13 Best Mortgage Lenders of October 2020

Why we like it

Pros

• An online process with human help as needed.

• Makes it easy to see customized mortgage rates.

• Offers an "underwriter-reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.

Cons

• Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• Doesn't do FHA, VA or USDA loans.

Why we like it

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.

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

• 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.

Why we like it

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.

Why we like it

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.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers low rates and fees when compared with other lenders.

• Extends full online capabilities, from application to loan tracking.

• Displays customized rates, with fee estimates, without requiring contact information.

Cons

• Equity lines and construction loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.

• Doesn’t offer renovation loans.

Why we like it

Pros

• Provides an entirely digital mortgage application.

• May consider vested restricted stock units as income.

• SoFi members may qualify for a $500 discount on mortgage fees.

Cons

• Does not offer government-backed loans, such as FHA or VA.

• Requires users to create an account to see customized mortgage rates.

• SoFi mortgages are unavailable in eight states.

Why we like it

Pros

• Has a full suite of online capabilities, including application, document uploading and process updates.

• Site displays many combinations of loans and interest rates.

• Rates and fees are lower than many lenders.

Cons

• Home equity loans and lines of credit, and purchase-renovation loans, aren't available.

• Jumbo and VA loans may be temporarily unavailable.

Why we like it

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.

Why we like it

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.

Why we like it

Pros

• Offers a wide variety of loan options, including low-down-payment mortgages and jumbo mortgages.

• Provides customizable mortgage rates on its website.

• Offers low rates and fees compared with other lenders.

Cons

• Charges a mortgage application fee.

• Requires help from a mortgage loan officer to complete the loan application online.

Why we like it

Pros

• Online tools help you estimate mortgage payments and track application progress.

• Can be used for primary or second home purchases.

• $5 million max jumbo loan amount.

Cons

• It's not possible to complete the entire mortgage process online.

• In-person service is not available in every state.