Pros and cons of Veterans First
Pros
- Specializes in VA loans and offers expertise for military borrowers
- Publishes current interest rates online for easy access
- Provides 24/7 customer service for continuous support
- Maintains a strong reputation with positive customer reviews
- Offers free credit counseling to help borrowers improve eligibility
Cons
- No option for online preapproval
- Some borrowers report higher fees compared to other lenders
- Doesn’t offer HELOCs or home equity loans
- Some reports of delays and mixed communication
Veterans First mortgage rates
Veterans First doesn’t publish its current mortgage rates online, but the lender is known for offering competitive VA loan rates that often come in below the national average. Interest rates vary based on the loan type, your credit profile, down payment, and other factors, so it’s best to speak directly with a loan officer to get a personalized quote.
To qualify for the lowest possible rate, borrowers should aim for a strong credit score, stable income, and a manageable debt load. You may also get better terms by making a larger down payment or choosing a shorter loan term. Shopping around and comparing offers from multiple lenders can also help you secure a more competitive deal.
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Veterans First lender review for 2025
Veterans First continues to serve its core borrower group—veterans and military families—with reliable mortgage options in 2025. Its main strength lies in its specialization. Borrowers seeking VA loans often turn here first. That said, it also handles non-VA loans well. Veterans First offers government-backed loans like FHA and USDA, along with conventional mortgages.
This lender’s greatest value comes from its low interest rates. Those who don’t mind the lack of digital conveniences often stay loyal. Veterans First does not lead in speed or ease, but it scores where it matters: trust, affordability, and loan variety.
Affordability
Upfront costs with Veterans First can be a little higher than with other lenders, especially when it comes to origination fees. But that’s balanced by mortgage rates that often fall below the national average. For borrowers who plan to stay in their homes long-term, the savings on interest can outweigh the initial expense. FHA loans start at just 3.5% down with a 580 FICO score and 10% with a 500, and conventional loans can require as little as 3% with a 620 score.
Lending flexibility
Veterans First offers a solid range of loan options—VA, FHA, USDA, and conventional—giving borrowers flexibility based on their credit and financial situation. Most loans require a minimum credit score of 620, but VA and FHA loans may allow lower scores in some cases. Veterans First is also open to working with borrowers who don’t have traditional credit histories, using things like rent or utility payments to help demonstrate reliability.
Trustworthiness
Veterans First has a clean track record. It received zero complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) last year and continues to earn strong customer reviews. The lender also holds a high Trustpilot score, which reflects consistent service across different loan types and borrower profiles. As a part of Wintrust Mortgage, it benefits from the stability of a larger financial institution while still offering personalized service that many borrowers value.
Customer experience
Veterans First is a good fit for borrowers who prefer one-on-one guidance over self-serve tools. The lender clearly lists it mortgage rates and contact details online and offers 24/7 support, but it doesn’t provide online preapproval or a fully digital application process. To get started, you’ll need to speak with a loan officer directly. That can slow things down for borrowers who want to move quickly, but it also gives you direct access to someone who can answer questions and walk you through each step.
Veterans First FAQs
No. While VA loans are its specialty, Veterans First also offers FHA, USDA, and conventional loans. That gives borrowers options if they don’t qualify for a VA loan or want to compare different loan types.
Veterans First interest rates tend to be lower than average, especially for VA loans. While the lender’s fees can be higher upfront, borrowers often save money over the life of the loan thanks to reduced interest.
Not entirely. Veterans First doesn’t offer online preapproval or a digital mortgage application. To begin the process, you’ll need to connect with a loan officer directly.
For most loans, a score of 620 or higher is required. However, some VA and FHA loans may be available to borrowers with slightly lower scores, depending on their full financial profile.
Yes. Veterans First often works with first-time buyers and can help connect you with down payment assistance programs offered by states or local agencies, even though it doesn’t provide its own DPA options.
Is Veterans First the best mortgage lender for you?
If you’re eligible for a VA loan and value expert guidance over digital convenience, Veterans First is worth a look. Its strengths are clear—competitive rates, wide variety of loans, and a track record of trust. The lender’s slower approval process and higher fees might not work for everyone, but for borrowers who want knowledgeable support and long-term savings, Veterans First offers real value.
This Veterans First lender review shows a reliable, focused lender—not perfect, but worth considering for the right borrower.
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How The Mortgage Reports scored Veterans First
The Mortgage Reports evaluates and ranks lenders based on four key factors, each weighted to reflect its impact on the borrowing experience.
- Customer experience (20%): Examines the lender’s digita and service accessibility, including the availability of an online pre-approval or pre-qualification process, ease of contact, and the presence of a current rates page on their website.
- Affordability (20%): Assesses the average origination charges and the average interest rate offered by the lender.
- Lending flexibility (40%): Evaluates the lender’s minimum down payment and credit score requirements, as well as the availability of FHA, VA, and USDA loan options.
- Trustworthiness (20%): Measures customer satisfaction and reliability based on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaints per 1,000 loans and ratings from reputable third-party review platforms such as Trustpilot.
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