Areas served: Charlottesville, VA and surrounding Albemarle County
Charlottesville's mortgage market serves a diverse mix of University of Virginia employees, downtown professionals, and rural Albemarle County homebuyers. This directory catalogs licensed mortgage brokers operating in the Charlottesville metropolitan area, including those specializing in conventional loans, FHA/VA programs, and rural USDA financing common in surrounding counties. Brokers listed here maintain active NMLS licenses and serve clients throughout the Charlottesville-Albemarle housing market.
Strong Home Mortgage is a veteran-owned mortgage lender based in Manassas, VA, with over 40 years of experience and $12.5 billion in closed loans. They specialize in personalized mortgage solutions for first-time buyers, investors, and homeowners, with a unique guarantee: if your purchase loan doesn't close on schedule, you receive $6,000. With a 4.9-star rating across 6,000+ reviews and a 4.7-star Google rating, they're known for assigning each client a dedicated loan officer who handles the entire process from application to closing—no call centers, no transfers.
“I had a really great experience working with Strong Home Mortgage during my home purchase. They were able to get me a competitive rate, and the whole team was easy to work with from start to finish. They were always available to answer my questions and took the time to walk me through different financing options, explaining the pros and cons of each so I could choose what made the most sense for my situation. Everything stayed on track and they made sure we met all the deadlines so I could close on time without any issues. A special shoutout to Mike, who was my main point of contact. He was amazing to work with—very friendly, responsive, and understanding of how important this purchase was for me. Whenever I had a question, he would usually reply within minutes, which made the whole process much less stressful. Buying a home is a big financial decision, so having a lender you can trust really matters. I definitely felt that working with Strong Home Mortgage and would happily recommend them to anyone going through the home buying process.”
— Enea Mano, Google Review · 4.7 ★ avg from 420 reviewsAndy Zemon is the Branch Manager and Loan Officer at Novus Home Mortgage's Crozet, VA branch, bringing 20+ years of mortgage industry experience and a track record of helping 4,000+ families achieve homeownership. As one of only three Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists in Central Virginia, Andy creates tailored financial plans and is the preferred lender for top local builders and realtors. Recognized as a top 1% mortgage provider for ten consecutive years, he offers conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, construction, and specialty loan programs across all 50 states.
Jenna Stiltner is a VP and Senior Loan Officer at Atlantic Coast Mortgage with over 20 years of real estate experience and a consistent track record as a top producer. She leads The Stiltner Team in Charlottesville, serving borrowers throughout Virginia and North Carolina with personalized service, clear communication, and community commitment—donating from every loan transaction to local organizations.
Atlantic Coast Mortgage's Charlottesville branch offers a full range of mortgage loan products with a focus on a simple, stress-free application process. Led by experienced loan officers Chris Stiltner, Corey Cummings, and Jenna Stiltner, they help clients not only close on time but also provide tools and guidance for long-term home investment decisions. With a 4.9-star rating from 73 reviews, they've built strong community trust in the Charlottesville area.
Ryan Schuett is an Executive Mortgage Consultant with Prosperity Home Mortgage specializing in home purchases and refinances in the Charlottesville, Palmyra, and Staunton areas. With over 18 years of lending experience and expertise in new construction, government loans, and jumbo transactions, Ryan guides clients through every step of the mortgage process to ensure informed and efficient transactions. Her goal is to educate clients about financing options while leveraging builder relationships and lender incentives to get the best outcomes.
Crown Mortgage is a Virginia and North Carolina-based home loan expert serving the Charlottesville area with personalized mortgage solutions. The team specializes in purchase loans, refinancing, and home equity options, treating each client with individual attention and respect. With a 4.9-star rating from 47 reviews, Crown Mortgage is known for guiding borrowers through application, qualification, and approval for the ideal loan.
Katie Shiers is a Guild Mortgage Branch Manager with 15+ years of mortgage industry experience, serving Charlottesville and surrounding areas in Virginia and North Carolina. She specializes in flexible loan solutions including first-time homebuyer programs, investment properties, new construction financing, refinancing, and down payment assistance. With a 4.9-star rating across 147 reviews, Katie is known for making the mortgage process stress-free and keeping clients informed at every step.
