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.

Last updated on January 29, 2021
Written by 
NerdWallet
Alex Richards
Edited by 
Alex Richards
Fact Checked
NerdWallet
Written by 
Alex Richards
Edited by 
Alex Richards
Fact Checked

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8 Best Ohio Mortgage Lenders of 2021

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Lender
NerdWallet Rating
Min. credit score
Min. down payment
Learn more
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Home loans overall
Best for online experience

620

1%

Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Fairway Independent Mortgage

Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
3.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for first-time home buyers

620

3%

Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
loanDepot

loanDepot: NMLS#174457

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on NerdWallet
3.5
/5
Home loans overall
Best for online experience

620

5%

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on NerdWallet
PNC

PNC: NMLS#446303

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on NerdWallet
5.0
/5
HELOCs
Best for home equity

700

3%

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on NerdWallet
USAA

USAA: NMLS#8722

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on NerdWallet
5.0
/5
VA loans
Best for first-time home buyers

640

0%

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on NerdWallet
US Bank

US Bank: NMLS#402761

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on NerdWallet
4.0
/5
HELOCs
Best for home equity

620

N/A

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on NerdWallet
PrimeLending

PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

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on NerdWallet
3.5
/5
Refinancing
Best for refinancing

620

3%

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on NerdWallet
Chase

Chase: NMLS#399798

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on NerdWallet
3.5
/5
Home loans overall
Best for a traditional bank

620

3%

LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

1%

Why We Like ItGood for: FHA borrowers and others short on down payment cash, as well as home buyers who value convenience over low fees.
Pros
  • Streamlined online process with document and asset retrieval capabilities, as well as the ability to edit your preapproval letter.
  • Offers the option to work with loan officers by phone if desired.
  • Largest FHA lender in the nation.
Cons
  • Getting a customized interest rate requires a credit check, which can affect your credit score.
  • Origination fees are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
  • Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit.
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Fairway Independent Mortgage
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage

Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

3.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers looking for a low-down-payment mortgage, renovation loan, or a specialized mortgage geared to medical professionals.
Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
  • Origination fees and mortgage rates are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
loanDepot
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on NerdWallet
loanDepot

loanDepot: NMLS#174457

3.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

5%

Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who are comfortable with an entirely online experience, and who want a one-stop shop for buying and selling.
Pros
  • Offers a variety of repayment terms.
  • Online loan calculator lets borrowers compare monthly payments and lifetime interest.
  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
  • No sample interest rates are provided.
  • Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
  • Lender’s website does not have a live chat feature.
PNC
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on NerdWallet
PNC

PNC: NMLS#446303

National / regional

National

Max LTV

80%

Min. credit score

700

Why We Like ItGood for: PNC customers and those looking to take advantage of a fixed-rate option.
Pros
  • Customizable sample rates available online.
  • Available for second homes in most states.
  • Offers a rate discount for autopay from a PNC checking account.
Cons
  • Not available in all states.
  • Charges an annual fee.
USAA
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on NerdWallet
USAA

USAA: NMLS#8722

Min. credit score

640

Min. down payment

0%

Why We Like ItGood for: veterans, active-duty service members and eligible reservists looking for VA loans.
Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • 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
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on NerdWallet
US Bank

US Bank: NMLS#402761

National / regional

National

Max LTV

80%

Min. credit score

620

Why We Like ItGood for: Borrowers, particularly current U.S. Bank customers, seeking to tap into home equity with a rate discount, especially if there is no rush to receive funds.
Pros
  • Publishes a sample HELOC rate online.
  • Offers a fixed-rate payment option.
Cons
  • Charges a fee for early repayment.
  • $90 annual fee, waived for borrowers with a certain U.S. Bank checking plan.
PrimeLending
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on NerdWallet
PrimeLending

PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

3.5
Min. credit score

620

National / regional

National

Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers looking for closing cost assistance, as well as those seeking to renovate or to build a new home.
Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
  • Doesn't offer home equity products.
Chase
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on NerdWallet
Chase

Chase: NMLS#399798

3.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet rating
Min. credit score

620

Min. down payment

3%

Why We Like ItGood for: conventional borrowers and those interested in loans with low down payment requirements.
Pros
  • Offers two proprietary loans with low down payment requirements.
  • Provides customizable sample rates.
  • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to JD Power and Zillow.
Cons
  • Borrowers must apply for prequalification before accessing a full online application.
  • Origination fees are higher than average, according to the latest federal data.
  • Borrowers may be frustrated with the lender’s website experience.

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.

More from NerdWallet
Calculate your Ohio mortgage payment
Compare Ohio mortgage rates
How much home can you afford?

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.

To recap our selections...

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
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