8 Best Washington Mortgage Lenders of 2021
NerdWallet picked some of the best Washington mortgage lenders across five different categories, including loans for first-time home buyers, borrowers with low credit and those looking to refinance.
Last updated on January 28, 2021
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If you’re looking for the best mortgage lenders in Washington, we’ve done the research. NerdWallet compared the state’s leading lenders, then identified the best ones for a variety of specific loan needs.
Whether you’re shopping for a condo in Seattle, a classic ranch in Spokane or a cash-out refinance in Yakima, these lenders are a solid place to start shopping.
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 Washington 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 | 1% | See Offers at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
620 | 0% | See Offers at Veterans United | ||
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 520 | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Citibank: NMLS#412915 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
New American Funding: Best for low credit
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 online lenders
- 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.
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online lenders
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Learn more
on Rocket Mortgage, LLC's website
- 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.
Veterans United: Best for military borrowers
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.
loanDepot: Best for refinancing
Min. credit score
520
National / regional
National
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itGood for: borrowers who want an easy online application and a variety of loan types to explore.Pros
- Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage interest rates tend to be on the lower end, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Citibank: Best for first-time home buyers
Min. down payment
3%
National / regional
National
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itCiti offers solid customer support and a highly rated mobile app. Borrowers need to contact the lender for a customized rate quote or preapproval — but average mortgage rates are among the lowest of lenders we review.Pros
- Very low average interest rates compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Closing cost credits and interest rate discounts available.
- Highly rated mobile app.
ConsRead full review- Preapproval and application require a phone call to complete.
- Must contact the lender for customized rate quote.
- Doesn’t offer renovation or construction-to-permanent loans.
Flagstar: Best for government loans
Min. credit score
N/A
National / regional
National
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itFlagstar Bank, recently acquired by Mr. Cooper, stands out for a wide variety of refinance loan types and convenient digital tools that make it easy to shop rates online.Pros
- Solid variety of refinance loan types.
- Easy to shop for mortgage rates on the website.
- Closes loans faster than average.
ConsRead full review- Average origination fee is on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer energy-efficient mortgage refinances.
Carrington: Best for low credit
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- 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.
» MORE: Best Seattle mortgage lenders
Last updated on January 28, 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 Washington Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- New American Funding: Best for low credit
- Rate: Best for online lenders
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online lenders
- Veterans United: Best for military borrowers
- loanDepot: Best for refinancing
- Citibank: Best for first-time home buyers
- Flagstar: Best for government loans
- Carrington: Best for low credit
