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9 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.
Mar 9, 2023
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.
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.
Best Georgia Mortgage Lenders
Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | National / regional ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.5/5 Best for face-to-face service | 660 | 5% | National | ||
4.0/5 Best for refinancing | 620 | 3% | National | ||
3.5/5 Best for low credit | 620 | 3% | Regional | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn moreat Fairway Independent Mortgageat Fairway Independent Mortgage | 3.0/5 Best for refinancing | 620 | 3% | National | Learn moreat Fairway Independent Mortgageat Fairway Independent Mortgage |
4.0/5 Best for online experience | 620 | 5% | National | ||
4.5/5 Best for low credit | 620 | 3% | National | Learn moreat New American Fundingat New American Funding | |
4.0/5 Best for first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | National | Learn moreat Quicken Loansat Quicken Loans | |
4.5/5 Best for online experience | 620 | 3% | National | Learn moreat Rocket Mortgage, LLCat Rocket Mortgage, LLC | |
4.5/5 Best for first-time home buyers & face-to-face service | 620 | 3% | National |
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
Min. 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 loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
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.
Why We Like ItOffers flexibility for those without credit scores, but its “debt-free” guidance may not appeal to everyone.
Pros
- Offers loan plans for borrowers without credit scores.
- Offers digital conveniences such as document uploads and e-signature.
Cons
- Doesn't provide information online about rates and fees.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
Learn moreat Fairway Independent Mortgageat Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
Min. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Learn moreat Fairway Independent Mortgageat Fairway Independent Mortgage
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.
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want an easy online application and a variety of loan types to explore.
Pros
- Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage interest rates tend to be on the lower end, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Learn moreat New American Fundingat New American Funding
Learn moreat New American Fundingat New American Funding
Why We Like ItGood for: First-time home buyers and other borrowers looking for a broad array of loan choices.
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.
- Offers a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.
Cons
- Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who appreciate convenience online and on the go for a fully digital home loan experience with consistently acclaimed customer service.
Pros
- Caters to self-service users who want to apply for a home loan online and talk to a human only as necessary.
- Estimates the loan amount you’ll qualify for within minutes.
- Streamlines the online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, including the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
Cons
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Lender fees are on the high side and the fees aren't offset by particularly low mortgage rates, according to the latest data.
Learn moreat Rocket Mortgage, LLCat Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Learn moreat Rocket Mortgage, LLCat Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who appreciate a fully digital home loan experience with mortgage rates lower than other lenders’.
Pros
- Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
- Mortgage interest rates are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.
Cons
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
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.
» MORE: Best Atlanta mortgage lenders
Last updated on March 9, 2023
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
- Bank of America: Best for face-to-face service
- Chase: Best for refinancing
- Churchill: Best for low credit
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for refinancing
- loanDepot: Best for online experience
- New American Funding: Best for low credit
- Quicken Loans: Best for first-time home buyers
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- SunTrust (Truist): Best for first-time home buyers & face-to-face service
