8 Best Tennessee Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Here are are our picks for some of the best Tennessee mortgage lenders, including ones that help first-time home buyers and military members, as well as lenders who offer low down payment mortgages and HELOCs.
Last updated on January 21, 2021
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Whether you’re shopping for a chalet near Gatlinburg or a loft in Nashville with a view of the Cumberland River, it takes research to get the right mortgage. NerdWallet has done the legwork to help you find the best Tennessee mortgage lenders.
Some of these lenders stand out for overall expertise. Others excel in specific categories, such as VA loans, first-time home buyers, home equity loans or low down payment mortgages.
Why trust NerdWallet
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
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 Tennessee Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
580 | N/A | See Offers at New American Funding | ||
620 | 3% | See Offers at Rate | ||
620 | 0% | See Offers at Veterans United | ||
620 | 3% | |||
N/A | 0% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
660 | 5% |
New American Funding: Best for overall
Min. credit score
580
Min. down payment
N/A
Learn more
on New American Funding's website
- Why we like itNew American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
ConsRead full review- Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Rate: Best for overall
- Why we like itRate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day, though average fees are higher than many competitors’.Pros
- Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
- Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
Veterans United: Best for VA loans
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
0%
Learn more
on Veterans United's website
- Why we like itVeterans United is the largest VA loan originator in the country by far, according to the latest federal data.Pros
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Sample interest rates are posted online.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are on the higher end compared to other VA lenders.
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
SoFi: Best for first-time home buyers
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
- Why we like itSoFi offers standard purchase and refinance mortgage options, but not construction or renovation loans, and stands out for its convenient one-stop-shopping setup.Pros
- Offers a credit up to $10,000 if closing exceeds the contract date and the lender is at fault.
- Sample mortgage rates are highly customizable.
- HELOC borrowers may access up to 90% of their home equity.
ConsRead full review- Borrowers may experience difficulty with customer service.
Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Why we like itNavy Federal Credit Union stands out for having exceptionally low VA interest rates and fees.Pros
- Best-scoring VA lender for interest rates and fees.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
ConsRead full review- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Carrington: Best for first-time home buyers
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
- Why we like itCarrington Mortgage offers loans for people who might have trouble qualifying for a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers or those with heavy debt. However, its interest rates are on the high side.Pros
- Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
- Accepts self-employed borrowers.
- Mortgage origination fees are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t post interest rates online.
- No online chat for customer service.
SunTrust (Truist): Best for home equity borrowing
Max LTV
89.9%
Min. credit score
620
National / regional
National
- 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.
ConsRead full review- Customized rates aren't available online without starting an application.
- Branches are limited mostly to the Southeast.
Bank of America: Best for low down payments
Min. credit score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
- Why we like itBank of America offers low interest rates, in-person service and plenty of loan options. Current banking customers may be eligible for additional perks.Pros
- Interest rates are lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to qualified borrowers.
- Banking customers can get discounted interest rates or fees.
ConsRead full review- Mortgage origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Rate estimator tool doesn’t personalize by credit score.
More from NerdWallet:
Last updated on January 21, 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 Tennessee Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- New American Funding: Best for overall
- Rate: Best for overall
- Veterans United: Best for VA loans
- SoFi: Best for first-time home buyers
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Carrington: Best for first-time home buyers
- SunTrust (Truist): Best for home equity borrowing
- Bank of America: Best for low down payments
