans United Foundation, which exists to help military-related families in need and also offers a biannual scholarship to service members and military families.
• Regular promotional offers. For example, when we checked in, Veterans United and Realtor.com had teamed up to offer a competition with a first prize of $75,000 toward the purchase of a new home.

The Application Process 

Veterans United accepts applicants online and by phone. Its agents offer a unique ability in helping veterans get through their home loan application. Aside from the close attention, applying for a loan from Veterans United is just like applying anywhere else. You’ll need to provide documentation about yourself and your finances, such as state ID or driver’s license, social security number, and tax filings.

Here are some specific things to know before applying for a VA loan from Veterans United:

• Minimum eligibility requirements of either: 181 days on active duty in peacetime; 90 consecutive days active duty in wartime; 6 years in the National Guard or Reserve; or spouse of Veteran who died in the line of duty.
• Minimum credit score of 660.
• Minimum down payment of 0%.
• No need to purchase PMI (private mortgage insurance).
• Certificate of Eligibility from the VA is a strict requirement. Fortunately, Veterans United helps applicants secure this document.

Rates and Terms

Veterans United offers a choice between 2 repayment terms: a 30-year fixed-rate repayment or a 15-year fixed-rate repayment. 

Like all other VA lenders, a VA loan from Veterans United includes a mandated funding fee of 2.15% of the amount of the loan (or 2.4% for members of the National Guard and Reserves). Surviving spouses and veterans receiving VA disability compensation are exempt from the fee. The fee can be reduced to 1.5% with a 5% down payment or 1.25% with a 10% down payment.

Interest rates are highly competitive. As of end-May 2020, the advertised rates were:

• 30-year fixed VA purchase loan: From 3.125% (3.411% APR)
• 15-year fixed VA purchase loan: From 3.125% (3.631% APR)

Help & Support

Unlike most lenders, Veterans United offers 24/7 customer service by phone. The reason for this is it allows troops deployed overseas to be able to get in touch whenever it suits them. Of course, anyone can use this service, even veterans or service people not on active duty.
Ph: (800) 884-5560

Summary

Veterans United does one thing, but it does it very well: VA loans. There are plenty of lenders and organizations out there dedicated to getting veterans into their dream home but few can claim to approach VA loans with quite the same dedication as Veterans United. If you qualify for a VA loan under the Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility requirements, then we highly recommend asking for a quote from Veterans United.

FAQ

Q: Is Veterans United affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

A: No. VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs but provided by private lenders. Veterans United is one of more than 1,400 private lenders that offer VA loans.

Q: What is the difference between VA eligibility and loan approval?

A: The Department of Veterans Affairs determines eligibility for the VA loan program. Only a home buyer with a VA certificate of eligibility may apply for a VA loan. As a private lender, Veterans United has the sole decision over whether to approve each person who applies to it for a VA loan.

Q: Is Veterans United really the largest VA lender?

A: Yes, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ official data, Veterans United was the largest provider of VA loans in 2018 by number of loans (53,328) and total loan amount ($12.82 billion). Based on the VA’s data, 8.53% of all VA loans issued in 2019 were issued by Veterans United.

Q: Who operates Veterans United?

A: Veterans United was founded in 2002 by brothers Brant and Brock Bukowsky. It is operated by Mortgage Research Center, LLC, a privately owned company based in Columbia, MO.

Physical Address

Veterans United

1400 Veterans United Dr.

Columbia, MO 65203

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