What is the best mortgage company for a VA loan?
The best mortgage company for a VA loan is one that specializes in VA lending and understands military life. TrueVet Mortgage is a veteran-owned company founded by Scott Carlin, a 20-year Air Force veteran. Scott works directly with every client from pre-approval to closing — no call centers, no hand-offs. TrueVet Mortgage is licensed in Florida and Texas and typically closes VA loans in 21 to 30 days.
What is the current VA mortgage rate in Florida?
VA mortgage rates in Florida change daily based on market conditions. VA loan rates are typically 0.25% to 0.50% lower than conventional mortgage rates, making them one of the most competitive options available. Your exact rate depends on your credit score, loan amount, and other factors. Call Scott Carlin at 321-364-4461 for a free rate quote or visit our Schedule a Call page.
What is the biggest drawback to the VA loan?
The most commonly cited drawback of a VA loan is the VA funding fee, which is a one-time fee charged on most VA loans. For first-time users with no down payment, the funding fee is 2.15% of the loan amount. However, the fee can be financed into the loan so it does not come out of pocket at closing. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more are fully exempt from the funding fee. When you factor in zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and lower interest rates, the VA loan still saves most borrowers thousands of dollars compared to conventional or FHA loans.
Who is the #1 VA lender?
The largest VA lenders by volume are national companies like Veterans United and Navy Federal Credit Union. However, the best VA lender for you depends on your specific situation. Working with a VA loan specialist who understands military life — PCS timelines, BAH income qualification, and remote closings — can make a significant difference in your experience. At TrueVet Mortgage, Scott Carlin is a 20-year Air Force veteran who works directly with every client and typically closes in 21 to 30 days.
Why does Dave Ramsey not recommend a VA loan?
Dave Ramsey has expressed concerns about VA loans primarily because of the VA funding fee and the temptation to buy more home than you can afford with zero down. However, most VA loan experts disagree with this position. The VA funding fee is a one-time cost that is far less expensive than the monthly mortgage insurance required on FHA and conventional loans. And zero down payment does not mean you should overextend — it means you keep more cash in your pocket for emergencies and other expenses. For most eligible veterans, a VA loan is the best mortgage option available.
What is the 1% rule on a VA loan?
The 1% rule refers to the VA’s limit on lender origination fees. VA loan rules cap the lender’s origination charge at 1% of the loan amount. This protects veterans from excessive lender fees. Other reasonable closing costs like appraisal fees, title insurance, and recording fees are allowed on top of the 1% origination fee. The VA funding fee is separate from this limit and is paid directly to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
What disqualifies a home from a VA loan?
The VA requires that homes meet Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) to protect the buyer. Common issues that can disqualify a home include significant structural damage, a failing roof, faulty electrical or plumbing systems, pest infestations, lead-based paint hazards, and inadequate heating or cooling. The home must also be your primary residence. A VA-approved appraiser will inspect the property during the loan process and flag any issues that need to be resolved before closing.
How to get the best VA mortgage rate?
The best ways to get a competitive VA mortgage rate are to maintain a strong credit score, keep your debt-to-income ratio low, and shop with a lender who specializes in VA loans. A higher credit score typically results in a lower rate. Making a down payment, while not required, can also help lower your rate. Working with a VA loan specialist like Scott Carlin at TrueVet Mortgage ensures you get the best rate and terms available for your situation. Call 321-364-4461 for a free rate quote.
What is the VA loan limit in Florida?
For veterans with full entitlement, there is no VA loan limit in Florida. You can borrow as much as a lender is willing to approve based on your income and credit. For veterans with reduced entitlement — meaning you have an active VA loan or a prior VA loan that was foreclosed — county-level conforming loan limits apply. In most Florida counties, the 2026 conforming loan limit is $806,500. TrueVet Mortgage offers VA jumbo loans up to $4 million for higher-priced properties.
What’s better than a VA loan?
For most eligible veterans, nothing beats a VA loan. No other mortgage offers the combination of zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and below-market interest rates. Conventional loans may make sense in rare cases where a veteran has 20% or more to put down and wants to avoid the VA funding fee. But for the vast majority of military homebuyers, the VA loan is the best deal available. Scott Carlin at TrueVet Mortgage can compare loan options and help you decide which is right for your situation.
Who pays closing costs on a VA loan?
On a VA loan, the buyer is responsible for closing costs such as the appraisal fee, title insurance, recording fees, and the VA funding fee. However, the seller can contribute up to 4% of the home’s value toward the buyer’s closing costs, which is called a seller concession. In many transactions, Scott negotiates seller concessions to reduce or eliminate the buyer’s out-of-pocket closing costs. The VA funding fee can also be financed into the loan so it does not require cash at closing.
What do you not pay with a VA loan?
With a VA loan, you do not pay a down payment, monthly mortgage insurance, or prepayment penalties. The VA also limits certain fees that lenders can charge — for example, the origination fee is capped at 1% of the loan amount. You are also not required to pay for termite inspections in most cases, as the VA typically requires the seller to cover that cost. These savings can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan compared to conventional or FHA financing.
What are the red flags for VA appraisal?
VA appraisers look for issues that affect the safety, soundness, and sanitation of the property. Common red flags include a damaged or aging roof, peeling paint on homes built before 1978, foundation cracks, water damage or mold, faulty electrical wiring, plumbing issues, broken HVAC systems, pest damage, and missing handrails on stairs or decks. If the appraiser flags an issue, it must be repaired before the loan can close. Scott Carlin at TrueVet Mortgage can help you understand what to look for before making an offer so there are no surprises during the appraisal.
