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.

By NerdWallet  

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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

PNC
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at PNC

PNC: NMLS#446303

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
PNC

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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at PNC

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.

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Guaranteed Rate
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at Guaranteed Rate

Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611

5.0

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 a solid variety of loan types, including jumbo and interest-only options, and a totally online experience.

Pros

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

  • Offers a wide variety of loans, including jumbo and interest-only products.

  • Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans.

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Rocket Mortgage, LLC
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at Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

4.5

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 a fully digital home loan experience with mortgage rates lower than other lenders’.

Pros

  • Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.

  • Mortgage interest rates are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

  • Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.

Cons

  • Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.

  • Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.

  • Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

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Network Capital
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at Network Capital

Network Capital: NMLS#11712

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Network Capital

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Learn more

at Network Capital

Why we like it

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

Pros

  • A good selection of loan products, including government-backed FHA and VA mortgages.

  • Provides “same-as-cash” loan that allows borrowers to compete with cash offers.

  • Online application process is clear and simple to follow.

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.

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loanDepot
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loanDepot: NMLS#174457

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
loanDepot

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National
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Why we like it

Good 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.

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Bank of America
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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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Why we like it

Good for: first-time home buyers looking for low- or no-down-payment options and homeowners interested in a home equity line of credit.

Pros

  • 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.

Cons

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

Read Full Review
Veterans United
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Veterans United: NMLS#1907

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Veterans United

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National
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Why we like it

Good 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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SoFi
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SoFi: NMLS#1484615

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
SoFi

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
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Why we like it

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

Pros

  • Borrowers with an existing loan or investment account from SoFi may qualify for a $500 discount on mortgage fees.

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

  • Offers jumbo loans with a minimum down payment of 10%.

Cons

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

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

  • SoFi conforming mortgages are unavailable in Hawaii.

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Carrington
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Carrington: NMLS#2600

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Carrington

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

5%
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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.

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

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.

  • Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.

Read Full Review

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.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders of 2021