My Journey as a VA Construction Loan Lender: Helping Veterans Build Their Dream Homes

Hi, I’m Shirley Mueller, and for over 20 years, I’ve had the honor of helping Veterans achieve the dream of homeownership. My journey in the mortgage industry has been filled with countless stories of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of the American dream. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that my career took an unexpected, exciting turn that reignited my passion for serving those who’ve served us.

The Frustration That Sparked a Change

For years, I worked with companies that claimed to support Veterans, but when it came to VA construction loans, the options were disappointing. Either they didn’t offer them at all, or worse, they brokered them out to third parties. This meant Veterans were hit with double or even triple the closing costs simply because the loan wasn’t handled in-house. It felt wrong. I couldn’t, in good conscience, promote a product that I knew wasn’t in the Veteran’s best interest.

I remember sitting across from a Veteran and his wife, discussing their dream of building a custom home. As I explained the costs associated with brokering their loan, I saw the light in their eyes dim. That moment stuck with me. Clearly, there had to be a better way.

The Leap of Faith

In February of 2024, I took a leap of faith and joined CrossCountry Mortgage, a company that not only offers VA construction loans but does so with a one-time close option—no brokers, no unnecessary fees, just straightforward support. It felt like finding the missing piece to a puzzle I’d been working on for two decades.

The Joy of Building Dreams

Since joining CrossCountry, my work has been incredibly rewarding. Imagine telling a Veteran, “Yes, you can build your dream home with your VA loan benefit, and no, you don’t need a down payment.” The reactions are priceless—wide eyes, disbelief, and then pure joy.

Veterans get to choose their builder, their lot, and their design. It’s like handing them a blank canvas and saying, “Paint your dream.” I get to be the guide, helping them create a financial plan that turns that dream into reality.

One of my favorite stories is about a Marine named Jake, who wanted a log cabin in the woods with a wrap-around porch big enough to host family barbecues. When I told him it was possible with his VA benefits, he looked at me like I had just handed him the keys to a Ferrari. Fast forward a year, and there he was, grilling burgers on that very porch, his kids running around, laughter echoing through the trees. That’s the magic of this job.

Frequently Asked Questions About VA Construction Loans

Can I Use My VA Loan Benefit to Build a Home?

Yes, you can! Many Veterans are shocked to learn that they can use their VA home loan benefit to build a custom home. You don’t need to put any money down, and you can choose your own builder, lot, and home design.

What Is a VA Construction Loan One-Time Close?

A VA construction loan one-time close combines the construction loan and the permanent mortgage into a single loan, reducing closing costs and streamlining the process. This means you don’t have to go through two separate closings, saving you time and money.

Do I Need to Make a Down Payment?

No, one of the biggest advantages of a VA construction loan is that it typically doesn’t require a down payment. This allows Veterans to build their dream homes without the financial burden of a large upfront cost. Though on VA construction loans over 1M, we do require a down payment of 5%.

Can I Choose My Own Builder?

Absolutely. With a VA construction loan, you can choose your own builder, provided they are VA-approved. If they are not VA approved, Shirley and her team will send over the builder VA documents to complete to obtain approval.

Why It Matters

Helping Veterans build custom homes isn’t just about mortgages and interest rates. It’s about giving back to those who’ve given so much. It’s about creating spaces where families can grow, heal, and thrive. Every day, I am reminded of how meaningful this work is.

If you’re a Veteran dreaming of a custom home, know this: your VA benefits are more powerful than you think. And I’m here, ready to help you build not just a house, but a dream.

How I Can Help Veterans Nationwide

I assist Veterans with VA construction loans in all 50 states. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to break ground on your custom home, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Here’s to building dreams, one custom home at a time. Have specific questions? Book at call with Shirley.