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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.

Summary of Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2020

LenderBest For

Minimum Credit Score

Minimum Down PaymentLearn More
Guild Mortgage

Guild Mortgage

NerdWallet rating 
Read review

government loans & borrowers with credit issues

620

3%

Read review
PrimeLending

PrimeLending

NerdWallet rating 
Read review

government loans

620

3%

Read review
Fairway Independent Mortgage

Fairway Independent Mortgage

NerdWallet rating 

at Fairway

customer service

N/A

3%

at Fairway

loanDepot

loanDepot

NerdWallet rating 
Read review

customer service

620

3.5%

Read review
Caliber

Caliber

NerdWallet rating 
Read review

borrowers with credit issues

620

3%

Read review
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Read review

Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

Read review

Why we like it

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.

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PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

Read review

Why we like it

Ideal for borrowers with past credit issues and those looking for down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

Pros

  • Low rate of consumer complaints filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

  • Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.

  • Offers a proprietary closing-cost assistance program.

Cons

  • No online mortgage rates.

  • Charges an origination fee.

  • Doesn't offer home equity products.

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at Fairway

Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

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National / Regional

National

Min. Down Payment

3%

at Fairway

Why we like it

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.

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loanDepot: NMLS#174457

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3.5%

Read review

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.

  • 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.

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Caliber: NMLS#15622

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Min. Credit Score

620

Min. Down Payment

3%

Read review

Why we like it

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

Pros

  • Participates in some state 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.

Read Full 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 January 2, 2020

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 2020

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