12 Best Mortgage Lenders of September 2024
Better: NMLS#330511
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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An online process with human help as needed.
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Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.
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Offers an "underwriter reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.
Cons
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Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
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Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.
Rocket Mortgage: NMLS#3030
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Caters to self-service users who want to apply for a home loan online and talk to a human only as necessary.
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Estimates the loan amount you’ll qualify for within minutes.
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Offers document and asset retrieval capabilities.
Cons
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If you’re a “look me in the eye” type of customer, you’re out of luck.
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Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can lower your credit score by a few points.
New American Funding: NMLS#6606
Min. Credit Score
640Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness, in some cases.
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Offers a fully online mortgage application, rate quotes, document upload and loan tracking.
Cons
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Mortgage rates offered to borrowers are higher than the government-reported median of all lenders.
Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611
Min. Credit Score
580Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
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Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
Cons
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Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
%loanDepot: NMLS#174457
Min. Credit Score
740Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Offers digital income, asset and employment verification.
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Offers multiple renovation loan options.
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Has over 200 affiliated loan stores nationwide for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
Cons
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Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
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Does not offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Veterans United: NMLS#1907
Min. Credit Score
640Min. Down Payment
0%Pros
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Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
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Has online application and pre-qualification.
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Offers a free credit counseling service.
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Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.
Cons
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Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
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Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 18 states.
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Charges higher rates and fees than some other lenders.
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Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on its website.
NASB: NMLS#400039
Min. Credit Score
640Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.
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Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.
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Offers competitive rates and origination fees.
Cons
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No online loan process updates or tracking.
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No home improvement mortgages or home equity loan products.
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
%Quicken Loans: NMLS#3030
Min. Credit Score
660Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Quicken Loans couples a fully online application with available mortgage advisors for those who want a human touch.
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Instantly verifies employment and income for many working Americans.
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Offers custom fixed-rate loan terms that are between eight and 30 years.
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Provides a wide variety of loan types, including renovation loans and some government-backed mortgage products.
Cons
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Quicken Loans doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
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Quicken's lender fees can be stout and they don't offset those fees with particularly low mortgage rates.
Connexus: NMLS#649316
Min. Credit Score
640Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Offers a range of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages in most states.
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Displays sample rates for its entire array of loan products, and you don't need to provide personal information to get a custom rate quote.
Cons
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Doesn't offer FHA, VA or USDA loans.
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Lacks document upload and online loan tracking capabilities.
Chase: NMLS#399798
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.
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Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.
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Generally offers good rates and charges reasonable fees.
Cons
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Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
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You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
Alterra: NMLS#133739
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Offers an ITIN qualification path for undocumented borrowers.
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Has a digital application process.
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Offers several mortgage options for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
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Borrowers can qualify with income from self-employment and other nontraditional sources.
Cons
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No mortgage rates published online.
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No home equity loans or lines of credit.
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Generally has higher rates and fees than other lenders.
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Branch offices not available in all states.
PrimeLending: NMLS#13649
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
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Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
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Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.
Cons
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No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
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Doesn't offer home equity products.
Flagstar: NMLS#417490
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Offers a wide range of loan types and products, including FHA, VA and USDA.
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Has a full suite of online conveniences.
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Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
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Home equity lending is geographically limited.
Navy Federal: NMLS#399807
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.
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Has an online application for preapproval.
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Offers low rates compared with most lenders.
Cons
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Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
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Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801
Min. Credit Score
620Min. Down Payment
3%Pros
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Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
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Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
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Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
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New applications for home equity lines of credit suspended during COVID-19 crisis.
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Government actions and scandals have damaged consumer trust in recent years.