BEST OF
7 Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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.
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.
Summary of Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Minimum Credit Score | Minimum Down Payment | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for borrowers with lower credit scores | N/A | 3.5% | Read review | |
Best for government loans | 580 | 3.5% | Read review | |
Best for customer service options | 620 | 3% | at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
Best for customer service options | 620 | 5% | at loanDepot | |
Best for borrowers with lower credit scores | 580 | 3.5% | Read review | |
Best for online capabilities | 620 | 3% | Read review | |
Best for first-time home buyers | 620 | 3% | at New American Funding |
Min. Credit Score
N/A
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
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.
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
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.
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
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.
at loanDepot
at loanDepot
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
5%
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.
Min. Credit Score
580
Min. Down Payment
3.5%
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 home buyer programs.
Cons
- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Offers a full array of mortgage products, including government and renovation loans.
- Has loans for most purposes, including purchase, refinance and jumbo mortgages.
- Online portal keeps borrowers up-to-date on the loan application's progress.
Cons
- Doesn't post interest rates on its site.
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
at New American Funding
at New American Funding
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. Down Payment
3%
Pros
- Uses manual underwriting to evaluate creditworthiness.
- Offers full online mortgage application, rate quotes, document upload and loan tracking.
Cons
- Mortgage rates offered to borrowers are higher than the government-reported median of all lenders.
More WSHFC participating mortgage lenders
These are among the high-volume WSHFC-approved lenders in Washington. The lenders haven't been reviewed by NerdWallet.
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.
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.
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.
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 29, 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.
To recap our selections...
NerdWallet's Best WSHFC Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Guild Mortgage: Best for borrowers with lower credit scores
- PrimeLending: Best for government loans
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for customer service options
- loanDepot: Best for customer service options
- Caliber: Best for borrowers with lower credit scores
- HomeBridge: Best for online capabilities
- New American Funding: Best for first-time home buyers