Do you only offer VA loans?

I am a full service mortgage broker. Although VA is the majority of what I do, I also have other mortgages like FHA, Conventional, USDA and Non QM.

Do you only service the Dayton and Cincinnati markets?

Dayton and Cincinnati are the majority of my business. However, I'm authorized to offer mortgage loans in 40 states. For loans outside of these areas, I can refer them to friends in the business.

VA Manual Underwriting in California

Take the 30 second mortgage quiz to see if you qualify

Getting approved for a VA home loan is still possible even if your credit score, credit history, or debt ratios do not fit inside standard automated underwriting guidelines. VA manual underwriting gives qualified veterans, active-duty military members, and surviving spouses another path to homeownership when an automated approval is not available.

I help veterans and military families throughout California explore VA manual underwriting options every day. Many lenders automatically decline VA loans that fall outside strict computer-generated approvals. However, VA loans were designed to provide flexibility for military borrowers, and manual underwriting allows a real person to review your full financial picture instead of relying only on an algorithm.

What Is VA Manual Underwriting?

VA manual underwriting happens when a mortgage underwriter reviews your loan file by hand instead of relying entirely on an automated approval system. This process allows compensating factors to be considered, including:

Strong rent history
Stable employment
Residual income
VA disability income
Time since past credit problems
Low payment shock
Savings or reserves
Non-traditional credit

This can be especially important for veterans in California who may have experienced financial hardship after military service, divorce, medical issues, job loss, or temporary setbacks.

Can You Get a VA Loan With Bad Credit?

Yes. VA loans do not have an official minimum credit score requirement set by the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, many lenders create their own stricter rules called overlays. Some lenders may require a 620 credit score or higher, while others may not allow manual underwriting at all.

I work with borrowers throughout California who may have:

Lower credit scores
Collections
Late payments
High debt-to-income ratios
Previous bankruptcies
Previous foreclosures
Limited credit history

Every situation is different, and VA manual underwriting allows additional flexibility when the file makes sense overall.

Take the 30 second mortgage quiz to see if you qualify

Why Veterans Choose VA Loans

VA home loans remain one of the best mortgage options available because they offer:

No down payment in many cases
No monthly mortgage insurance
Competitive interest rates
Flexible credit guidelines
Higher allowable debt ratios
Easier qualification compared to many conventional loans

For veterans and military families in California, these benefits can make homeownership more affordable and realistic.

What Helps a VA Manual Underwrite Get Approved?

Manual underwrites usually require stronger documentation and a complete review of your financial situation. Some of the factors that may strengthen your application include:

12 months of verified rent payments
Stable job history
Residual income above VA guidelines
Limited recent late payments
Explanation letters for past credit issues
Cash reserves in the bank

The goal is to show the underwriter that you have the ability and willingness to repay the loan despite past credit challenges.

Get Help With VA Manual Underwriting in California

If you were previously denied for a VA loan or told your credit score was too low, you may still have options. I help veterans across California understand whether a VA manual underwrite may be possible.

If you want to explore your options, reach out and I’ll personally review your situation and help you understand the next steps for getting approved with a VA loan.

I am proud to have completed the Vetted VA certification program.

Vetted VA is a program that allows loan officers to demonstrate that they have superior knowledge of the VA mortgage program.

Less than 1% of loan officers out there have completed this certification.

The Vetted VA program also provides me a network of loan officers all around the country that can help. This means that any help needed to get the loan closed in a timely manner will get figured out quickly and easily.