I didn't use the home advantage program but I did my VA mortgage application through USAA in fall of 2010. My case presented some challenges (short sale) but I can say i was UNDERwhelmed with USAA's service. Their mortgage services are contracted out and I did not receive the level of service and consideration i am used to with USAA. Your experience may be different. Once it was completed and transferred to their servicing department it was back to USAA standards of service. In fairness the time I was dealing with all of this the mortgage market and refinance market was crazy busy and a lot of lenders were slow to respond. But I felt like USAA did not step in and handle minor issues in a timely fashion and caused / allowed unnecessary delays in the process.
Starting Score: 500's
I did a VA loan 13 months ago. I did not USAA (I do not like them btw) but I did work for a while with NFCU. Ultimately my "regular" bank (WF) won the bidding war by doing better than NFCU and their buying program.
The VA loan is great. No PMI, lenders love the guarantee, and I ended up with 3.75% with a 711 midscore.
I was preapprove by NFCU, WF and BB&T and then played one off the other. The process was painless and quick. I closed for less money than I expected. Got my wife's dream house (and mine) with nothing down, a low rate, no pmi and a more than managable monthly payment. All is good, because regardless of what happens, we are keeping this house.
Hope all works for you.
