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5 Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2020

NerdWalletJanuary 2, 2020

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The WSHFC aims to expand the access and affordability of housing in Washington. Here are some of the highest-rated WSHFC-affiliated lenders we’ve reviewed.

The WSHFC is a state housing agency that aims to expand access to and affordability of housing in the Evergreen State. Officially called the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, WSHFC works with participating lenders to offer first-time home buyer loan programs. Benefits can include thousands of dollars in down payment assistance.

The agency works with a long list of lenders — so many that it might be difficult to know just where to start. NerdWallet has researched WSHFC-affiliated lenders and found and reviewed the highest-rated lenders. We've also noted some of the high-volume mortgage originators that underwrite WSHFC-sponsored loans.

» MORE: Explore WSHFC loan programs, rates and income limits

Summary of Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2020

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Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

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Why we like it

Good for: first-time home buyers and others who may need the flexibility of a low-down-payment loan program.

Pros

  • Offers multiple online conveniences, including a full mortgage application, e-signatures and digital loan process tracking.

  • Offers a wide variety of loan products, including home improvement and manufactured home loans.

Cons

  • Does not offer home equity loan products.

  • Average interest rates and fees are higher than other lenders.

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PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

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Why we like it

Good 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 a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.

Cons

  • No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.

  • Doesn't offer home equity products.

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at Fairway

Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

at Fairway

Why we like it

Good for borrowers who want access to a wide variety of mortgages and the convenience of a comprehensive mobile application process.

Pros

  • Offers a robust suite of loan products, including a variety of renovation loans.

  • Has a digital application that can be completed in 10 minutes.

  • Works with some state housing finance agencies to offer mortgages with down payment and closing cost assistance.

Cons

  • Mortgage rates aren't posted online.

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at loanDepot

loanDepot: NMLS#174457

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

5%

at loanDepot

Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers looking to get a mortgage with help from a loan officer. Digital back-office operations are said to add efficiency to the loan process.

Pros

  • Offers digital income, asset and employment verification.

  • Offers multiple renovation loan options.

  • Has over 200 affiliated loan stores nationwide for customers who prefer face-to-face service.

Cons

  • Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.

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

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Caliber: NMLS#15622

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

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Why we like it

Good for: first-time home buyers, veterans and those who may have credit challenges to overcome.

Pros

  • Offers extensive educational resources for military borrowers.

  • Provides digital tools for a streamlined application process.

  • Participates in some state down payment assistance and first-time homebuyer programs.

Cons

  • No mortgage rates displayed online.

  • Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.

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More WSHFC participating mortgage lenders

These are among the high-volume WSHFC-approved lenders in Washington. The lenders haven't been reviewed by NerdWallet.

HomeStreet Bank

  • Headquartered in Seattle with over two dozen home loan centers in the state.

  • A dedicated loan officer guides the process from application to closing.

  • Offers a “shared appreciation” equity investment program that can cut your down payment in half in exchange for an equity stake in your home.

Evergreen Home Loans

  • A guaranteed financing commitment reinforces your purchase offer and can help speed closing.

  • You can start your loan application online.

  • If you don’t have a real estate agent, Evergreen will help you find one.

Umpqua Bank

  • Banking customers can receive a $500 discount on their home loan.

  • It was founded in Oregon, but it's also a top-10 mortgage lender in Washington.

  • No origination fee on certain loans.

Eagle Home Mortgage

  • Offers a digital mortgage process from your phone, tablet or laptop.

  • Get pre-qualified in as little as 10 minutes.

  • A first-time home buyer guide helps you prepare for the process.

More from NerdWallet

Last updated on January 2, 2020

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.

To recap our selections...

NerdWallet's Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2020