Academy Mortgage Corporation
Draper, Utah
Company CEO/ President: Adam Kessler
States Licensed: All States except New York
Total VA Loans Closed in 2022 by lender: 1,726
Why does this lender serve those who serve to protect?
At Academy Mortgage, our vision is to Inspire hope, deliver dreams, and build prosperity, and we are committed to serving and lifting others, whether by helping families achieve homeownership through our products and services or by serving those in our communities in need. We strive to give back to the service members and veterans who have given up so much for our country. As a company, we recognize our responsibility to give back to these service members, their families, and their communities.
Why is this lender the best at supporting the military/military borrowers?
At Academy, we believe that the American Dream is built upon sustainable homeownership. We recognize that what we do has a noble purpose and that we exist to help make homeownership a reality for as many people as possible, especially those who have served or are currently serving our country. Academy’s mission is to create life-changing experiences through lending, and our branches are committed to helping active service members and veterans achieve the life-changing experience of becoming a homeowner.
What contributions is this lender making to the military community?
Service is at the heart of the culture at Academy, and many of our branches across the nation are committed to supporting campaigns that support our troops and serving active service members and veterans. We offer multiple VA products to serve the military community and help them attain homeownership.
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
Madison, Wisconsin
Company CEO/President: Steve Jacobson, CEO
States Licensed: All 50 states
Total VA Loans Closed in 2022 by lender: 10,560
Why does this lender serve those who serve to protect?
They fought to protect the American Dream. We believe that it’s our duty to help them live it and, furthermore, to find and fill the needs of those who sacrifice to protect the very freedoms we enjoy each day. The commitment to serving veterans goes beyond just words. Recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans and first responders, Fairway established the American Warrior Initiative (AWI), a non-profit supporting these heroes and their families. A remarkable aspect of this is that Fairway covers 100% of the administrative costs, ensuring that every dollar raised directly benefits veterans, first responders, or non-profit organizations.
Why is this lender the best at supporting the military/military borrowers?
When it comes to financing, Fairway Independent Mortgage proves its dedication by providing VA financing options in all 50 states. The numbers speak volumes about their commitment: their loan officers achieved a remarkable feat by funding an impressive $4.1 billion in VA loans in the year 2022. This figure not only demonstrates Fairway’s expertise in VA financing but also highlights the trust that veterans place in their services.
Another powerful expression of Fairway’s dedication is the observance of RED Friday. Every Friday, Fairway employees proudly don RED Friday shirts and attire as a collective gesture to “Remember Every Defender.” This small yet impactful act showcases the company’s unwavering respect and appreciation for those who serve and protect.
What contributions is this lender making to the military community?
Since its inception, the American Warrior Initiative has demonstrated an impressive impact. In the year 2022 alone, AWI managed to place an astounding 47 service dogs in the hands and hearts of veterans and first responders in need. This achievement added to the remarkable milestone of surpassing 300 service dogs placed, an emblematic testament to the tangible change Fairway is driving within the veteran community. The impact of AWI goes far beyond service dogs, as it extended its reach through a spectrum of initiatives. In 2022, the organization provided $25,000 in gift cards, offered 90 grants, and contributed a substantial $127,000 to other non-profits that share the vision of supporting veterans and their families.
Recognizing the unique challenges and experiences of veteran employees, Fairway goes the extra mile to create a supportive workplace environment. The company established an Employee Resource Group (ERG) tailored specifically for veterans within their workforce. This initiative fosters a sense of camaraderie among veterans and serves as a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and support.
Pennymac
Westlake Village, Calif.
Chairman & CEO: David Spector
President & Chief Mortgage Banking Officer: Doug Jones
States Licensed: Licensed in all 50 states.
Total VA Loans Closed in 2022 by lender: 83,648 units in 2022
Why does this lender serve those who serve to protect?
As a top mortgage lender in the country, Pennymac has serviced over 813,000 lifetime loans through our VA Home Loan Program to help our nation’s heroes achieve homeownership. We are a proud supporter of our veterans and military families and recognize that their commitment, contributions, and sacrifices are what upholds our nation. Our 4,000 team members are dedicated to honoring our veteran and active military communities through services and support that go the extra mile and are grounded in our core values to be: accountable, reliable and ethical.
Why is this lender the best at supporting the military/military borrowers?
In 2022, Pennymac launched an enterprise-wide volunteer initiative with Operation Gratitude, a non-profit dedicated to providing hands-on opportunities to give thanks to our active military, veterans, and first responders. Pennymac team members across the nation volunteered their time to help assemble care kits for our service members. Each year during National Veterans and Military Families Month, Pennymac celebrates our service members through activities designed to thank our reservists, veterans, and military family members.
In 2022, we also partnered with our SERVE (Supporting and Engaging Reservists and Veteran Employees) Business Resource Group to sponsor a Virtual Veterans Day Celebration, which included a moment of silence, a Presentation of the Colors ceremony, the recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, and a special message from the President and CEO of Operation Gratitude. To express our appreciation while encouraging our employees to stay active, we also hosted a runPennymac: Veterans 5K Challenge. Hundreds of employees across our office sites participated. As a result, we provided charitable donations to Operation Gratitude and Wounded Warrior Project.
What contributions is this lender making to the military community?
Pennymac is honored to extend our support beyond the VA loan program by promoting the recruitment of active, reserve, veteran and retired military employees. We work with veterans groups such as DAV/RecruitMilitary to help us actively recruit America’s highest-quality talent. Our work with these groups allows veterans to continue developing their skills and expand their experience in a customer-centric environment that emphasizes high ethical standards, open communication and excellence. Additionally, we believe that creating a sustainable, diverse and inclusive vendor base may support business development in our communities. Our outreach efforts were launched to help us identify vendors that are at least 51% owned, operated and managed by underrepresented groups such as service-disabled veterans, among others. In support of our prospective buyers, Pennymac also provides resources, such as the Military Housing Assistance Fund and the Veterans Affairs Specially Adapted Housing grant program.
Supreme Lending
Dallas, Texas
Company CEO/President: Scott Everett
States Licensed: All 50 states.
Total VA Loans Closed in 2022 by lender: 1,702
Why does this lender serve those who serve to protect?
Supreme Lending is honored to serve our country’s military personnel, veterans, and their families with a wide range of mortgage programs to achieve their dream of homeownership — in the country they served and sacrificed to protect. Their job is the most honorable and difficult service in the world and is oftentimes spent away from home for long periods of time. There’s no one more deserving to have a place to call their own than those who have served.
Why is this lender the best at supporting the military/military borrowers?
Supreme Lending is privileged to offer a variety of affordable and flexible mortgages for military homebuyers and homeowners, including VA loans. Many times, veterans and active-duty personnel may not even be aware of the types of home loans they could be eligible for, which is why Supreme focuses on educating them about their mortgage options. In 2022, Supreme produced $630 million in VA loan volume to serve the Veteran and military communities.
What contributions is this lender making to the military community?
Supreme Lending offers VA loans including the organization’s programs such as the VA Renovation loan that provides 100% financing to fund both the home purchase and improvements for eligible buyers. Additionally, Supreme supports local organizations dedicated to giving back to the military community, including Heroes Ranch, a recreational retreat that provides accessible outdoor activities, amenities, and fellowship for disabled Veterans and their families.
