Headquartered in Modesto, California, Valley First Credit Union serves members throughout the Central Valley. While credit unions typically offer favorable loan terms, homebuyers should still be aware of potential processing or origination fees that may be associated with their mortgage.
See today’s mortgage interest rates on TrueRate.
How Valley First Credit Union
compares to other lenders
| Headquarters | Modesto, California |
| Website | valleyfirstcu.org |
What customers are saying
Customer reviews of Valley First Credit Union’s mortgage services, as seen on platforms like BBB and Yelp, reveal mixed experiences.
Borrowers praised competitive rates and specialized mortgage programs tailored to different budgets. Customers appreciated features like flexible payment schedules (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly) and pre-approval rate guarantees for up to 120 days. Some noted smooth transactions and helpful customer service during the mortgage process.
Complaints often mention delays in processing, communication gaps, and rigid policies. Borrowers reported frustrations with prepayment penalties and challenges resolving disputes related to loan terms or payments. Some reviews highlighted inefficiencies in handling mortgage transfers or refinancing applications.
How to compare mortgage lenders
Interest rates. Comparing rates between lenders isn’t always straightforward. Many promote low headline rates that require paying “points” upfront to buy down the interest rate. To make a true comparison, focus on the par rate (0 points) and the APR, which reflects both the interest rate and any lender fees. Even small differences can translate into significant savings over the life of the loan.
Lender fees or loan origination fees. Many lenders charge fees that add thousands to the cost of a loan. It’s important to look at both the rate and the fees together to understand the true cost of borrowing. For a $400,000 mortgage, avoiding even a $1,000 fee could contribute to meaningful savings in the first year and over the long term.
On-time close rate. Most lenders do not publicly share their on-time close rates. However, it’s a critical factor—especially if your home contract has tight deadlines. Asking about their process for meeting close dates, including underwriting and document review timelines, can give you more confidence when choosing a lender.
Pre-approval and offer letters. Some lenders offer fast pre-qualifications that may not be fully underwritten, which can weaken your offer in competitive markets. It’s important to ask whether a lender’s pre-approvals are fully underwritten and how credible their letters are when presented with an offer.
Customer satisfaction. If detailed customer review data isn’t readily available, check third-party review sites or ask the lender for references. It’s important to understand how they handle communication, responsiveness, and issue resolution throughout the loan process.
Employee reviews. Company culture often influences how clients are treated. A lender with strong employee satisfaction typically delivers better service, more organized processing, and a smoother overall experience for borrowers.
To better understand how we compare mortgage rates fairly, see our TrueRate Methodology.
If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre-approved with Tomo Mortgage today.