8 Best Ohio Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Looking for home loans in Ohio? Here are popular local lenders and standouts for first-time buying, refinance, home equity borrowing and traditional and online service.
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
If you’re looking to buy a house in Ohio or refinance your existing mortgage, this is an excellent place to start. Finding a lender that best suits your situation can save you time — and possibly money.
After reviewing the state’s leading home lenders and matching them to the different needs of Ohio residents, we’ve compiled this short list of the Buckeye State’s best.
The national and regional companies in the table have been reviewed by NerdWallet and are among Ohio's top lenders. We've selected some of the strongest in five categories.
- 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.
- 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 Ohio 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 | ||
 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 | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 PNC: NMLS#446303 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 600 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 USAA: NMLS#8722 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 640 | 0% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 US Bank: NMLS#402761 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 660 | N/A | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 PrimeLending: NMLS#13649 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
620
1%
- 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.
- 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.
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
620
3%
- Loan options include government-backed mortgages and physician loans.
- Offers first-time home buyer grants to buyers in eligible locations.
- Highest scoring mortgage lender for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Online customer service requires contact information and phone is for existing customers only.
- Home equity loans and HELOCs are not available.
- Has been penalized for redlining.
- Offers a variety of repayment terms for fixed-rate loans.
- Does a substantial amount of business in FHA lending.
- mello smartloan product can streamline mortgage application, appraisal and title search.
- Interest rates are not available on the website.
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
PNC: NMLS#446303
National
89.80%
600
- Max borrowing limit is higher than average.
- Minimum credit score requirement is lower than most competitors.
- Repayment period up to 30 years.
- Among the largest HELOC lenders by origination volume.
- Annual fee of $50.
- Borrowers in California, North Carolina and New York will pay an origination fee.
- VA loans are the bulk of USAA’s business, so it knows the ins and outs of eligibility.
- Offers a conventional home loan with low down payment for first-time buyers.
- Doesn’t offer FHA or USDA loans, or second mortgages.
- Limited mortgage rate information is on the USAA website. For customized rates, you'll have to make contact.
US Bank: NMLS#402761
National
90%
660
- Online tool lets you customize sample rate by location.
- Offers a fixed-rate payment option.
- High maximum loan amount compared with other lenders.
- Charges a fee for early repayment.
- Annual fee up to $75 (waived for certain banking customers).
PrimeLending: NMLS#13649
620
National
- Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
- Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
- Offers government-backed mortgage and refinance options, including FHA, USDA and VA loans.
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
- Doesn't offer home equity products.
- Offers two loans with 3% down payment minimums.
- Home buyer grants up to $7,500 may apply for qualifying borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Borrowers must speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
- No online live chat feature, and in-person services vary by branch location.
Local Ohio mortgage lenders
It’s smart to get at least three quotes when shopping mortgage lenders. These local lenders are among those with the highest volume of mortgage sales in Ohio. They have not been reviewed by NerdWallet.
7 Ohio branches in Columbus and on the U.S. 23 corridor.
Jumbo purchase and refinance, and cash-out refinance.
Renovation loans allow $5,000 to $250,000 for repairs.
Offers FHA, USDA, VA and conventional loans, and home equity loans and HELOCs.
Adjustable-rate mortgages offered, and fixed-rate terms ranging from eight to 30 years.
Helps with state down payment assistance bond programs.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
Fixed-rate and 1/1 and 3/1 adjustable-rate mortgages.
FHA, VA, conventional and jumbo financing.
Products include balloon loans, home equity borrowing, construction, blanket (for development) and lot loans.
Headquarters in Cincinnati with 28 Ohio offices.
Low down payment option if your income is at or below the local median and for homes in underserved areas.
Physicians and dentists may qualify for no down payment and no mortgage insurance.
Has FHA, VA, conventional and jumbo purchase, refinance and construction loans.
Offers home equity loans and credit lines.
Does not sell its mortgages to other mortgage companies but keeps and services them.
Loan officers do not work on commission.
Will beat a lower mortgage rate offer or pay you $1,000.
No private mortgage insurance required with a 15% down payment.
Offers a no-cost 60-day rate lock with a free optional “float down” if rates fall.
Home equity products include a 5/1 ARM, fixed-rate loans and a HELOC.
Bridge loans available.
Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.
Last updated on January 29, 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 Ohio Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for first-time home buyers
- loanDepot: Best for online experience
- PNC: Best for home equity
- USAA: Best for first-time home buyers
- US Bank: Best for home equity
- PrimeLending: Best for refinancing
- Chase: Best for a traditional bank
