BEST OF
9 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.
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.
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.
Summary of Best Wisconsin Mortgage Lenders of 2021
| Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for online experience | 620 | 3% | at Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans | |
Best for online experience + USDA loans | 620 | 3% | at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
Best for FHA loans | 580 | 3.5% | at Quicken Loans | |
Best for FHA loans | 580 | 3.5% | at loanDepot | |
Best for VA loans | N/A | 0% | Read review | |
Best for USDA loans | 620 | 3% | at Guaranteed Rate | |
Best for construction loans | 620 | 3% | Read review | |
Best for refinancing | 620 | 3% | Read review | |
Best for refinancing | 620 | 3% | at Chase |
at Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans
at Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Caters to self-service users who want to apply for a home loan online and talk to a human only as necessary.
- Estimates the loan amount you’ll qualify for within minutes.
- Offers document and asset retrieval capabilities.
Cons
- If you’re a “look me in the eye” type of customer, you’re out of luck.
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can lower your credit score by a few points.
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.
at Quicken Loans
at Quicken Loans
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
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 loanDepot
at loanDepot
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
Pros
- Offers digital income, asset and employment verification.
- Offers multiple renovation loan options.
- Has over 200 affiliated loan stores nationwide for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Does not offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
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.
at Guaranteed Rate
at Guaranteed Rate
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers the ability to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents.
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a wide range of loan types and products, including FHA, VA and USDA.
- Has a full suite of online conveniences.
- Does well with rate transparency, and monthly payment estimates add mortgage insurance, when applicable.
Cons
- Home equity lending is geographically limited.
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.
at Chase
at Chase
Min. Credit Score
620
National / Regional
National
Pros
- Fixed- and adjustable-rate refinance options.
- Customized refinance rate quotes available online without providing personal info.
Cons
- You have to speak with a home loan advisor to complete the application.
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.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best Wisconsin Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans: Best for online experience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for online experience + USDA loans
- Quicken Loans: Best for FHA loans
- loanDepot: Best for FHA loans
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Guaranteed Rate: Best for USDA loans
- Flagstar: Best for construction loans
- Wells Fargo: Best for refinancing
- Chase: Best for refinancing
