11 Best Online Mortgage Lenders of October 2019

Why we like it

Ideal for anyone who appreciates smartphone app service, support and time savings. Rocket Mortgage offers a fully digital home loan experience with a large variety of mortgage products.

Pros

• The site caters to self-service users who want to apply for a home loan without talking to a human unless it’s absolutely necessary.

• With your authorization, accesses asset statements from 98% of U.S. financial institutions.

• Tells you the loan amount you’ll qualify for within minutes.

• Rocket Mortgage’s document and asset retrieval capabilities can save you a bunch of time and hassle.

Cons

• Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• If you’re a “look me in the eye” type of customer, you’re out of luck.

• Doesn’t consider alternative credit data. It just looks at credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, the way most mortgage lenders always have.

Why we like it

Ideal for tech-savvy borrowers who prefer an online experience. Better.com provides an easy-to-navigate digital application process and charges no origination fee.

Pros

• Claims a three-minute application process for initial preapproval.

• An online process with human help as needed.

• Loan officers aren't paid commissions, they are strictly available for "support, not sales."

• For higher-value homes, offers 10% down with no mortgage insurance on jumbo loans.

• Offers an "underwriter-reviewed" preapproval letter in as little as 24 hours.

Cons

• Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• Doesn't do VA or USDA loans.

• Not available in all 50 states.

Why we like it

Ideal choice for convenience and quick-response customer service. Quicken Loans provides just about all the services your neighborhood lender does — with online convenience.

Pros

• Quicken Loans couples a fully online application with available mortgage advisors for those who want a human touch.

• Instantly verifies employment and income for more than 60% of working Americans.

• Offers custom fixed-rate loan terms that are between eight and 30 years.

• Provides FHA-backed loans, USDA loans as well as products offered by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that require down payments as low as 3%.

Cons

• Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

• If you’re a “look me in the eye” type of customer, you’re out of luck.

• Doesn’t consider alternative credit data. It just looks at credit scores and debt-to-income ratios, the way most mortgage lenders always have.

Why we like it

Ideal for those seeking an online experience with personal support. NBKC offers a wide range of loans, a mobile app and VA loan expertise.

Pros

• Complete and track your application online, and sign documents electronically.

• Free rate locks.

• No lender fee for VA borrowers.

• Mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Cons

• Not the best choice for low-credit-score borrowers.

• Mortgage origination fee for most borrowers.

• In-person service available only in the Kansas City area.

Why we like it

Ideal for young professionals and self-employed borrowers looking for a lender that considers nontraditional income.

Pros

• Provides an entirely digital mortgage application to make the process easier for borrowers.

• Considers nontraditional income, such as restricted stock units, and works with self-employed borrowers.

• Does not require private mortgage insurance for jumbo loans.

Cons

• Doesn't offer government-backed loans, like FHA or VA.

• Does not offer home equity loans or HELOCs.

Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers looking for a wide variety of mortgage options, including fixed-rate home loans, adjustable-rate mortgages and VA loans.

Pros

• Wide variety of terms, including 10-, 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and ARMs with 3/1, 5/1, 7/1 and 10/1 terms.

• Offers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs for low- to moderate-income home buyers.

• VA lending is one-third of J.G. Wentworth’s business. A number of loan officers and other employees are former service members.

• Focus on automation includes an entirely online loan application process, digital document uploads, loan tracking and signatures as well as pre-qualification letters by email.

• Licensed in all states except for Hawaii, Missouri, Montana, Nevada and New York.

Cons

• Does not offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

• Physical locations in 14 states only.

• Not licensed in Hawaii, Missouri, Montana, Nevada or New York.

Why we like it

Ideal for tech-savvy home buyers and refinancers in its multi-state lending territory. Reali Loans has an automated lending platform that offers round-the-clock access to application and loan-management tools.

Pros

• Boasts of closing loans quickly.

• No upfront origination or broker fees.

• 24/7 access to your loan and its progress.

• Transparent platform that automates (and shortens) the refinance process.

Cons

• Currently operates in a limited number of states.

• Doesn’t offer USDA government loans.

Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers who are looking to apply for a mortgage and manage the process through online tools, whether buying or refinancing. Guaranteed Rate offers FHA, VA and USDA loans for borrowers who are well-qualified.

Pros

• Works with most borrowers as long as they have good credit scores and incomes.

• Provides a user-friendly digital platform that’s thorough in covering all types of borrowing scenarios.

• Has a 95% customer satisfaction rate, according to company data.

Cons

• Charges some fees, such as a $1,290 lender fee that includes a $150 application fee.

• Offers many products, which might confuse or overwhelm borrowers.

• Several click-throughs required for personalized rates.

Why we like it

Ideal for first-time home buyers, including those with little money saved for a down payment. SunTrust's online portal offers information and tools in English and in Spanish.

Pros

• Offers a complete online suite of mortgage application tools and loan tracking.

• Has plenty of loan options to choose from and competitive interest rates.

• Provides customer service in its physical locations, online, via chat and by phone.

• Has a Doctor Loan Program for medical professionals who have high earning potential but little cash for down payments.

Cons

• Has a limited number of physical branch locations in 11 states and Washington, D.C.

• Does not consider alternative scoring data, such as rent or utility payments, in standard underwriting.

Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers who want lots of options and a quick turn time. Fairway Independent Mortgage offers a full selection of home loans along with a comprehensive mobile app for a fast and easy application process.

Pros

• A robust suite of loan products.

• Licensed in all 50 states.

• Close in as little as 10 days using the Fairway app.

Cons

• Limited branch locations.

• Mortgage rates not posted on website.

Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers who prefer a traditional bank. Bank of America offers a wide array of mortgages and online account management tools. It also has first-time home buyer loans with low down payments and no mandatory mortgage insurance.

Pros

• Allows borrowers to apply entirely online.

• Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

• Accepts alternative credit data for some loan types.

• May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.

Cons

• Charges an application fee of $1,170, on average.

• Has a high volume of consumer complaints, even for a big national bank.