11 Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Home Buyers in 2021

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers low rates and fees when compared with other lenders.

• Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.

• Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.

Cons

• Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.

• Doesn’t offer renovation loans.

Why we like it

Pros

• Devotes much of its business to serving military families with VA loans.

• Considers nontraditional income sources, in some cases.

• Offers competitive rates and origination fees.

Cons

• No online loan process updates or tracking.

• No home improvement mortgages or home equity loan products.

Why we like it

Pros

• Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness, in some cases.

• 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

• Quicken Loans couples a fully online application with available mortgage advisors for those who want a human touch.

• Instantly verifies employment and income for many working Americans.

• Offers custom fixed-rate loan terms that are between eight and 30 years.

• Provides a wide variety of loan types, including renovation loans and all government-backed mortgage products.

Cons

• Quicken Loans doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• Quicken's lender fees can be stout and it doesn't offset those fees with particularly low mortgage rates.

Why we like it

Pros

• Allows electronic submission and tracking of loan documents.

• Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products.

• Generally offers good rates and charges reasonable fees.

Cons

• Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.

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

Why we like it

Pros

• Excels in online convenience, with document upload, loan tracking and e-signatures.

• Offers good rate transparency; rate shoppers can see customized interest rates.

Cons

• Limited variety of loan products: FHA, VA and USDA loans are unavailable.

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

Why we like it

Pros

• Low- or no-down-payment options with no mortgage insurance.

• Mortgages are available for non-warrantable condominiums.

Cons

• Does not offer government-backed mortgages, like FHA and VA loans.

• Does not offer renovation mortgages.

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.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.

• Has an online application for preapproval.

• Offers low rates compared with most lenders.

Cons

• Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.

• Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers a wide variety of loan options, including special programs for doctors, entrepreneurs and other professionals.

• Offers a complete suite of online mortgage application tools and loan tracking.

• Sample rates and fees are easy to find on the website.

Cons

• Customized rates aren't available online without starting an application.

• Branches are limited mostly to the Southeast.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers a wide range of loan types and products, including FHA, VA and USDA.

• Has a full suite of online conveniences.

• Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.

Cons

• Home equity lending is geographically limited.