Get pre-approved for a VA loan.
A mortgage pre-approval letter from a local lender strengthens your offer and gives you a trusted VA loan expert nearby to move quickly when it matters most.
Same day pre-approval
Get your VA loan approval letter on the same day. Make an offer quickly and take advantage of every opportunity to buy the perfect home.
Verified by an underwriter
The loan decision maker reviews your credit, income, and funds to ensure you meet VA loan guidelines before you make an offer to buy a house.
Better service, lower rates
Rely on our local VA loan experts to guide you to homeownership, making sure you get the lowest rate and everything goes smoothly.

VA loans differ from other types of loans.
Many loan officers at big banks don’t fully understand how VA loans work, which can lead to mistakes, delays, or missed opportunities.
At NewCastle Home Loans, our local team specializes in VA loans. We guide veterans through the process step by step, making it faster and easier to navigate.
You're in the right place for a VA loan.
Years
Mortgage lending experience
Homebuyers
Veterans and service members
Smiles
5-star reviews
"NewCastle helped me get my first mortgage, and I recommend them very highly. Incredible customer service, super responsive, and played a huge role in..."
"My experience with New Castle Home Loans and Jim's team was nothing short of outstanding. They provided me with a home loan that was tailored to my family's needs, and the entire process was incredibly easy-going and hassle-free..."
"Fastest and most reliable service I have ever had and heard. I am especially thankful for Jim Quist for his knowledgeable and caring service. His service was above and beyond..."
"I have done three mortgages with new castle. Perfect efficincy and super happy to work with them again."
"The NewCastle team helped us achieve our long-time goal of becoming homeowners. I never dreamed closing on a home could go so smoothly for us. They were..."
"Highly recommended! Jim and his entire time were friendly, helpful, and responsive. I'm glad I worked with this business, who has an office right here in the city and understands the intricacies of the Chicago market."
"It’s been a absolute pleasure working with the New Castle team for the 2nd time, I can’t say enough good things about this company..."
"I worked with Jim last year and worked with him again this year as well. Jim was very helpful, and is very obvious that he..."
FAQ: VA loan pre-approval
What is a verified pre-approval for a VA loan?
A verified mortgage pre-approval is a detailed review of your credit, income, and assets by a certified mortgage underwriter.
Unlike basic pre-approvals, verified pre-approvals give sellers confidence that you're financially qualified.
At NewCastle Home Loans, our underwriters thoroughly confirm your financial details upfront, making your offer stand out.
How does the VA loan pre-approval process work?
To get pre-approved for a VA loan, follow these simple steps:
- Complete our quick mortgage pre-approval application.
- Allow us to perform a free soft credit check.
- Upload your financial documents securely to our Loan Dashboard.
Next, our VA-certified underwriters verify your eligibility, income, credit history, and funds available to close.
After verification, you'll receive a verified pre-approval letter. This letter strengthens your offer and shows the sellers that you're ready to buy.
What is the minimum credit score required for a VA loan?
You'll need a minimum credit score of 580 for a VA loan with NewCastle Home Loans. While we frequently approve VA loans at this score, having a stable income and healthy financial habits also matter.
Will getting pre-approved for a VA loan hurt my credit?
No, getting pre-approved won't hurt your credit score. NewCastle Home Loans uses a soft credit inquiry during pre-approval, which leaves your credit score unchanged.
Only after you have found a home, made an offer, and had it accepted will we run a hard credit check. At that point, the inquiry may temporarily impact your score slightly. This hard check is required for final approval of your VA loan.
When should you get pre-approved for a VA loan?
The ideal time to get pre-approved for a VA loan is one to four months before buying your home.
Early pre-approval provides time to explore homes, negotiate confidently, and secure financing smoothly.
How long does a VA loan pre-approval last?
Your verified mortgage pre-approval from NewCastle Home Loans is valid for four months.
After that, we will update your information by quickly rechecking your credit and financial details to extend it another four months if needed.
Should you get pre-approved by multiple lenders?
No, you only need one strong, verified pre-approval letter to strengthen your home offer. Multiple pre-approvals aren't necessary if your first one is thorough and reliable.
At NewCastle Home Loans, our underwriter personally signs your verified pre-approval letter after carefully verifying your financial details. Sellers prefer our letters because they're confident you'll close on time.

A verified pre-approval letter removes uncertainty.
Many first-time veteran homebuyers are unsure about their VA loan eligibility or how much they can afford.
At NewCastle Home Loans, our underwriters verify everything before you shop for a home. You receive a verified pre-approval letter that provides confidence and clarity from the start.
/aa-Frank/AI_HAL_ICON4.png)
I’m here to help with general questions about home loans.
For personalized guidance, I can connect you with one of our expert loan officers.