10 Best California Mortgage Lenders of 2021

Why we like it

Pros

• An online process with human help as needed.

• Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.

• Offers an "underwriter-reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.

Cons

• Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• Doesn't do FHA, VA or USDA loans.

Why we like it

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.

• Offers document and asset retrieval capabilities.

Cons

• If you’re a “look me in the eye” type of customer, you’re out of luck.

• Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can lower your credit score by a few points.

Why we like it

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.

Why we like it

Pros

• Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness.

• Offers full online mortgage application, rate quotes, document upload and loan tracking.

Cons

• Mortgage rates offered to borrowers are higher than the government-reported median of all lenders.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers digital income, asset and employment verification.

• Offers multiple renovation loan options.

• Has over 200 affiliated loan stores nationwide 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.

Why we like it

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 18 states.

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

• Charges higher rates and fees than some other lenders.

Why we like it

Pros

• Fixed- and adjustable-rate refinance options.

• Customized refinance rate quotes available online without providing personal info.

Cons

• You have to speak with a home loan advisor to complete the application.

Why we like it

Pros

• Provides an entirely digital mortgage application.

• May consider vested restricted stock units as income.

• 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 five states.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.

• Provides customizable mortgage rates on its website.

• Offers low rates and fees compared with other lenders.

Cons

• Charges a mortgage application fee.

• Requires help from a mortgage loan officer to complete the loan application online.

Why we like it

Pros

• Allows borrowers to apply entirely online.

• Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

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

Cons

• Does not offer renovation loans.