Best of
Best Kansas City Mortgage Lenders of 2019
NerdWalletJuly 2, 2019
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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.
at Quicken Loans
at Quicken Loans
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal choice for convenience and quick-response customer service. Quicken Loans provides just about all the services your neighborhood lender does — with online convenience.
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.
at Vylla
at Vylla
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for first-time home buyers or credit-challenged borrowers who may have trouble qualifying for a mortgage.
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.
at NBKC Bank
at NBKC Bank
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for those seeking an online experience with personal support. NBKC offers a wide range of loans, a mobile app and VA loan expertise.
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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for borrowers who prefer a traditional bank. Bank of America offers a wide array of mortgages and online account management tools. It also has first-time home buyer loans with low down payments and no mandatory mortgage insurance.
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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for borrowers who are looking to apply for a mortgage and manage the process through online tools, whether buying or refinancing. Guaranteed Rate offers FHA, VA and USDA loans for borrowers who meet robust guidelines.
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.
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for borrowers who want lots of options and a quick turn time. Fairway Independent Mortgage offers a full selection of home loans along with a comprehensive mobile app for a fast and easy application process.
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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for borrowers looking for help with closing costs: PrimeLending's proprietary program, NeighborhoodEdge, helps qualified low- to moderate-income borrowers with up to $2,000 in closing cost credits (certain restrictions are based on income and location).
Pros
- Low rate of consumer complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- Request a pre-qualification through PrimeLending’s secure system from a phone, tablet or computer.
- Niche mortgage products include energy-efficient mortgages, FHA 203(k) renovation and remodeling loans, manufactured home mortgages and home construction loans.
- Free “float down” interest rate option lets borrowers choose the lower rate if interest rates fall, even with a rate lock.
- NeighborhoodEdge closing cost assistance program for low- to moderate-income borrowers allows qualified borrowers $2,000 in closing cost credits (restrictions on income and location).
- “Alternative doc” program lets borrowers qualify for mortgage based on bank statements rather than tax returns.
Cons
- No live chat online.
- No online mortgage rate quotes.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for those who appreciate the full-service experience of a leading regional bank. Flagstar offers a full menu of fixed and adjustable home loans and mortgage refinancing, as well as jumbo loans and home equity financing.
Pros
- Embraces FHA-backed home loans.
- Offers three construction loans.
- A professional loan package is tailored for the needs of doctors, lawyers, architects and certified public accountants.
- Flagstar reps are familiar with low-down-payment state bond programs for first-time home buyers and income-limited households, as well as the areas that qualify for USDA loans.
- Offers home equity loans and home equity lines of credit.
Cons
- Charges an average $1,000 origination fee.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for military members and their relatives who are interested in a VA loan.
Pros
- VA loans are the bulk of USAA’s business, so it knows the ins and outs of eligibility.
- Lots of experience assisting first-time home buyers.
- Offers online pre-qualification.
Cons
- Doesn’t offer FHA or USDA loans.
- Alternative credit is not considered.
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
0%
Ideal for military members and their families. Navy Federal Credit Union offers a wide range of mortgage products, an online application and considers alternative credit data for certain loan types.
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.
- Lower minimum loan amounts than many other lenders.
- Online application for preapproval with quick decision.
- $1,000 mortgage rate match program.
- Operates nationwide.
Cons
- Charges application and underwriting fees.
- Origination charge on a typical conventional loan is 1% of the loan amount.
Summary of Best Kansas City Mortgage Lenders of 2019
| Lender | Best For | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Quicken Loans at Quicken Loans | first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | at Quicken Loans |
Vylla at Vylla | first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | at Vylla |
NBKC at NBKC Bank | online convenience | 620 | 3% | at NBKC Bank |
 Bank of America | online convenience | 620 | 3% | Read review |
 Guaranteed Rate | nonbank option | 620 | 3% | Read review |
 Fairway | nonbank option | N/A | 3% | Read review |
 PrimeLending | niche loan products | 620 | 3% | Read review |
 Flagstar | niche loan products | 620 | 3% | Read review |
 USAA | veterans | 620 | 3% | Read review |
 Navy Federal | veterans | N/A | 0% | Read review |
| Lender | Best For | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Quicken Loans at Quicken Loans | first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | at Quicken Loans |
Vylla at Vylla | first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | at Vylla |
NBKC at NBKC Bank | online convenience | 620 | 3% | at NBKC Bank |
Bank of America | online convenience | 620 | 3% | Read review |
Guaranteed Rate | nonbank option | 620 | 3% | Read review |
Fairway | nonbank option | N/A | 3% | Read review |
PrimeLending | niche loan products | 620 | 3% | Read review |
Flagstar | niche loan products | 620 | 3% | Read review |
USAA | veterans | 620 | 3% | Read review |
Navy Federal | veterans | N/A | 0% | Read review |
» MORE: See the best Missouri mortgage lenders
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.
CommunityAmerica Credit Union
- 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.
First State Bank
- Has two mortgage-lending locations in the Kansas City area.
- Has an online application available.
- Makes its lending decisions locally.
Busey Bank
- 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.
Capitol Federal Savings Bank
- 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 July 2, 2019
Methodology
NerdWallet's selection of mortgage lenders for inclusion here was made based on our evaluation of the products and services that lenders offer to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The six key areas we evaluated include the loan types and loan products offered, online capabilities, online mortgage rate information, customer service and the number of complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a percentage of loans issued. We also awarded lenders up to one bonus star for a unique program or borrower focus that set them apart from other lenders. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best Kansas City Mortgage Lenders of 2019
- Quicken Loans: Best for first-time home buyers
- Vylla: Best for first-time home buyers
- NBKC: Best for online convenience
- Bank of America: Best for online convenience
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for nonbank option
- Fairway: Best for nonbank option
- PrimeLending: Best for niche loan products
- Flagstar: Best for niche loan products
- USAA: Best for veterans
- Navy Federal: Best for veterans
