Guide to Mortgage Lenders in Virginia

Search local Virginia mortgage brokers and lenders associations

Virginia mortgage lenders associations and mortgage brokers associations can help you find professionals who understand the local housing market.

I recommend: The Virginia Housing Development Authority has links to mortgage lenders who participate in their affordable housing program. The Tidewater Mortgage Bankers Association has an online membership directory.

Consider local and regional banks for Virginia mortgage loans

Local and regional banks are some of the most common mortgage lenders in Virginia.

I recommend: To find banks that are mortgage lenders in Virginia, search LocalLender.info, USCITY.net, Virginialoans.com, or Mortgage-X.com.

Use online sources for Virginia mortgage companies

Numerous online sources can help you shop for the best mortgage lenders in Virginia.

I recommend: MortgageLoan.com lets you search their list of Virginia mortgage brokers and lenders by city. Many Virginia mortgage companies and brokers are listed online, such as Coastal Realty, Old Dominion Mortgage and Olympic Bancorp Mortgage.

Work with national mortgage lenders

Many national mortgage brokers and lenders offer Virginia mortgage loans that may be right for you.

I recommend: Consider national lenders, such as GMAC Mortgage or Wachovia, or check out Equifax, which offers a nationwide mortgage referral service. Veterans may qualify for a loan through the VA Mortgage Center.com or USAA.com, where you can get pre-approved for Virginia mortgage loans. 

Check with legal authorities about mortgage companies in Virginia

Make sure the Virginia mortgage lenders or mortgage brokers you're considering are trustworthy and haven't been reported by borrowers for shady business practices.

I recommend: Vetting mortgage lenders and brokers at the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia, the BBB of Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, and the BBB of Western Virginia. The Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Financial Institutions provides a list of licensed brokers and lenders.

Find out what local experts are saying about mortgage companies in Virginia

Local real estate experts, including your own real estate agent, can provide information on Virginia mortgage brokers, lenders and other tips on the market for house hunters.

I recommend: Certified mortgage planner Ben Borden’s The Virginia Mortgage Report tracks interest rates and other trends that house hunters in the Old Dominion need to know about. To keep up with the market in Charlottesville and central Virginia, realtor/broker Karen J. Kehoe’s blog is a good place to start, as is Frank Llosa’s FranklyRealty.com Your realtor is also a good source of info on the market; find one at the Virginia Association of Realtors.