8 Best Georgia Mortgage Lenders of 2021
These Georgia mortgage lenders are among the best for borrowers with various needs, from first-time buyers to refinancers.
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Buying a home in Georgia can be a delight. From the high-energy vibe of Atlanta to the relaxed, outdoor-enthusiast-friendly foothills, mountains and coast, there's a lot to love. And while you'll likely to worry more about curb appeal and an updated kitchen, choosing a mortgage lender is among your most important decisions.
NerdWallet has researched many of the top lenders in Georgia and selected some of the best options for home buyers depending on their needs.
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.
8 Best Georgia Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
580 | 3% | Learn more at New American Funding | ||
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | 3% | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 660 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Churchill: NMLS#1591 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at New American Funding
New American Funding: NMLS#6606
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
580
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, military members and self-employed or underrepresented borrowers.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for an owner-occupied or second home.
- Has a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Why We Like ItGood for: FHA borrowers and others short on down payment cash, as well as home buyers who value convenience over low fees.
Pros
- Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
- Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.
- Largest FHA lender in the nation.
Cons
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
4.0
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers looking for a low-down-payment mortgage, renovation loan, or a specialized mortgage geared to medical professionals.
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 and mortgage rates 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 wide selection of loan products, an in-person experience and comparatively low interest rates.
Pros
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products, including mortgages with down payments as low as 3%.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers a customizable mortgage calculator for personalized rate and payment estimates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
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 ItGood for: first-time home buyers looking for low- or no-down-payment options and homeowners interested in a home equity line of credit.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation or construction-to-permanent mortgage loans.
- Must enroll in online banking to access Home Loan Navigator.
- Fined $12 million for reporting inaccurate mortgage applicant info to the federal government.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who are comfortable with an entirely online experience, and who want a one-stop shop for buying and selling.
Pros
- Offers a variety of repayment terms.
- 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
- No sample interest rates are provided.
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Lender’s website does not have a live chat feature.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, doctors and other borrowers interested in low-down-payment mortgage options.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including special programs for doctors.
- Offers a complete suite of online mortgage application tools and loan tracking.
- Sample rates and fees are easy to find on the website.
Cons
- Customized rates aren't available online without starting an application.
- Branches are limited mostly to the Southeast.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers with nontraditional credit who value a debt-free lifestyle. Churchill advocates debt-free homeownership and helps customers try to achieve that goal.
Pros
- Experienced at underwriting loans for borrowers without credit scores.
- Offers conventional mortgages for manufactured homes.
- Has conveniences such as online chat and a mobile app.
Cons
- Doesn't provide sample or customized mortgage rates on its website.
- Mortgage rates and fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
» MORE: Best Atlanta mortgage lenders
Last updated on January 26, 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 Georgia Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- New American Funding: Best for low credit
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for refinancing
- Chase: Best for refinancing
- Bank of America: Best for face-to-face service
- loanDepot: Best for online experience
- SunTrust (Truist): Best for first-time home buyers & face-to-face service
- Churchill: Best for low credit
