9 Best Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders of 2021
These mortgage lenders rose to the top for products, services and customer experience in the Keystone State in 2021.
Last updated on January 26, 2021
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Shopping for a mortgage in the Keystone State? You’ll want to work with lenders that have been screened and rated for customer service, online experience, products, features and more.
From Erie to Philly, these nine lenders rose to the top in NerdWallet’s lender research and reviews for five key categories: government-backed home loans, refinancing, first-time homebuyers, jumbo lending and online lending platforms.
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.
9 Best Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Network Capital: NMLS#11712 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
620 | 3% | Learn more at Guaranteed Rate | ||
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 PNC: NMLS#446303 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 600 | 3.5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Veterans United: NMLS#1907 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 0% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 SoFi: NMLS#696891 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
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on NerdWallet
Network Capital: NMLS#11712
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers looking to compete with all-cash offers or hoping to close quickly, as well as self-employed home buyers.
Pros
- A good selection of loan products, including government-backed FHA and VA mortgages.
- Provides a “same-as-cash” loan that allows borrowers to compete with cash offers.
- Closing possible in as few as 15 days, the lender says.
Cons
- Doesn't lend in all states.
- Website doesn’t provide customized mortgage rates.
- Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
Learn more
at Guaranteed Rate
Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611
5.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers seeking a broad menu of loans, including jumbo and interest-only options, renovation loans and government-backed mortgages, as well as home equity lines of credit.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
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
on NerdWallet
loanDepot: NMLS#174457
4.5
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
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 MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers with low to moderate incomes or limited down payments, as well as home buyers seeking mortgages in higher-priced regions of the nation.
Pros
- Offers several low-down-payment loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage rates are lower than the industry average, according to the latest federal data.
- Jumbo loans available with 5% down payment.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation mortgages or home equity loans.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
- You’ll have to create an account or supply personal data to get answers by phone.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers looking for a bank with lower-than-average FHA rates.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer FHA renovation loans.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Veterans United: NMLS#1907
4.0
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: veterans, active-duty service members and eligible reservists looking for VA loans.
Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: existing SoFi members or those willing to create an account to access a seamless digital experience, from mortgage application to chat support.
Pros
- Has a highly rated mobile app that integrates with SoFi’s member rewards program.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC) borrowers can access up to 90% of home’s value, a higher limit than most lenders’.
- Recently expanded mortgage offerings to include government-backed FHA and VA loans.
Cons
- Requires users to create an account to access some digital conveniences, including loan application and customer service chat.
- Displays only sample rates on its website. (Users with an online account can request a customized rate quote.)
- Doesn’t offer renovation or construction-to-permanent loans.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: credit-challenged borrowers interested in government loan products or borrowers with nontraditional credit histories.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
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 Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Network Capital: Best for online lending
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for government-backed loans and jumbo loans
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for first-time home buyers
- loanDepot: Best for refinancing
- PNC: Best for online lending
- Bank of America: Best for government-backed loans
- Veterans United: Best for refinancing
- SoFi: Best for online lending
- Carrington: Best for first-time home buyers
