MIKE BAKER | THE RATE SHOP
Making VA Loans Make Sense.
VA home loans in Kansas & Missouri.
You earned the benefit. Let’s put it to work. I’m Mike Baker, your Kansas City mortgage broker. From your first VA purchase to your next move or refinance, I’ll help you explore your options and build a clear plan.
Not using VA? I also help with conventional, FHA, and other home loans.
The Problem
You earned your VA benefit. Understanding it should be simple.
You’ve heard about $0 down. But what about closing costs, using VA again, or buying before you sell? You need answers that connect your benefit to the home and life you want.
The Solution
VA experience. Clear answers. A plan built around you.
I’m Mike Baker. VA lending has been a major part of my career—originating VA loans myself and leading loan officers helping veteran borrowers. Today, I help buyers and homeowners across Kansas and Missouri put their benefit to work, with straightforward answers from our first conversation through closing.
Conversation
We uncover your goals.
Strategy
We build a plan just for you.
Solutions
You choose from options best for you.
Closing
We walk together to the finish line.
Start with your goal
What would you like your VA benefit to do?
Buy your first—or next—home
Explore buying with $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance. We’ll plan your payment and talk through ways to cover closing costs.
Explore buying with VA →Use your VA benefit again
Keeping your current home? Let’s explore using your remaining VA benefit to buy a new primary home—even with an existing VA loan.
Estimate my VA buying power →Explore a VA refinance
A lower payment, home improvements, or another financial goal? Let’s compare VA streamline and cash-out options around what matters to you.
Explore VA refinancing →Not using a VA loan? I can help with that, too. Explore conventional, FHA, and other loan options →
Free VA homebuying guide + planning worksheets
Making VA Loans Make Sense
Just getting started? Your VA Homebuying Game Plan walks you through your benefit, $0 down, using VA again, and the steps toward your next home. Clear explanations. Useful checklists. Space for your own plan.
Free download. No form or email required.
Ready to explore homes? Text “VA HOMES” to 913-213-3335
Real mortgage experiences
What clients are saying about Mike
Clear answers and steady communication make a difference. Here are excerpts from three clients’ Google reviews.
“He was patient, covered all my questions and was very responsive. The entire process was very simple and the closing was super quick and easy.”
“Wow. Mike Baker knows his stuff. Just finished a refinance and the communication and process was really really good.”
“We are so grateful for his wealth of knowledge, calming and positive demeanor and ability to tailor our loan to what we needed and wanted!”
Useful answers, at your pace
Get comfortable with the numbers and the next steps
What could my payment be?
Build an estimate that includes taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance when applicable.
Try the mortgage calculator →Keep your mortgage. Explore your equity.
Compare a home equity loan for debt payoff or renovations. See how your monthly payments and total interest could change with a 10-, 15-, or 20-year loan.
Try the Home Equity Loan Calculator →What should I prepare?
See the process from pre-approval to closing and download a practical document checklist.
Follow the mortgage roadmap →Kansas City, on both sides of the state line
Get to know the area—and what owning a home could cost
Mike is licensed in Kansas and Missouri. Explore the communities you are considering, then bring the property’s price, taxes, insurance, and any homeowners association dues into your mortgage plan.
Explore all Kansas City community guides →Start with a clear answer
Your VA questions, answered
Can I buy with a VA loan and no money out of pocket?
Yes, that can be possible. We can combine the VA $0-down benefit with seller-paid closing costs negotiated through your Realtor. I’ll help you explore the numbers, available credits, and any upfront expenses so you have a clear plan. Talk through my $0-down plan →
Can I have two VA loans at the same time?
Yes. If you keep your current home and buy a new primary home, your remaining VA benefit may support another VA loan. I’ll review your Certificate of Eligibility and how both payments fit your finances. Estimate my remaining VA buying power →
Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use VA?
No. Your VA benefit can help with more than one home purchase. Whether you’ve used it before or you’re exploring it for the first time, let’s look at your next move. Explore my VA options →
Can you help me get my Certificate of Eligibility?
Absolutely. Your COE is the VA’s record of your home loan benefit. I can often retrieve it online for you, explain what it means, and help with any next steps—so you don’t have to figure it out alone. Ask Mike about my COE →
What if I’m not using a VA loan?
You’re welcome here, too. I also help Kansas and Missouri buyers and homeowners with conventional, FHA, and other financing options. We’ll start with your goals and find a path that fits. See all loan options →
Let’s make your VA benefit work for you.
Buying your first home, using VA again, or exploring a refinance? Bring me your questions. We’ll turn the possibilities into a clear plan for your next move.
Mike Baker · Mortgage Loan Originator · NMLS #259076
The Rate Shop · Company NMLS #2554765 · Kansas & Missouri