The VA guarantees the loan, but your lender runs the process. That means two lenders can offer the same VA benefit and give you very different experiences. Ask these before you commit.
- Do you add your own minimum credit score on top of the VA's? The VA doesn't set a minimum credit score, but many lenders add their own requirements (called overlays). Ask directly. At Veteran Mortgage One, there is no minimum credit score requirement.
- How many VA loans do you close? Experience matters with entitlement, appraisals, and VA-specific rules.
- Can you explain every cost, including the VA funding fee? Ask for a Loan Estimate and have the lender walk you through it line by line.
- Am I exempt from the funding fee? Veterans who receive VA compensation for a service-connected disability are generally exempt.
- Who will I work with, and how do I reach them? A named loan officer who answers questions is worth a lot when your timeline is tight.
- What happens if the appraisal comes in with repair conditions? Ask how they handle it. The VA simplified some requirements in 2026, and your lender should know them.
- Do you offer manual underwriting if my credit history is thin? Not every lender does.
- Can I compare quotes side by side? Get Loan Estimates from at least three lenders using the same loan amount, credit profile, and lock period.
Our answers
We're happy to answer all eight. Call 254-AVA-LOAN (254-282-5626) and ask.
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Veteran Mortgage One is a DBA of MortgageOne, Inc., NMLS #898812, and an Equal Housing Lender. This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Program rules, fees, and eligibility are set by the VA and lenders and can change. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property eligibility requirements.