Ben Aliff is a Senior Loan Officer at First Heritage Mortgage with over 15 years of mortgage industry experience, serving Charlottesville and surrounding areas across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He specializes in guiding clients through various loan programs with a focus on personalized solutions, clear communication, and stress-free lending processes. Ben's 5-star rating (36 reviews) reflects his commitment to building lasting relationships and securing the best financial outcomes for first-time buyers, refinancers, and real estate investors alike.
Tammy L Wilt is a Senior Mortgage Banker with 30+ years in finance and over 20 years of mortgage experience, having helped 1,200+ families close on their dream homes since 2000. Operating under Gray Fox Mortgage LLC, she specializes in first-time buyer programs, down payment assistance, and serves borrowers across Virginia with a commitment to transparent, stress-free financing. Her personalized approach focuses on understanding each client's unique needs and simplifying what can be a complex process.
Gray Fox Mortgage is a local mortgage lender in Charlottesville offering conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans for home purchases and refinancing. Led by a team with over 150 combined years of industry experience, they emphasize transparent, straightforward processes tailored to each borrower's specific needs and financial goals.
Todd Jenkins is a senior mortgage banker with 18 years of experience and Gray Fox Mortgage, serving Central Virginia from Charlottesville to Augusta. He has helped nearly 2,000 families achieve homeownership and is known for his responsiveness, transparency, and personalized guidance through every step of the mortgage process.
Carl Garrett is a mortgage loan officer with Movement Mortgage in Charlottesville, VA, serving the local community with personalized lending solutions. With a 5-star rating from 21 reviews and a track record of repeat clients, Carl is known for finding creative financing solutions and delivering responsive, efficient service through closing. Movement Mortgage is an Impact Lender that returns nearly 50% of profits to community development.
Moe Barros brings 25 years of mortgage lending experience to help Charlottesville families achieve homeownership through FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, and jumbo loans. As a bilingual mortgage broker fluent in Spanish and English, he specializes in serving Hispanic families and first-time homebuyers with a consultative approach that includes weekly updates throughout the loan process. His deep local connections with real estate partners and track record of thousands of successful closings make him a trusted resource for both purchases and refinances.
Mahone Mortgage LLC is an independent mortgage company founded by Philip and Tom Mahone with a focus on personalized customer service and competitive rates. They offer a full selection of loan programs with fixed and adjustable rate options, guided by their philosophy of putting customer needs first. The Loanzify App streamlines the mortgage process by connecting borrowers directly with their loan officer and realtor.
C&F Mortgage Corp is a local mortgage lender serving the Charlottesville area with a team of experienced loan officers dedicated to guiding clients through the home financing process. Based at 3920 Lenox Ave, they offer personalized mortgage solutions and maintain a 5-star rating from satisfied customers. Their industry experts work closely with borrowers to find the right loan product for their specific needs.
First Heritage Mortgage is a Charlottesville-based lender specializing in personalized home financing solutions, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, as well as construction, renovation, and refinancing programs. Their experienced team offers flexible mortgage options tailored to individual financial situations, with particular expertise in first-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance grants available to Virginia residents.
Evan Hansen is a seasoned loan officer at First Heritage Mortgage with 15+ years in the housing industry, including real estate development and agent management experience. He specializes in working with self-employed borrowers, first-time buyers, and custom home builders, bringing deep market knowledge and a patient, educational approach to the mortgage process. His background managing hundreds of real estate transactions makes him particularly effective at navigating complex financing scenarios.
First Heritage Mortgage's Charlottesville Downtown branch specializes in personalized mortgage solutions including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, as well as construction, renovation, and refinancing programs. Led by experienced loan officers including Vice President Whit Douglas, they focus on understanding each borrower's unique situation and offering flexible options ranging from 10-30 year terms. Their commitment to transparent service and diverse product offerings—including specialty programs like down payment assistance grants and second mortgages—sets them apart in the local market.
Homestead Funding Corp. is a mortgage lender serving Charlottesville, VA with a team of experienced licensed loan originators and branch managers. Led by Branch Manager Patricia I Madison, they offer comprehensive loan programs including reverse mortgages through specialists like Stephen Gargano. With a 5-star rating and a large, professional team, Homestead provides personalized service and expertise across multiple loan products.
