I'm Rick Elmendorf. While VA lending is my specialty — with the national ranking to prove it — my team brings the same standard of excellence and speed to conventional, FHA, jumbo, and non-traditional financing. Exact numbers before you offer, and a closing strategy that wins houses.
#12 in the nation for VA loan production — 2025 Scotsman's Guide*
With my team, eligible VA borrowers can get a loan with $0 underwriting, processing, and application fees — plus $0 origination fees.
That's not a promotion. It's how we've always approached VA loans — because the benefit was earned, and my job is making sure you keep it. Your estimated loan costs are provided upfront, so you know what to expect.
Check out the numbers for yourself — get the Purchase Worksheet →
Most loan officers touch a VA loan a few times a year. For me, it's the loan I specialize in — and we have the national ranking to prove it. My entire operation is built around VA production: a team that lives in the VA guidelines, pre-approvals in hours, and files structured to close in days, not months. We've done this thousands of times. That's what makes it fast and easy for you.
No underwriting, processing, or application fees on VA loans — and no origination fee.†
When the deal demands it, my VA buyers close in under two weeks — my fastest ever is 8 days. Speed is an offer strategy.
Fully underwritten up front, so where appropriate you can strengthen — or waive — the contingencies that make sellers nervous.‡
Exact loan amount, rate scenarios, payment, and cash to close for every house you consider. Run your own numbers. No surprises.
VA guidelines often let us exclude your departing home's payment when you qualify — so you can buy the next house without selling first.
Entitlement tied up in another property? Second-tier and bonus entitlement can still mean 100% financing on your next home.
We review your full credit history — not just a number — so more service members qualify than the big-bank checkbox allows.
Rate's exclusive program: qualified Veterans can purchase with a true no-down-payment option. Your COE? We help pull it — usually same day.
I've spent three decades in some of the most competitive housing markets in the country, and I built my business around one belief: the people who earned the VA benefit deserve a lender who has mastered it.
That's why my team runs VA loans differently — no lender fees, fully underwritten pre-approvals in hours, a Purchase Worksheet with your exact numbers, and a personal call from me to the listing agent on every offer you make. And when your next move is conventional, FHA, jumbo, or a refinance, you can expect that same commitment to service and communication every step of the way.
You served. This benefit is yours. My job is to make sure you get every dollar of it.
— Rick Elmendorf, SVP of Mortgage Lending, RATE · NMLS #485091
No mystery, no waiting by the phone. Here's exactly what happens after you hit "Start My Application."
Complete the digital mortgage — a soft credit pull, so no ding to your score — and select programs and rates right on the spot.§
My team runs your numbers fast and emails your pre-approval letter — normally within a couple of hours. Fully underwritten, not a checkbox.
A 1-on-1 video call: rates, market, offer and money strategy. I update your worksheet live and send you a video recap.
You shop; I stay close. My clients get my personal cell. Need a great agent? I'm connected nationwide with agents who understand military moves.
I work with your agent and personally call the listing agent to cement the financing side of your offer — so the seller knows your money is solid. Most lenders never make that call.
Once you're under contract, we order the appraisal, submit to underwriting, and work through conditions — my team chases the paperwork so you don't. You get a weekly status update, then clear to close, final numbers, and keys.
Pre-approval timelines are typical, not guaranteed, and subject to complete application and underwriting review. Soft credit inquiry at initial application; a full credit report is required prior to final approval.
Sell here. Buy there. One lender running both ends.
Timing the sale and the purchase is where most moves go sideways — funds, contingencies, closing dates in two places. VA guidelines often let us exclude your departing home's payment so you can buy before you sell, and your benefit travels with you to the next state. Fifteen minutes before you list and I'll show you exactly how the numbers line up.
"I have worked with Rick and his team on multiple loans and refinancing over the years. The process and professionalism are awesome."
"Working with Rick and his team made home buying simple and efficient. Easy decision on who we will be going with for the purchase of our next property."
"Our second loan with Rick. His team is always very helpful and does all the heavy lifting."
Reviews collected via Google and Birdeye. Individual experiences vary.
Tell us a little about yourself and we'll send over the Purchase Worksheet ASAP.
This is the actual worksheet. A real Excel file — fully customizable to your purchase, up to three loan options side by side, full closing costs, cash to close, and a full amortization schedule. Yours to keep and rerun on any house, any time.
Example scenario · Yours gets filled in with your numbers
Available nights and weekends.