9 Best Conventional Mortgage Lenders of 2020

Why we like it

Pros

• Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness.

• Offers full online mortgage application, rate quotes, document upload and loan tracking.

• Home equity lending sets it apart from most non-bank lenders.

Cons

• Services not available in all 50 states.

Why we like it

Pros

• No upfront origination or broker fees.

• A shorter, more transparent refinance process.

• Online platform lets you track your refinance every step of the way.

Cons

• No FHA, VA or USDA refinance products.

• Account required to see personalized refinance rates.

Why we like it

Pros

• Quicken Loans couples a fully online application with available mortgage advisors for those who want a human touch.

• Instantly verifies employment and income for more than 60% of working Americans.

• Offers custom fixed-rate loan terms that are between eight and 30 years.

• Provides FHA-backed loans, USDA loans as well as products offered by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that require down payments as low as 3%.

Cons

• Quicken Loans doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• If you’re a “look me in the eye” type of customer, you’re out of luck.

• Doesn’t consider alternative credit data. It just looks at credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, the way most mortgage lenders always have.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers low rates and fees when compared with other lenders.

• Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.

• Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.

Cons

• Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.

• Doesn’t offer renovation loans.

Why we like it

Pros

• The site caters to self-service users who want to apply for a home loan without talking to a human unless it’s absolutely necessary.

• With your authorization, accesses asset statements from 98% of U.S. financial institutions.

• Tells you the loan amount you’ll qualify for within minutes.

• Rocket Mortgage’s document and asset retrieval capabilities can save you a bunch of time and hassle.

Cons

• Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• If you’re a “look me in the eye” type of customer, you’re out of luck.

• Doesn’t consider alternative credit data. It just looks at credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, the way most mortgage lenders always have.

Why we like it

Pros

• Low minimum credit score.

• Online application, loan tracking and document upload.

• Free rate locks.

Cons

• No online preapproval.

• No presence in Massachusetts or North Dakota.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.

• Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.

Cons

• Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.

• Provides customizable mortgage rates on its website.

• Offers low rates and fees compared with other lenders.

Cons

• Charges a mortgage application fee.

• Requires help from a mortgage loan officer to complete the loan application online.

Why we like it

Pros

• Allows borrowers to apply entirely online.

• Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

• May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.

Cons

• Does not offer renovation loans.