Guild Mortgage Company's Charlottesville branch, led by Branch Manager Katie Shiers, offers personalized home financing with access to multiple loan programs including VA, FHA, USDA, conventional, jumbo, and renovation loans. Backed by Guild's 60+ years of experience, their local team provides clear communication and responsive support from pre-qualification through closing.
Based on Lantern Score rankings, Strong Home Mortgage, LLC is the top-rated mortgage broker in Charlottesville with a score of 92/100. This veteran-owned lender has over 40 years of experience, $12.5 billion in closed loans, and 420 reviews with a 4.7-star rating. They specialize in personalized mortgage solutions and are particularly well-suited for first-time homebuyers, military veterans eligible for VA loans, and real estate investors seeking fast closings.
Four mortgage brokers in Charlottesville offer weekend availability. Strong Home Mortgage, LLC (#1 ranked) is open both Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Tammy Wilt at Gray Fox Mortgage and Todd Jenkins at Gray Fox Mortgage are both open Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Moe Barros-MBS Mortgage is open Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Andy Zemon Team at Novus Home Mortgage holds the highest perfect 5-star rating among individual brokers with 281 reviews, ranking #2 overall with an 82 Lantern Score. Andy Zemon brings over 20 years of mortgage industry experience and has helped more than 4,000 families achieve homeownership. His team is particularly well-suited for first-time homebuyers, VA and military borrowers, and those with non-traditional situations or construction/jumbo loan needs.
Strong Home Mortgage, LLC has the most customer reviews with 420 reviews and a 4.7-star rating. This veteran-owned company is ranked #1 in Charlottesville with a Lantern Score of 92/100. Their extensive review base reflects over 40 years of industry experience and more than $12.5 billion in closed loans, demonstrating consistent customer engagement and satisfaction across a large client base.
Multiple top-ranked Charlottesville brokers specialize in VA loans for military service members and veterans. Strong Home Mortgage (#1, score 92) is veteran-owned and specifically highlights VA loan expertise. Andy Zemon at Novus Home Mortgage (#2, score 82) explicitly serves VA and military borrowers. Ryan Schuett at Prosperity Home Mortgage (#5, score 70) specializes in military service member VA loans. Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group (#9, score 62) also emphasizes VA loan capabilities.
Nearly every top-ranked Charlottesville mortgage broker specializes in first-time homebuyers, but Strong Home Mortgage (#1, score 92) specifically lists first-time buyers as their primary specialty, combining guidance through the mortgage process with 40+ years of experience. Jenna Stiltner at Atlantic Coast Mortgage (#3, score 76) has over 20 years of real estate experience focused on first-time buyers. Andy Zemon at Novus Home Mortgage (#2, score 82) offers personalized financial planning specifically for first-time purchasers. All three maintain exceptionally high ratings and have helped thousands of families.
Charlottesville mortgage brokers offer a comprehensive range of loan products to meet diverse borrower needs. Conventional loans are universally available and ideal for buyers with strong credit and 20% down payments. FHA loans provide lower down payment options (as low as 3.5%) for first-time buyers or those with moderate credit scores. VA loans offer zero-down financing for eligible military members and veterans. USDA loans support rural property purchases with no down payment required. Many brokers also offer jumbo loans for high-value properties, construction loans for building custom homes, renovation loans for fixer-uppers, and refinancing options including cash-out refinancing for tapping home equity.
Mortgage closing timelines in Charlottesville generally range from 30 to 45 days, though this varies based on loan type, property complexity, and borrower preparedness. Conventional loans often close fastest at 30-35 days with complete documentation. FHA and VA loans may take 35-45 days due to additional government requirements and appraisal processes. Some experienced brokers like Strong Home Mortgage emphasize fast closings for real estate investors. Construction loans and renovation financing typically require longer timelines of 45-60 days. The key to faster closings is having all financial documentation prepared upfront, responding quickly to lender requests, and working with experienced local brokers who understand the Charlottesville market.
Credit score requirements vary significantly by loan type in Charlottesville. Conventional loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620, though 740+ scores secure the best interest rates and terms. FHA loans are more accessible with minimum scores as low as 580 for 3.5% down payment, or even 500 with 10% down. VA loans for military members and veterans are most flexible, with many lenders approving scores of 580-600 or even lower in some cases. USDA loans generally require 640 minimum. Several Charlottesville brokers, including those specializing in non-traditional situations, can work with borrowers who have lower credit scores or past credit challenges to find appropriate loan solutions.
