Top Reasons to Choose Taylor Ellard (Virginia Local Lender) vs. Bank
Here’s a comparison of why some people might choose a local Virginia lender like Taylor Ellard (with First Heritage Mortgage) over a large national lender like banks or credit unions — based on available public info about Taylor Ellard + the known pros/cons of Navy Federal:
1. Personalized, Local Service
Taylor is a local loan officer in Virginia focused on personalized lending solutions and client relationships. She emphasizes integrity, transparency, and guided support through the loan process — often more one-on-one than larger institutions.
2. Dedicated, Individual Attention
Smaller/local lenders like Taylor typically offer direct communication with the loan officer handling your file, versus large credit unions where you may work with many staff or be part of a larger queue. This can be helpful for customized financial situations.
3. Flexible Loan Products Beyond VA Loans
Taylor (via First Heritage Mortgage) offers a wider range of mortgage products tailored to individual needs — including conventional, niche specialty financing, construction/renovation loans, and refinancing — which can be useful if your goals change. First Heritage Mortgage+1
4. Local Knowledge and Virginia Programs
Because Taylor is based in Virginia and works with local homebuyer assistance programs (e.g., VA, FHA, USDA, and state assistance), she can potentially help you maximize state/local benefits for your situation in ways that national lenders might not tailor specifically. First Heritage Mortgage
5. Local Reputation & Homebuilder Partnerships
Taylor works with local homebuilders and real estate professionals, meaning she’s positioned to help buyers with local market nuances (like appraisal challenges, regional lending criteria, etc.).
Choose Taylor Ellard if you value:
Local, Virginia-focused, personalized service
Single point of contact and direct support
Flexible lending options (beyond standard VA loans)
Expertise with local programs and market nuances
Choose Navy Federal if you value:
Strong VA loan rates and credit union member perks
National reach and large institutional support
VA-specific programs with standardized offerings