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9 Best New Jersey Mortgage Lenders of 2022

Here are some of the best NJ mortgage lenders, whether you're a first-time home buyer, a refinancer or a borrower with imperfect credit.

NerdWallet
Jan 6, 2022

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Buying a home in New Jersey is the fun part. Shopping for a mortgage? Not so much. But don’t worry, we’ve cut through the clutter, vetting NJ mortgage lenders to discover which are the best for borrowers' particular needs.

From the hills of Sussex County to the beaches of Cape May, here are some of the best lenders in New Jersey, whether you're a first-time home buyer, a refinancer, a borrower with bad credit, an aficionado of face-to-face transactions or a digital native.

Best New Jersey Mortgage Lenders

New American Funding
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at New American Funding

New American Funding: NMLS#6606

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
New American Funding

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Learn more

at New American Funding

Why we like it

Good for: First-time home buyers and other borrowers looking for a broad array of loan choices.

Pros

  • Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages with an emphasis on helping underserved communities.

  • Its home equity line of credit can be used for an owner-occupied or second home.

  • Offers a program to enable buyers to make cash offers.

Cons

  • Mortgage origination fees tend to be on the high end, according to the latest federal data.

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PNC
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at PNC

PNC: NMLS#446303

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
PNC

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Learn more

at PNC

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers with low-to-moderate incomes or limited down payments. PNC offers several low-down-payment loans, including one with no mortgage insurance.

Pros

  • Posts current mortgage rates on its website.

  • Has an online application for mortgage preapproval and a digital tool to track application progress.

  • Offers several affordable loan options, including FHA, VA, USDA and the PNC Community Loan.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer renovation mortgages.

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

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Rocket Mortgage, LLC
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at Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%
Learn more

at Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers who appreciate a fully digital home loan experience with mortgage rates lower than other lenders’.

Pros

  • Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.

  • Mortgage interest rates are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

  • Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.

Cons

  • Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

  • Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

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Guaranteed Rate
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at Guaranteed Rate

Guaranteed Rate: NMLS#2611

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Guaranteed Rate

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National
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at Guaranteed Rate

Why we like it

Good for: borrowers seeking a solid variety of loan types, including jumbo and interest-only options, and a totally online experience.

Pros

  • Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.

  • Offers a wide variety of loans, including jumbo and interest-only products.

  • Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans.

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loanDepot
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loanDepot: NMLS#174457

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
loanDepot

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

5%
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Why we like it

Good for: borrowers who want an easy online application and a variety of loan types to explore.

Pros

  • Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.

  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.

  • Mortgage interest rates tend to be on the lower end, according to the latest federal data.

Cons

  • Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

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Bank of America
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Bank of America: NMLS#399802

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Bank of America

Min. credit score

660

Min. down payment

5%

National / regional

National
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National / regional

National

Why we like it

Good 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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Citibank
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Citibank: NMLS#412915

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Citibank

National / regional

National

Min. down payment

3%
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Why we like it

Good for: Buyers who want to explore low down payment mortgages, including government-backed loans and Citi’s proprietary option.

Pros

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

  • Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest data.

  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.

Cons

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

  • Customized mortgage rates not available without making contact.

  • Doesn’t offer renovation loans.

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Carrington
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Carrington: NMLS#2600

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Carrington

Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

5%
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Why we like it

Good for: first-time home buyers or credit-challenged borrowers interested in government loan products.

Pros

  • Offers multiple low-down-payment loan programs.

  • May consider alternative credit data, such as bank statements.

  • You can view customized rates for purchasing a home and apply online.

Cons

  • Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.

  • Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest Federal data.

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Chase
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Chase: NMLS#399798

4.0

NerdWallet rating 
Chase

Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National
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Why we like it

Good 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 DreaMaker and Standard Agency 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.

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.

Read Full Review

Last updated on January 6, 2022

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 New Jersey Mortgage Lenders of 2022

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