Absolutely—mortgage pre-approval is essential before house hunting in Charlottesville's competitive real estate market. Pre-approval demonstrates to sellers that you're a serious, qualified buyer, which is critical when making offers in competitive situations. It establishes your precise budget, preventing you from falling in love with homes you cannot afford. Pre-approval also identifies and resolves potential credit or documentation issues before you find your dream home, avoiding last-minute deal failures. The process typically takes 1-3 days and involves submitting financial documentation to a lender who will review your credit, income, and assets. Most Charlottesville brokers offer pre-approval services, with many like Andy Zemon and Jenna Stiltner providing personalized financial planning during the pre-approval process.
Mortgage brokers act as intermediaries who work with multiple lenders to find you the best loan product and rate, while direct lenders fund loans using their own capital. In Charlottesville, most listings are individual loan officers or branches affiliated with larger lending institutions, essentially functioning as both. The advantage of working with experienced local loan officers like those at Strong Home Mortgage, Atlantic Coast Mortgage, or Gray Fox Mortgage is personalized service combined with access to diverse loan products. They can shop among multiple programs to find your best option, whereas a pure direct lender offers only their own products. Local mortgage professionals also bring invaluable knowledge of Charlottesville's real estate market, property values, and unique local considerations that can streamline your loan process.
Down payment requirements in Charlottesville vary widely based on loan type and your financial situation. Conventional loans traditionally require 20% down to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), though many programs accept as little as 3% for qualified first-time buyers. FHA loans require just 3.5% down with credit scores of 580 or higher, making them popular for first-time purchasers. VA loans for eligible military members and veterans require zero down payment, as do USDA loans for qualifying rural properties. Beyond the down payment, budget for closing costs of 2-5% of the purchase price, which cover appraisals, title insurance, inspections, and lender fees. Many Charlottesville brokers, including Katie Shiers at Guild Mortgage and multiple First Heritage Mortgage officers, specialize in down payment assistance programs that can further reduce upfront costs.
Yes, self-employed individuals can absolutely obtain mortgages in Charlottesville, though the documentation requirements are more extensive than for W-2 employees. Self-employed borrowers typically need to provide two years of personal and business tax returns, profit and loss statements, and sometimes year-to-date financial statements. Lenders calculate qualifying income by averaging your net income over two years, which can be challenging if income fluctuates significantly. Evan Hansen at First Heritage Mortgage explicitly specializes in working with self-employed borrowers and understands the unique challenges they face. Maintaining clean business records, minimizing tax write-offs in the years before applying, and working with experienced loan officers familiar with self-employment documentation are key strategies for approval. Some lenders also offer bank statement loan programs that use deposit history rather than tax returns for qualification.
The Lantern Score is a comprehensive 100-point ranking system that evaluates mortgage brokers across multiple factors including customer reviews, rating quality, experience, service offerings, and market presence. It provides an objective comparison tool beyond simple star ratings, helping you identify brokers who consistently deliver excellent service. In Charlottesville, scores range from 33 to 92, with Strong Home Mortgage leading at 92/100. A higher Lantern Score typically indicates a broker with extensive positive customer feedback, proven track record, comprehensive service offerings, and strong market reputation. While the top-ranked broker may not be the perfect fit for every situation—someone needing bilingual service might prefer Moe Barros (#14), while a VA loan applicant might prioritize a VA specialist—the Lantern Score provides a reliable starting point for identifying quality mortgage professionals worth considering.
Mortgage brokers and lenders in Charlottesville are compensated through a combination of origination fees, lender-paid compensation, and sometimes borrower-paid fees, though pricing information is not publicly listed for most local brokers. Typical origination fees range from 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount, though some lenders charge flat fees or no origination fee at all. Total closing costs, including lender fees, third-party services, title insurance, and prepaid items, typically range from 2-5% of the purchase price. Many brokers, including those at Atlantic Coast Mortgage and Gray Fox Mortgage, emphasize transparency in their fee structures. It's essential to request a Loan Estimate within three days of application, which details all fees and costs, and to compare offers from multiple brokers. Some lenders offer credits or promotions that can offset closing costs, making it worthwhile to ask about current programs when shopping for your mortgage.