Best of
Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2019
NerdWalletJuly 2, 2019
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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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for borrowers with a relatively high credit score who may need down payment assistance or help from a state housing agency.
Pros
- Works with loan programs offered by state and local housing agencies.
- Specializes in mortgages for first-time home buyers.
- Almost half of its loans are low-down-payment government mortgages.
- Considers alternative credit, such as history of payments on rent and utilities.
Cons
- With a concentration of offices in the West and South, Guild has little presence in the Northeast and Midwest.
- Jumbo borrowers may find that banks are more competitive when it comes to large loan amounts.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for borrowers looking for help with closing costs: PrimeLending's proprietary program, NeighborhoodEdge, helps qualified low- to moderate-income borrowers with up to $2,000 in closing cost credits (certain restrictions are based on income and location).
Pros
- Low rate of consumer complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- Request a pre-qualification through PrimeLending’s secure system from a phone, tablet or computer.
- Niche mortgage products include energy-efficient mortgages, FHA 203(k) renovation and remodeling loans, manufactured home mortgages and home construction loans.
- Free “float down” interest rate option lets borrowers choose the lower rate if interest rates fall, even with a rate lock.
- NeighborhoodEdge closing cost assistance program for low- to moderate-income borrowers allows qualified borrowers $2,000 in closing cost credits (restrictions on income and location).
- “Alternative doc” program lets borrowers qualify for mortgage based on bank statements rather than tax returns.
Cons
- No live chat online.
- No online mortgage rate quotes.
National / Regional
National
Min. Down Payment
3%
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.
at loanDepot
at loanDepot
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
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.
- Has over 150 affiliated loan stores nationwide for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
- One of the nation’s most active lenders of FHA and VA loans.
Cons
- Published mortgage rates include up to three points of prepaid interest and fees.
- Does not offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Ideal for first-time home buyers, veterans and those who may have credit challenges to overcome.
Pros
- Participates in some down payment assistance programs.
- Offers educational resources for military borrowers.
- Provides digital tools for a streamlined application process.
Cons
- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Must work with a loan officer for pre-qualification and preapproval.
Summary of Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2019
| Lender | Best For | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Guild Mortgage | government loans & borrowers with credit issues | 620 | 3% | Read review |
 PrimeLending | government loans | 620 | 3% | Read review |
 Fairway | customer service | N/A | 3% | Read review |
loanDepot at loanDepot | customer service | 620 | 3.5% | at loanDepot |
 Caliber | borrowers with credit issues | 620 | 3% | Read review |
| Lender | Best For | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Guild Mortgage | government loans & borrowers with credit issues | 620 | 3% | Read review |
PrimeLending | government loans | 620 | 3% | Read review |
Fairway | customer service | N/A | 3% | Read review |
loanDepot at loanDepot | customer service | 620 | 3.5% | at loanDepot |
Caliber | borrowers with credit issues | 620 | 3% | Read review |
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 July 2, 2019
Methodology
NerdWallet's selection of mortgage lenders for inclusion here was made based on our evaluation of the products and services that lenders offer to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The six key areas we evaluated include the loan types and loan products offered, online capabilities, online mortgage rate information, customer service and the number of complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as a percentage of loans issued. We also awarded lenders up to one bonus star for a unique program or borrower focus that set them apart from other lenders. 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 2019
- Guild Mortgage: Best for government loans & borrowers with credit issues
- PrimeLending: Best for government loans
- Fairway: Best for customer service
- loanDepot: Best for customer service
- Caliber: Best for borrowers with credit issues
