Best of
9 Best Virginia Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Looking for a mortgage lender in Virginia? We've researched the state's top lenders, selecting the best in five different categories.
Jan 28, 2021
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.
Buying a home in Virginia, or refinancing your current mortgage, means shopping for the best mortgage lender you can find. And that can depend on your situation. Some lenders cater to first-time home buyers; others are focused on helping borrowers with bad credit.
NerdWallet has considered leading lenders in Virginia and sorted some of the best we've found according to individual loan needs.
Best Virginia Mortgage Lenders
Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611 Top 3 most visited on NerdWallet 🏆 Learn moreat Guaranteed Rateat Guaranteed Rate | 5.0 /5 | 620 | 3% | Top 3 most visited on NerdWallet 🏆 Learn moreat Guaranteed Rateat Guaranteed Rate |
4.5 /5 | 580 | 5% | Learn moreat New American Funding at New American Funding | |
4.5 /5 | 620 | 3% | Learn moreat Rocket Mortgage, LLC at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | |
4.0 /5 | 620 | 5% | ||
4.5 /5 | N/A | 0% | ||
4.5 /5 | 620 | 3% | ||
4.0 /5 | 620 | N/A | ||
4.5 /5 | 620 | 3% | ||
4.5 /5 | 620 | 5% |
Learn moreat Guaranteed Rate
at Guaranteed Rate
Why We Like ItGood 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.
Learn moreat New American Funding
at New American Funding
Why We Like ItGood for: First-time home buyers and other borrowers looking for a broad array of loan choices.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for an owner-occupied or second home.
- Offers a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.
Cons
- Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.
Learn moreat Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Why We Like ItGood 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.
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.
Why We Like ItGood for: military members and their families looking for low-down-payment mortgages.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
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 ItGood for: first-time home buyers, doctors and other borrowers interested in low-down-payment mortgage options.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including special programs for doctors.
- 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 ItGood 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.
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers in the Southeast who want the option of face-to-face service. BB&T is now part of Truist Financial Corp., which offers a full menu of home loans.
Pros
- Offers a variety of home loans, including construction-to-permanent loans, physicians loans and jumbo loans.
- Has a robust online mortgage application.
Cons
- Branches limited to mostly the Southeast region.
- Custom rates are only available if you speak with a representative.
Why We Like ItGood for: military members and their families looking for low-down-payment mortgages.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
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 ItGood 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.
Last updated on January 28, 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 Virginia Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for online lenders
- New American Funding: Best for lower credit
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online lenders
- loanDepot: Best for refinancing
- Navy Federal: Best for first-time home buyers + face-to-face service
- SunTrust (Truist): Best for first-time home buyers
- Bank of America: Best for refinancing
- BB&T (Truist): Best for face-to-face service
- Carrington: Best for lower credit
