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.
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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.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 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.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 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% | See Offers at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 See Offers at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | 3% | See Offers at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 PNC Bank: NMLS#446303 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 600 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 USAA: NMLS#8722 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 U.S. Bank: NMLS#402761 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 660 | N/A | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 PrimeLending: NMLS#13649 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
- Why we like itRocket Mortgage is the largest mortgage lender by volume, standing out for its range of affordable borrowing options, down payment assistance and closing cost credits.Pros
- 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.
ConsRead full review- 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.
- Why we like itFairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has many brick-and-mortar branches and a reputation for top-notch customer service, but it was recently penalized for redlining.Pros
- 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.
ConsRead full review- 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.
- Why we like itLoanDepot is a large nonbank lender that offers the potential for a streamlined mortgage process and cash back, but to start an application or get a rate quote you must work with a loan officer over the phone.Pros
- 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.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are not available on the website.
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Why we like itPNC Bank is a large HELOC lender with a higher-than-average borrowing limit, a wide range of repayment terms and no initial draw requirements.Pros
- 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.
ConsRead full review- Annual fee of $50.
- Borrowers in 17 states and Washington, D.C. will pay an origination fee.
- Why we like itUSAA is among the top five VA loan lenders by volume, though conventional loans are available, too.Pros
- Sample VA rates are posted online.
- Offers VA refinancing.
ConsRead full review- Lender received a low score for customer experience.
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
- Why we like itU.S. Bank’s HELOC offers a rate discount and an option to convert to a fixed rate. It has a generous maximum draw, but the lender charges an annual fee and early repayment penalty.Pros
- Online tool lets you customize sample rate by location.
- Offers a fixed-rate payment option.
- High maximum loan amount compared with other lenders.
ConsRead full review- Charges a fee for early repayment.
- Annual fee up to $75 (waived for certain banking customers).
- 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.
ConsRead full review- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
- Doesn't offer home equity products.
- Why we like itChase offers a good variety of loan types, including programs for first-time buyers, but it doesn't offer home equity options or stand out for competitive average rates and fees.Pros
- 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.
ConsRead full review- 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 Bank: Best for home equity
- USAA: Best for first-time home buyers
- U.S. Bank: Best for home equity
- PrimeLending: Best for refinancing
- Chase: Best for a traditional bank
