How do I find a lender that really knows VA loans?

What should I ask a VA lender?

1. How many VA loans do you close? Lenders who do them every week run into fewer surprises.
2. Can you pull my Certificate of Eligibility (COE)? An experienced VA lender can usually get it through the VA system the same day.
3. What happens if the VA appraisal comes in low? They should be able to explain the Tidewater process and how to request a reconsideration of value.
4. Am I exempt from the funding fee? They should check your COE for a disability exemption before they quote you.
5. How do seller credits work on this offer? A VA pro knows the 4% concession cap and what doesn't count toward it.
6. Can you do a VA streamline refinance (IRRRL) later? Good to know if rates drop after you buy.
7. What are all of your fees? Ask for the full Loan Estimate, not just a rate.

What are the red flags?

• Telling you a VA loan is a "huge disadvantage" and pushing you to conventional without a real reason for your situation
• Not knowing the VA fee rules, the funding fee exemption, or how to get your COE
• Quoting a rate with no Loan Estimate showing points and fees
• Saying "VA requires a minimum credit score." It doesn't; each lender sets its own.

Should I go local or online?

Either can work. What matters most is VA experience, how quickly they respond, and a clear Loan Estimate. A lender who knows your local market can also help when an appraisal gets tricky or a listing agent is nervous about a VA offer. Whoever you choose, compare offers from the same day, for the same loan.

Example scenario (illustrative)

A veteran in Los Angeles asks three lenders the questions above. One isn't sure whether the veteran's disability rating removes the funding fee, and another only gives a rate. The third pulls the COE that day, confirms the exemption, and sends a full Loan Estimate. That's an easy decision, and the veteran asks the other two to match it in writing.

Our take

Interview lenders the way you'd interview anyone you trust with a big purchase. Yes, we're a direct VA lender, and I still tell every veteran to get more than one VA Loan Estimate and pick the one that explains everything clearly and costs the least over the time you'll keep the loan. If that's us, great. Either way, you'll know you got a fair deal.