9 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.
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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.
Best Ohio Mortgage Lenders
Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.5/5 Best for a traditional bank | 620 | 3% | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn moreat Fairway Independent Mortgageat Fairway Independent Mortgage | 3.5/5 Best for first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | Learn moreat Fairway Independent Mortgageat Fairway Independent Mortgage |
4.0/5 Best for online experience | 620 | 5% | ||
4.5/5 Best for home equity | 680 | 3% | ||
2.5/5 Best for refinancing | 620 | 3% | ||
4.0/5 Best for refinancing | 620 | 3% | Learn moreat Quicken Loansat Quicken Loans | |
4.5/5 Best for online experience | 620 | 3% | Learn moreat Rocket Mortgage, LLCat Rocket Mortgage, LLC | |
4.5/5 Best for home equity | 620 | N/A | ||
4.0/5 Best for first-time home buyers | 640 | 0% |
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- 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.
- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Offers a fixed-rate option.
- Offers a rate discount for existing customers.
- Annual fee of $50.
- 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.
- 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.
- Streamlines the online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, including the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
- 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.
- Lender fees are on the high side and the fees aren't offset by particularly low mortgage rates, according to the latest data.
- 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.
- Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
- Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers a full line of conventional and government loan products.
- Provides home equity loans and lines of credit.
- Allows borrowers to apply and track their loan's progress online.
- No personalized mortgage rates available online.
- Published mortgage rates assume an above-average credit score.
- 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.
- Mortgage interest rates are on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- 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.
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 March 9, 2023
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
- Chase: Best for a traditional bank
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for first-time home buyers
- loanDepot: Best for online experience
- PNC: Best for home equity
- PrimeLending: Best for refinancing
- Quicken Loans: Best for refinancing
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- US Bank: Best for home equity
- USAA: Best for first-time home buyers
