10 Best Hawaii Mortgage Lenders of 2019

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

• 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

• Works with loan programs offered by state and local housing agencies.

• Specializes in mortgages for first-time home buyers.

• Almost half of its loans are low-down-payment government mortgages.

• Considers alternative credit, such as history of payments on rent and utilities.

Cons

• With a concentration of offices in the West and South, Guild has little presence in the Northeast and Midwest.

• Jumbo borrowers may find that banks are more competitive when it comes to large loan amounts.

Why we like it

Pros

• Wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.

• Willing to look at nontraditional credit data, such as rent payments, as part of its credit evaluation for certain products.

• Online application for preapproval with quick decision.

Cons

• Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.

Why we like it

Pros

• Allows borrowers to apply entirely online.

• Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

• Accepts alternative credit data for some loan types.

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

Cons

• Charges an application fee of $1,170, on average.

• Has a high volume of consumer complaints, even for a big national bank.

Why we like it

Pros

• Low rate of consumer complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

• Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.

• Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.

Cons

• No online mortgage rates.

• Charges an origination fee.

• Doesn't offer home equity products.

Why we like it

Pros

• Works with most borrowers as long as they have good credit scores and incomes.

• Provides a user-friendly digital platform that’s thorough in covering all types of borrowing scenarios.

• Has a 95% customer satisfaction rate, according to company data.

Cons

• Charges some fees, such as a $1,290 lender fee, which includes a $150 application fee.

• Offers many products, which might confuse or overwhelm borrowers.

• Several click-throughs required for personalized rates.

Why we like it

Pros

• A robust suite of loan products.

• Licensed in all 50 states.

• Close in as little as 10 days using the Fairway app.

Cons

• Limited branch locations.

• Mortgage rates not posted on website.

Why we like it

Pros

• Low down payment options.

• Discounts for Citibank customers.

• Looks at alternative credit data like rent history and child support payments.

• Available in all 50 states.

Cons

• Charges a mortgage application fee.

• Did not disclose origination fees, which may vary.

• Can't complete loan online.

Why we like it

Pros

• Also offers FHA, USDA and conventional loans.

• Offers 24/7 customer service.

• You can complete a loan application and pre-qualify online.

• Registers a low volume of complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

• Offers free credit score education and assistance.

• Provides a client advocate team staffed by former senior enlisted leaders from each branch of the armed forces.

Cons

• Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• Loans are available in all 50 states, but Veterans United has offices in only about half.

Why we like it

Pros

• Complete and track your application online, and sign documents electronically.

• Free rate locks.

• No lender fee for VA borrowers.

• Mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Cons

• Not the best choice for low-credit-score borrowers.

• Mortgage origination fee for most borrowers.

• In-person service available only in the Kansas City area.