9 Best Kansas City Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Locating a mortgage lender in Kansas City is easy, but finding the right one can be overwhelming. NerdWallet did the research to recommend some of the best.
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.
You’ll find a strong stable of mortgage companies in the Kansas City area, regardless of which side of State Line Road you look. The challenge? Sifting through the plethora of options. To make the process easier, NerdWallet researched the local market to find some of the best national and regional mortgage lenders for a variety of borrowers. These companies do business throughout the area and are good places to start your search.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Kansas City Mortgage Lenders
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | Learn more at NBKC | ||
620 | 3% | Learn more at Guaranteed Rate | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | 3% | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
620 | 3% | |||
640 | 0% | |||
N/A | 0% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
620 | 5% | |||
660 | 5% |
- Offers government-backed loans and some harder-to-find products, such as construction loans and specialty mortgages for pilots.
- Offers low rates and fees compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.
- HELOCs and construction-to-permanent loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611
620
3%
- Offers a one-day mortgage approval process.
- Offers a generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, ITIN, jumbo and renovation loans.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
- Origination fees are higher than average, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC has a relatively short draw period, which may not provide flexibility for someone who wants the option of accessing home equity over a longer period.
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
620
3%
- 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.
- 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.
PrimeLending: NMLS#13649
620
3%
- Offers a broad selection of renovation loans to finance cosmetic upgrades or structural repairs.
- Issues loan approval letters within 24 hours to borrowers who qualify.
- Offers resources to connect eligible borrowers with closing cost and down payment assistance programs.
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for information.
- Rates and fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
- VA loans are the bulk of USAA’s business, so it knows the ins and outs of eligibility.
- Offers a conventional home loan with low down payment for first-time buyers.
- Mortgage interest rates are on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t offer FHA or USDA loans, or second mortgages.
- Limited mortgage rate information is on the USAA website. For customized rates, you'll have to make contact.
- 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.
- 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.
- Multiple loans for those who are renovating or building a home, including loans with interest-only payments during construction.
- Offers home equity loans and lines of credit.
- Offers down payment assistance and loans for underserved borrowers, including ITIN loans and loans with flexible qualifications in certain communities.
- Interest rates are on the low side relative to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Borrowers can enter their information (including their desired loan amount, down payment and zip code) into the lender’s Mortgage Quote Comparison tool and receive a customized rate quote.
- Home equity loans are not available in all locations served by Flagstar.
- In 2022, the lender was fined for violating laws regarding properties in flood zones.
- Offers multiple low-down-payment loans.
- Accepts history of bankruptcy, foreclosure and late payments with flexible loan program.
- Considers borrowers with low credit scores and high debt-to-income ratios.
- Fined $5.25 million for misleading customers about pandemic-era payment relief.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
- Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
660
5%
National
- 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.
- 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.
Local mortgage lenders in Kansas City
The following companies haven’t been reviewed by NerdWallet, but they do a lot of business in the Kansas City metropolitan area. They’re worth investigating if you’re looking for more options.
Good for borrowers looking for a homegrown credit union.
Offers membership to Kansas City area residents, workers and employees of select companies outside the area.
Has an adjustable-rate loan available with no down payment for first-time home buyers.
Offers FHA, USDA and VA mortgages, as well as fixed-rate home equity lines of credit.
Has two mortgage-lending locations in the Kansas City area.
Has an online application available.
Makes its lending decisions locally.
Good for borrowers looking for a full suite of fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage options.
Allows you to start an application online.
Offers FHA, USDA and VA mortgages.
Offers no and low down payment options, including a special program for physicians.
Good for borrowers looking for online conveniences.
Has an online application and displays mortgage rates on its website.
Has programs available for low- and moderate-income home buyers.
Offers construction loans and combined purchase and renovation loans.
More from NerdWallet
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 Kansas City Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- NBKC: Best for online convenience
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for nonbank option
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for nonbank option
- PrimeLending: Best for niche loan products
- USAA: Best for veterans
- Navy Federal: Best for veterans
- Flagstar: Best for niche loan products
- Carrington: Best for first-time home buyers
- Bank of America: Best for online convenience
