BEST OF
10 Best Montana Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Looking for a home loan in Montana? Browse this list of top lenders offering in-person mortgage help, online convenience and more.
If you're in the market for a mortgage in Big Sky Country, NerdWallet has done some of the homework for you.
Whether you're a first-time home buyer or looking for a home equity line of credit, there's a Montana mortgage company with the expertise and offerings you need.
If you're in the market for a mortgage in Big Sky Country, NerdWallet has done some of the homework for you.
Whether you're a first-time home buyer or looking for a home equity line of credit, there's a Montana mortgage company with the expertise and offerings you need.
Summary of Best Montana Mortgage Lenders of 2021
| Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for online experience | 620 | 3% | at Quicken Loans | |
Best for VA loans | 650 | 0% | at Veterans United | |
Best for face-to-face service | 620 | 3% | Read review | |
Best for face-to-face service | 620 | 3% | Read review | |
Best for online experience | 620 | 3% | at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
Best for VA loans | N/A | 0% | Read review | |
Best for first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | Read review | |
Best for first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | Read review | |
Best for HELOC | 620 | 3% | at Chase | |
Best for jumbo loans | N/A | 3% | Read review |
at Quicken Loans
at Quicken Loans
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
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 they don't offset those fees with particularly low mortgage rates.
at Veterans United
at Veterans United
Min. Credit Score
650
Min. Down Payment
0%
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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Provides numerous online conveniences, including loan application and process updates.
- Current rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
Cons
- New applications for home equity lines of credit suspended during COVID-19 crisis.
- Government actions and scandals have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a full line of conventional and government loan products.
- Provides home equity loans and lines of credit.
- Allows borrowers to apply and track their loan's progress online.
Cons
- No personalized mortgage rates available online.
- Published mortgage rates assume an above-average credit score.
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.
- Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.
- Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
0%
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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers multiple online conveniences, including a full mortgage application, e-signatures and digital loan process tracking.
- Offers a wide variety of loan products, including home improvement and manufactured home loans.
Cons
- Does not offer home equity loan products.
- Average interest rates and fees are higher than other lenders.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.
Cons
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
- Doesn't offer home equity products.
at Chase
at Chase
National / Regional
National
Max LTV
80%
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.
Min. Credit Score
N/A
Min. Down Payment
3%
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.
Last updated on January 20, 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 Montana Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Quicken Loans: Best for online experience
- Veterans United: Best for VA loans
- Wells Fargo: Best for face-to-face service
- US Bank: Best for face-to-face service
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for online experience
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Guild Mortgage: Best for first-time home buyers
- PrimeLending: Best for first-time home buyers
- Chase: Best for HELOC
- Bank of America: Best for jumbo loans
