9 Best Houston Mortgage Lenders of 2022
Houston mortgage lenders serve a wide range of borrowers. Here are the highest-rated NerdWallet-reviewed lenders as well as top-producing local firms.
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners.
Houston mortgage lenders serve a wide range of borrowers: first-time home buyers snagging a condo in the walkable EaDo, commuting suburbanites in The Woodlands or out in Sugar Land or Katy. And H-Town lenders also cater to the pricey ground for sale inside the loop, such as River Oaks.
NerdWallet vetted the capabilities of Houston mortgage companies in various categories. And we found some top-producing local lenders for your consideration.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Houston Mortgage Lenders
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | National / regional ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | National | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Caliber: NMLS#15622 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 580 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 USAA: NMLS#8722 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | Regional | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 PrimeLending: NMLS#13649 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 660 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Homebridge: NMLS#6521 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | National | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
620
National
- Offers a robust suite of loan products, including ITIN loans for borrowers without Social Security numbers, renovation loans, government-backed mortgages and loans for self-employed borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage rates for different types of loans aren't posted online.
- Origination fees and mortgage rates are on the high side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers a variety of repayment terms.
- Online loan calculator lets borrowers compare monthly payments and lifetime interest.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- No sample interest rates are provided.
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Lender’s website does not have a live chat feature.
- Offers extensive educational resources for military borrowers.
- Participates in some down payment assistance and first-time home buyer programs.
- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
- VA loans are the bulk of USAA's business, so its loan officers know the ins and outs of eligibility and the application process.
- Offers HomeReady loans, a conventional mortgage with flexible down payment options for low- and moderate- income buyers.
- Has a highly rated mobile app.
- Offers a limited selection of loans apart from VA, including no FHA or USDA loans.
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Only sample mortgage rate information is on the USAA website. For customized rates, you have to make contact.
PrimeLending: NMLS#13649
620
3%
- Offers a broad selection of renovation loans to finance cosmetic upgrades or structural repairs.
- Issues loan approval letters within 24 hours to borrowers who qualify.
- Offers resources to connect eligible borrowers with closing cost and down payment assistance programs.
- No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for information.
- Rates and fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
660
5%
National
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Doesn't offer renovation or construction-to-permanent mortgage loans.
- Must enroll in online banking to access Home Loan Navigator.
- Fined $12 million for reporting inaccurate mortgage applicant info to the federal government.
- Multiple loans for those who are renovating or building a home, including loans with interest-only payments during construction.
- Offers home equity loans and lines of credit.
- Offers down payment assistance and loans for underserved borrowers, including ITIN loans and loans with flexible qualifications in certain communities.
- Interest rates are on the low side relative to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Borrowers can enter their information (including their desired loan amount, down payment and zip code) into the lender’s Mortgage Quote Comparison tool and receive a customized rate quote.
- Home equity loans are not available in all locations served by Flagstar.
- In 2022, the lender was fined for violating laws regarding properties in flood zones.
- Offers a full array of mortgage products, including government and renovation loans.
- Online portal keeps borrowers up to date on the loan application's progress.
- Offers home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs.
- Doesn't post interest rates on its site.
- Lender fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers two proprietary loans with low down payment requirements.
- Provides customizable sample rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to JD Power and Zillow.
- Borrowers must apply for prequalification before accessing a full online application.
- Origination fees are higher than average, according to the latest federal data.
- Borrowers may be frustrated with the lender’s website experience.
» MORE: Compare Houston mortgage rates
Local mortgage lenders in Houston
If you want to include a local lender or two in your search for the best mortgage, these Houston lenders are among the highest-volume mortgage providers in the city, though they have not been reviewed by NerdWallet.
About a dozen offices in the Houston metro area.
Complete an online form to pre-qualify.
An app allows you to upload documents, check your loan status and even search for homes.
Specializes in jumbo loans in the Houston area.
A large selection of home loans, including construction and agriculture mortgages.
Offers home equity lines of credit and loans.
Texas-born in 2002, with headquarters in Houston and offices in more than 30 states.
Online, you can choose a "Quick Start" option or take about 15 minutes to complete a full pre-qualification.
A no-credit-score mortgage option is available, as well as bank statement programs and government-backed loans.
Nearly 20 loan officers in its north Houston office.
A digital mortgage gateway allows you to complete pre-qual information in as little as 10 minutes.
The broad selection of loans includes conventional, government-backed, renovation and even reverse mortgages.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 6, 2022
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 Houston Mortgage Lenders of 2022
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for mobile experience
- loanDepot: Best for customer service
- Caliber: Best for VA borrowers
- USAA: Best for VA borrowers
- PrimeLending: Best for closing costs assistance
- Bank of America: Best for in-person service
- Flagstar: Best for full-service experience
- Homebridge: Best for wide selection of loan products
- Chase: Best for in-person service
