9 Best Washington, D.C., Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Browse some of the top mortgage lenders in Washington, D.C., so you can choose the one that’s right for your needs.
Last updated on January 21, 2021
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Buying a house in the nation’s capital may feel like a monumental task. Its cost of living is among America’s highest, and comparing the best mortgage lenders in the area could lead to significant savings.
NerdWallet has evaluated some of the top mortgage companies in Washington, D.C., and selected the best options across several categories.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
9 Best Washington, D.C., Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 PNC Bank: NMLS#446303 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | N/A | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 500 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Caliber: NMLS#15622 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 580 | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 700 | 20% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Citibank: NMLS#412915 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | N/A | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Why We Like ItRocket Mortgage is the largest mortgage lender by volume, standing out for its range of affordable borrowing options, down payment assistance and closing cost credits.
Pros
- Reported average time to close is 15 days faster than industry average.
- FHA and VA loans make up 40% of Rocket Mortgage’s total loan volume.
- Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- No construction or renovation loans.
- Physical branches are only available in Detroit, Cleveland, and Phoenix.
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Why We Like ItPNC Bank has a variety of appealing mortgage options, including jumbo refinance loans. It's simple to browse rates and apply online.
Pros
- Customizable mortgage rates are posted online.
- Offers FHA and VA refinances.
Cons
- Average mortgage rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
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Bank of America: NMLS#399802
4.0
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
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.
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Why We Like ItCarrington Mortgage dedicates a large portion of its business to FHA loans and is experienced working with self-employed borrowers and those with heavy debt.
Pros
- Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
- Accepts self-employed borrowers.
- FHA interest rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- FHA origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t post interest rates online.
- No online chat for customer service.
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Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, veterans and those who may have credit challenges to overcome.
Pros
- Offers extensive educational resources for military borrowers.
- Participates in some down payment assistance and first-time home buyer programs.
Cons
- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItNavy Federal Credit Union stands out for having exceptionally low VA interest rates and fees.
Pros
- Best-scoring VA lender for interest rates and fees.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
Cons
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
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on NerdWallet
SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
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.
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Why We Like ItWells Fargo originated more jumbo loans than any other lender in 2023, and current Wells Fargo customers may be able to take advantage of interest rate discounts.
Pros
- Borrowers with at least $250,000 worth of assets in Wells Fargo accounts can receive an interest rate discount.
- In 2023, 20% of Wells Fargo purchase loans were jumbo.
- Has underwriters that specialize in jumbo loans.
Cons
- Home lending business is broadly focused on existing bank customers.
- Scandals and government actions in recent years have damaged consumer trust.
- Requires a minimum down payment of 20%.
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Why We Like ItCiti offers banking customers reductions on already competitive interest rates, and almost 50% of the mortgages it originated in 2023 were jumbo loans.
Pros
- Offers closing cost credit and interest rate reductions for current Citibank customers.
- Low average mortgage rates relative to other lenders, according to the latest data.
- Originated the highest percentage of jumbo loans in 2023 of all NerdWallet-reviewed lenders.
Cons
- Must contact the lender in order to get a personalized rate quote.
- Preapproval and mortgage applications require a phone call to complete.
More from NerdWallet:
Last updated on January 21, 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 Washington, D.C., Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- PNC Bank: Best for refinancing
- Bank of America: Best for refinancing
- Carrington: Best for FHA loans
- Caliber: Best for VA loans
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- SunTrust (Truist): Best for online experience
- Wells Fargo: Best for jumbo loans
- Citibank: Best for jumbo loans
