What do you want to do?
Buy a home
$0 down, no PMI
Show me how →Build a new home
Lot + build, one closing
Show me how →Buy a fixer-upper
Home + repairs in one loan
Show me how →Lower my VA rate
Streamline, no VA appraisal
Show me how →Get cash from my equity
Refinance any loan into VA
Show me how →Take over a low rate
Assume a seller’s VA loan
Show me how →Find VA loan rules for your state
Each state guide covers disabled-veteran property tax relief, VA residual income, loan limits and community-property rules.
Hi, I’m Shirley.
I’ve been helping families finance homes since 2003, and VA loans have been the heart of my work for over 20 years. Both of my grandfathers served in World War II, so this work is personal. I wrote every guide on this site so you can understand your benefit before you ever talk to a lender. When you’re ready, you’ll work with me and my team directly — not a call center.
Recognition: Ranked #7 in the nation for VA loan volume by Scotsman Guide (2018) · Mortgage Executive Magazine Top 1% Mortgage Originators (2014, 2016–2021) · National Mortgage Professional Best Military Lenders and Originators (2018) · Texas Veterans Land Board Top Producer
Why veterans work with Shirley
VA is the specialty
Originating loans since 2003 and ranked #7 nationally for VA volume (Scotsman Guide, 2018) — including construction loans most lenders won’t touch, and second liens that help buyers cover the equity gap on a VA assumption.
No minimum credit score
On VA purchase and refinance loans, your recent payment history matters more than one number. If there’s a path to yes, you’ll hear it, and if you’re not ready, you’ll get a plan.
Honest math
If a refinance won’t pay for itself, you’ll be told not to do it. Every page here shows the real rules and the real costs.
What veterans say about working with Shirley
4.9 95 Google reviews“Shirley and her team were an absolute pleasure to work with. They helped my wife and I obtain a VA Construction Loan which gave us the ability to build our dream home.”
April 2026 · Google review
“Great experience with them. Shirley and her team are awesome. They do everything to make sure it is a smooth process for a VA loan. I read a bunch of great reviews about them and went with them because of that. I highly recommend using Shirley at Cross Country Mortgage.”
April 2026 · Google review
“Ms. Shirley and her team are the BEST. Clear communication, specialized VA knowledge, responsiveness, and reduced stress. Thank you all for your help .”
April 2026 · Google review
“Shirley and her team at Cross Country Mortgage were amazing! They responded to emails in a timely manner and answered any questions that we had. The entire process took 5 weeks. Thank you Shirley for making the process so smooth. Ed and Laura”
October 2025 · Google review
“Veterans looking for a mortgage look no further!! I was absolutely thrilled when I received my pre approval the same day. Shirley called me, and told me that I could start looking at homes. I already had one home in particular that I was sure I wanted. I went to view it the following day,and went under contract. I want to say to any of my fellow veterans who may be discouraged about applying for your VA home loan benefit, or read negative feedback about how difficult it is to aquire that is not true. The process was so easy!! I'm so excited to be a homeowner, and cannot thank the entire team @ Cross Country Mortgage enough!! I would recommend Shirley Mueller over any other VA lender out there. She kept me motivated, and dedicated to securing a home at the best rate in record time.”
August 2024 · Google review
“I was purchasing a house using a VA loan and three weeks before close my lender decided to tell me he couldn't come through with some of the terms he had promised. This was the evening of July 2nd and everyone was going out of town for the holiday. I called Shirley and explained everything. She told me she could offer me the terms the previous lender backed out of and had me on track by the end of the day. Even with the holiday pending and a closing date three weeks away I was able to close on time and I am now writing this review from my new living room. I highly recommend Shirley and her team. Communication was always quick and thorough. There were no hiccups and her follow through was fantastic. I would definitely go to her again.”
July 2024 · Google review
Real Google reviews of VALoansTexas.com, shown word for word. Team members named in reviews were part of Shirley’s team at the time. Read more reviews →
Run your numbers
Free calculators for every step, from what you can afford to your entitlement and disability benefits. See all calculators →
All VA loan programs
VA Construction Loan
One application, one closing, zero down — from bare lot to move-in.
Read the guide →VA Renovation Loan
Buy the fixer-upper — and finance the repairs — with one VA loan.
Read the guide →VA Purchase Loan
The most powerful home-buying benefit in America — explained plainly.
Read the guide →VA Refinance
Two VA refinances, two very different jobs. Pick the right one.
Read the guide →VA IRRRL (Streamline Refinance)
Lower your VA rate with less paperwork — if the math works.
Read the guide →VA Cash-Out Refinance
Refinance any loan into VA — and turn equity into cash.
Read the guide →VA Assumable Loan
Keep the seller’s rate. Here is how assumptions really work.
Read the guide →Not sure VA is the right fit?
VA is usually the best loan for eligible veterans — but not always. These guides show when another option wins, and how to pair them with VA.
VA vs. Conventional Loan
VA usually wins — but not always. Here’s when conventional does.
Compare →VA vs. FHA Loan
If you’re eligible for VA, FHA rarely makes sense. Here’s why.
Compare →HELOC for Veterans
Don’t give up a great first-mortgage rate just to get cash.
Compare →Closed-End Second Mortgage
A fixed-rate lump sum that leaves your first mortgage alone.
Compare →Non-QM Loans for Veterans
When your income doesn’t fit the standard boxes.
Compare →VA loan basics
What is a VA loan?
A mortgage guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and made by private lenders. The guaranty lets eligible veterans and service members buy, build or refinance with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.
Is there a VA loan limit in 2026?
Not with full entitlement. Limits apply only with partial entitlement, using the 2026 county conforming limit — $832,750 in most counties and up to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas.
Is there a minimum credit score for a VA loan?
VA itself does not set a minimum credit score; lenders do. Shirley’s VA purchase and refinance loans have no minimum credit score. They follow VA’s credit guidelines, which focus on your last 12 months of payment history. Not there yet? Shirley’s team offers a free credit plan.
Can I use a VA loan more than once?
Yes. VA entitlement can be restored after a VA loan is paid off, and you may be able to hold more than one VA loan at a time with remaining entitlement.
