8 Best Wisconsin Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Browse some of the top mortgage lenders in Wisconsin so you can choose the lender that’s right for your needs.
Last updated on January 21, 2021
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Fact Checked
Written byÂ
Edited byÂ
Lead Assigning EditorFact Checked
Fact Checked
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No matter where you want to live in the Badger State, buying a home starts with the selection of a top-notch Wisconsin mortgage lender.
To streamline your search, NerdWallet has gathered some of the best mortgage lenders in Wisconsin, each offering a variety of loan products and service options.
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.
8 Best Wisconsin Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender â–¾ â–¾ | NerdWallet Rating â–¾ â–¾ | Min. credit score â–¾ â–¾ | Min. down payment â–¾ â–¾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 0% | Learn more at Guaranteed Rate | ||
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | 3% | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 520 | 3.5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at Guaranteed Rate
Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611
5.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
0%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers seeking a solid variety of loan types and a robust online experience.
Pros
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
- Offers a generous selection of loans.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Origination fees are higher than average, according to the latest federal data.
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Why We Like ItGood for: FHA borrowers and others short on down payment cash, as well as home buyers who value convenience over low fees.
Pros
- Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
- Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.
- Largest FHA lender in the nation.
Cons
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
3.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers looking for a low-down-payment mortgage, renovation loan, or a specialized mortgage geared to medical professionals.
Pros
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees and mortgage rates are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want a lender with deep experience in FHA lending.
Pros
- Was among the top five lenders by volume for FHA lending in 2022, according to the latest federal data.
- Online loan calculator lets borrowers compare monthly payments and lifetime interest.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Origination fees for FHA loans tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
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.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: Borrowers who may benefit from Flagstar’s unique loan options, such as ITIN loans, loans for manufactured homes or physician loans.
Pros
- Multiple loans for those who are renovating or building a home, including loans with interest-only payments during construction.
- Offers home equity loans and lines of credit.
- Offers down payment assistance and loans for underserved borrowers, including ITIN loans and loans with flexible qualifications in certain communities.
- Interest rates are on the low side relative to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Borrowers can enter their information (including their desired loan amount, down payment and zip code) into the lender’s Mortgage Quote Comparison tool and receive a customized rate quote.
Cons
- Home equity loans are not available in all locations served by Flagstar.
- In 2022, the lender was fined for violating laws regarding properties in flood zones.
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on NerdWallet
Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801
4.5
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: existing customers of the bank looking for a wide selection of mortgage products.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want a wide selection of loan products, an in-person experience and comparatively low interest rates.
Pros
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products, including mortgages with down payments as low as 3%.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers a customizable mortgage calculator for personalized rate and payment estimates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
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 Wisconsin Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for USDA loans
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for online experience + USDA loans
- loanDepot: Best for FHA loans
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Flagstar: Best for construction loans
- Wells Fargo: Best for refinancing
- Chase: Best for refinancing
