9 Best Nebraska Mortgage Lenders of 2020

Why we like it

Pros

• Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness.

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

• Home equity lending sets it apart from most non-bank lenders.

Cons

• Services not available in all 50 states.

Why we like it

Pros

• Works with loan programs offered by state and local housing agencies.

• Specializes in mortgages for first-time home buyers.

• Almost half of its loans are low-down-payment government mortgages.

• Considers alternative credit, such as history of payments on rent and utilities.

Cons

• With a concentration of offices in the West and South, Guild has little presence in the Northeast and Midwest.

• Jumbo borrowers may find that banks are more competitive when it comes to large loan amounts.

Why we like it

Pros

• VA loans are the bulk of USAA’s business, so it knows the ins and outs of eligibility.

• Lots of experience assisting first-time home buyers.

• Offers online pre-qualification.

Cons

• Doesn’t offer FHA or USDA loans.

• Alternative credit is not considered.

Why we like it

Pros

• Wide range of affordable mortgage products designed for military members.

• Willing to look at nontraditional credit data, such as rent payments, as part of its credit evaluation for certain products.

• Online application for preapproval with quick decision.

Cons

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

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers conventional and government-backed refinance mortgages.

• Offers a “lifetime guarantee” on future refinances: no lender fees and reimbursal of appraisal cost.

• Advertises a "no steering" policy for refinance loans.

Cons

• Must provide personal information to get a customized refinance rate quote.

• Has fewer high-tech refinance tools than other lenders, such as no mobile app.

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 more than 60% of working Americans.

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

• Provides FHA-backed loans, USDA loans as well as products offered by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that require down payments as low as 3%.

Cons

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

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

• Doesn’t consider alternative credit data. It just looks at credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, the way most mortgage lenders always have.

Why we like it

Pros

• Loan programs to educate and assist first-time home buyers, union members and others.

• Relocation and employee mortgage programs for many large companies.

• Accepts down payments as low as 3% on fixed-rate mortgages through its yourFirst Mortgage program.

Cons

• Government actions and scandals have damaged consumer trust.

Why we like it

Pros

• Equity borrowing available from $15,000 to $750,000 (up to $1 million for properties in California), depending on credit history, property's equity and monthly debts.

• With a variable-rate HELOC up to three fixed-rate options can be locked.

• Originates loans in all 50 states with loan officers physically present in 28 states.

• Mortgage options include a "piggyback" or 80/10/10 loan.

• Alternative credit sources can be used In some cases.

• No closing costs with a cash-out refinance.

Cons

• Limited opportunities for face-to-face banking with offices in only 28 of 50 states.

• Average score in J.D. Power 2017 consumer satisfaction survey (US Bank has 3 stars out of 5).

• Online capabilities are currently limited.

Why we like it

Pros

• Also offers FHA, USDA and conventional loans.

• Offers 24/7 customer service.

• You can complete a loan application and pre-qualify online.

• Registers a low volume of complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

• Offers free credit score education and assistance.

• Provides a client advocate team staffed by former senior enlisted leaders from each branch of the armed forces.

Cons

• Doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• Loans are available in all 50 states, but Veterans United has offices in only about half.