10 Best South Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Looking for a South Carolina mortgage lender? We've researched the state's top lenders, selecting the best for first-time home buyers, online experience and even home equity lines of credit, to help you choose the right mortgage lender today.
Last updated on January 22, 2021
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Finding the ideal South Carolina mortgage lender can feel like a massive task, but don’t worry — NerdWallet has done the homework for you.
We compared leading home loan providers in the Palmetto State and identified the best ones for a variety of borrower needs.
Whether you’re looking to buy a condo in Charleston, a cottage in Mount Pleasant or a classic ranch in Greenville, these lenders are a solid place to start your mortgage search.
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.
10 Best South Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender â–¾ â–¾ | NerdWallet Rating â–¾ â–¾ | Min. credit score â–¾ â–¾ | Min. down payment â–¾ â–¾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 660 | N/A | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 USAA: NMLS#8722 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 640 | 0% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 BB&T (Truist): NMLS#399803 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 TD Bank: NMLS#399800 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. 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.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
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.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
4.5
HELOCs
NerdWallet ratingNational / regional
National
Max LTV
85%
Min. credit score
660
Why We Like ItGood for: Borrowers who seek to tap into home equity through a national bank with several rate-discount options.
Pros
- Charges no closing costs or annual fees.
- Publishes sample HELOC rates online.
- Offers rate discount for auto pay from an account with the lender.
Cons
- There is an early termination fee if the account is closed within the first three years.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, doctors and other borrowers interested in low-down-payment mortgage options.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including special programs for doctors.
- Offers a complete suite of online mortgage application tools and loan tracking.
- Sample rates and fees are easy to find on the website.
Cons
- Customized rates aren't available online without starting an application.
- Branches are limited mostly to the Southeast.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274
3.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who value customer service, and first-time home buyers and others who may need the flexibility of a low-down-payment loan program.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including home improvement loans and mortgages for manufactured homes.
- Has branches in most states.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Origination fees and mortgage rates tend to be on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Mortgage rates are not published online.
- Mobile app receives mostly negative reviews from users.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: military members and their families looking for low-down-payment mortgages.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
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on NerdWallet
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.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: Borrowers who may benefit from Flagstar’s unique loan options, such as ITIN loans, loans for manufactured homes or physician loans.
Pros
- Multiple loans for those who are renovating or building a home, including loans with interest-only payments during construction.
- Offers home equity loans and lines of credit.
- Offers down payment assistance and loans for underserved borrowers, including ITIN loans and loans with flexible qualifications in certain communities.
- Interest rates are on the low side relative to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Borrowers can enter their information (including their desired loan amount, down payment and zip code) into the lender’s Mortgage Quote Comparison tool and receive a customized rate quote.
Cons
- Home equity loans are not available in all locations served by Flagstar.
- In 2022, the lender was fined for violating laws regarding properties in flood zones.
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on NerdWallet
BB&T (Truist): NMLS#399803
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers in the Southeast who want the option of face-to-face service. BB&T is now part of Truist Financial Corp., which offers a full menu of home loans.
Pros
- Offers a variety of home loans, including construction-to-permanent loans, physicians loans and jumbo loans.
- Has a robust online mortgage application.
Cons
- Branches limited to mostly the Southeast region.
- Custom rates are only available if you speak with a representative.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
TD Bank: NMLS#399800
5.0
HELOCs
NerdWallet ratingNational / regional
Regional
Max LTV
89.90
Min. credit score
620
Why We Like ItGood for: Borrowers on the East Coast seeking to tap into home equity with a rate discount, especially if there is no time crunch.
Pros
- Publishes a sample HELOC rate online.
- Offers a fixed-rate payment option.
- Available for second homes and investment properties.
Cons
- $50 annual fee, waived for lines of credit below $50,000.
- Available only in states on the East Coast.
- Early termination fee charged if the line is closed within two years.
Last updated on January 22, 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 South Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- loanDepot: Best for online experience
- Bank of America: Best for HELOCs
- SunTrust (Truist): Best for first-time home buyers
- Guild Mortgage: Best for first-time home buyers
- Navy Federal: Best for veterans
- USAA: Best for veterans
- Flagstar: Best for low down payment
- BB&T (Truist): Best for low down payment
- TD Bank: Best for HELOCs
