Kelly Thrasher ⋅ Denver, PA Accolade ⋅ 20 years experience

Having just went through the VA loan process lately, I can tell you only what we saw. Unfortunately the VA does not do build loans but we did discuss things with a few banks, etc. The process took a long time and we found really no bank that "cared" about the disability rating. The VA does waive the one fee for a certain percentage and it saved us a bit but for the most part banks are very cautious. I am 80% VA rated. USAA is a great place to start as they have knowledge of many programs. There's also WWP. The biggest thing we found out was that you have to have patience and also shop around. With a build, the banks all wanted at least 10% down for the build and most builders wanted 20%. If you can fnd a builder who will finance the build that will help.

Good luck,

Howard La Kier ⋅ Atlanta, GA IBM ⋅ 18 years experience

Ken, I suggest you contact USAA (not my employer) and see how they can help. I've been a member for 23 years and have used the company for auto and home loans. They may also offer meet other lenders rates and knock off a part of a percent for direct debit.

There may be other good assistance and offers. Best of luck!

Dave Byrnes ⋅ Wolcott, CT UPS ⋅ 10 years experience

I am too a disabled vet and Marine. I had trouble with the VA. I went to a Vet Center not affiliated with VA to get help. They steered me in the right direction and helped my claims get approved.

Anthony Gonzalez ⋅ Itasca, IL IBM ⋅ 17 years experience

Coming from the Finance Industry for 17 years, credit has definitely gotten tighter over the past 7 years. That said, as rates go up credit loosens... banks expand their customer breadth/appetite for risk - remember they are making more money with rates going up.
That said, my relationships with banks and organizations for Veterans (merely contacts and old employees) could help. There is one bank in Missouri - they specialize in Veterans only for the past decades. Feel free to reach out to me and I can introduce you to such.
As always- the three C's will apply: Credit, Capacity and Collateral. Anything above that will be circumstances a bank/finance firm will have to decide based on their community reinvestment - full honesty and disclosure.
Itasca, Ill Vet. - 602-402-4918

Glen Mayberry ⋅ Katy, TX U.S. ARMY ⋅ 10 years experience

Ill message you my contact information.