10 Best Arkansas Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Here are NerdWallet's 10 best mortgage lenders in Arkansas, whether you're looking for low refinance rates or are shopping for a new home.
Last updated on January 20, 2021
Written by
Written by
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
These Arkansas mortgage lenders do a lot of business in the state and provide a range of home loan options, including government-backed loans, such as FHA and VA mortgages, and loans geared to first-time home buyers.
Use this list to guide your search for a lender that serves your unique needs and situation.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
10 Best Arkansas Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Have you or your spouse served in the military?
We’ve got more home loan options for you. Show me
Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 580 | 3.5% | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 520 | 3.5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 660 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Caliber: NMLS#15622 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
620 | 0% | Learn more at Veterans United | ||
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Why We Like ItRocket Mortgage is the largest mortgage lender by volume, standing out for its range of affordable borrowing options, down payment assistance and closing cost credits.
Pros
- Reported average time to close is 15 days faster than industry average.
- FHA and VA loans make up 40% of Rocket Mortgage’s total loan volume.
- Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- No construction or renovation loans.
- Physical branches are only available in Detroit, Cleveland, and Phoenix.
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
4.0
FHA loans
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
580
Min. down payment
3.5%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want access to a wide variety of mortgages, including renovation loans and ITIN loans.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want a lender with deep experience in FHA lending.
Pros
- Was among the top five lenders by volume for FHA lending in 2022, according to the latest federal data.
- Online loan calculator lets borrowers compare monthly payments and lifetime interest.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Origination fees for FHA loans tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItBank of America offers low interest rates, in-person service and plenty of loan options, but it was fined by regulators for reporting inaccurate mortgage data.
Pros
- Interest rates are lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to qualified borrowers.
- Banking customers can get discounted interest rates or fees.
Cons
- Mortgage origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Rate estimator tool doesn’t personalize by credit score.
- Fined $12 million for reporting inaccurate mortgage applicant info to the federal government.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItCarrington Mortgage offers loans for people who might have trouble qualifying for a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers or those with heavy debt. However, its interest rates are on the high side.
Pros
- Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
- Accepts self-employed borrowers.
- Mortgage origination fees are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Interest rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t post interest rates online.
- No online chat for customer service.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, self-employed borrowers and those who may have credit challenges to overcome.
Pros
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Offers financial assistance, such as grants for down payments or closing costs, to first-time home buyers who qualify.
- Supports military borrowers with extensive online resources and dedicated VA loan specialists.
Cons
- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Room to improve overall digital experience: No online chat for customer service, and mobile app has poor ratings and reviews.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Learn more
at Veterans United
Why We Like ItGood for: veterans, active-duty service members and eligible reservists looking for VA loans.
Pros
- Largest VA lender in the country by far.
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
Cons
- Does not offer second mortgage options like home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Borrower must provide contact info for customized rates.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: military members and their families looking for low-down-payment mortgages.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItWells Fargo has significant upsides and shortcomings. Sample rates are easy to view, assistance programs may apply and the lender earns solid scores in our rankings, but its consumer trust track record is rough.
Pros
- Sample rates are shown for various loan products, along with the type of borrower and loan that would get them.
- Offers generous down payment and closing cost assistance programs for qualified borrowers.
- Market leader in number of jumbo loans and refinances originated, according to the latest federal data.
- Rate-and-term refinance interest rates offered are lower than average, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on existing bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer specialty home loans or equity borrowing (home equity loans or HELOC).
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
N/A
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGuild offers a number of loans and programs that stand out, including renovation loans and home equity products. However, Guild does not have a mobile app, and interest rates aren’t published online.
Pros
- Offers several programs to make homeownership more accessible.
- Offers loans for manufactured homes.
- Renovation loan options are available.
Cons
- Does not publish interest rates online.
- No mortgage mobile app.
- Loans are not available in every state.
More from NerdWallet:
Last updated on January 20, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
NerdWallet's Best Arkansas Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online convenience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for FHA loans
- loanDepot: Best for FHA loans
- Bank of America: Best for first-time home buyers
- Carrington: Best for borrowers with credit challenges
- Caliber: Best for borrowers with credit challenges
- Veterans United: Best for VA loans
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Wells Fargo: Best for online convenience
- Guild Mortgage: Best for first-time home buyers
