BEST OF

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.

NerdWallet
Nov 30, 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.

Best Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders

Rocket Mortgage, LLC
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at Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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at Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Why we like it

Good 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.

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Veterans United
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at Veterans United

Veterans United: NMLS#1907

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Veterans United

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National
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at Veterans United

Why we like it

Good for: veterans, active-duty service members and eligible reservists looking to refinance VA or non-VA loans.

Pros

  • Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.

  • Has online application and pre-qualification.

  • Offers a free credit counseling service.

  • Employs advisors from each branch of the armed forces.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

  • Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.

  • Information on FHA, USDA and conventional loans is harder to find on its website.

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Guaranteed Rate
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at Guaranteed Rate

Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Guaranteed Rate

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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at Guaranteed Rate

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers seeking conventional or government-backed loans, and a totally online experience.

Pros

  • Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.

  • Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

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loanDepot
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loanDepot: NMLS#174457

3.0

NerdWallet rating 
loanDepot

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National
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Why we like it

Good for: borrowers looking to refinance or who want to start the application process online.

Pros

  • Offers digital income, asset and employment verification.

  • Offers multiple renovation loan options.

  • Has affiliated loan stores for customers who prefer face-to-face service.

Cons

  • Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.

  • Does not offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

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Network Capital
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at Network Capital

Network Capital: NMLS#11712

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Network Capital

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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at Network Capital

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers looking for a lender with online convenience and mortgage banker assistance.

Pros

  • A mobile app supports the loan process.

  • A good selection of loan products, including all government-backed mortgages.

  • Offers jumbo loans up to $30 million.

Cons

  • Doesn't lend in all states.

  • Website doesn’t provide customized mortgage rates.

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SoFi
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SoFi: NMLS#1484615

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
SoFi

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Read review

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers seeking an entirely digital application process for conventional purchase mortgages or refinancing.

Pros

  • Provides an entirely digital mortgage application.

  • Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side, according to the latest available data.

  • SoFi members may qualify for a $500 discount on mortgage fees.

Cons

  • Does not offer government-backed loans, such as FHA or VA.

  • Requires users to create an account to see customized mortgage rates.

  • SoFi mortgages are unavailable in four states.

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Bank of America
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at Bank of America

Bank of America: NMLS#399802

3.0

NerdWallet rating 
Bank of America

Min. credit score

600

Min. down payment

3.5%
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at Bank of America

Why we like it

Good for: first-time home buyers looking for low-down-payment options and existing customers who may get a discount on fees.

Pros

  • Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

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

  • Offers home equity line of credit, or HELOC.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.

Read Full Review
Carrington
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Carrington: NMLS#2600

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Carrington

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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Why we like it

Good for: first-time home buyers or credit-challenged borrowers interested in government loan products.

Pros

  • Offers multiple low-down-payment loan programs.

  • May consider alternative credit data, such as bank statements and rent payments.

  • You can view customized rates for purchasing a home and apply online.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans, HELOCs or renovation mortgages.

  • Lender fees and mortgage rates are on the high side, according to the latest data.

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PNC
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PNC: NMLS#446303

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
PNC

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Read review

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers with low-to-moderate incomes or limited down payments. PNC offers several low-down-payment loans, including one with no mortgage insurance.

Pros

  • Posts current mortgage rates on its website.

  • Has an online application for mortgage preapproval and a digital tool to track application progress.

  • Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.

  • In-person service is not available in every state.

Read Full Review

Last updated on November 30, 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.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders of 2021