9 Best Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders of 2021
These mortgage lenders rose to the top for products, services and customer experience in the Keystone State in 2021.
Last updated on January 26, 2021
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Shopping for a mortgage in the Keystone State? You’ll want to work with lenders that have been screened and rated for customer service, online experience, products, features and more.
From Erie to Philly, these nine lenders rose to the top in NerdWallet’s lender research and reviews for five key categories: government-backed home loans, refinancing, first-time homebuyers, jumbo lending and online lending platforms.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
- 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.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
- 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.
9 Best Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Network Capital: NMLS#11712 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
620 | 3% | See Offers at Rate | ||
620 | 1% | See Offers at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 520 | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 PNC Bank: NMLS#446303 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 600 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Veterans United: NMLS#1907 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 SoFi: NMLS#696891 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
Network Capital: Best for online lending
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itNetwork Capital stands out for its wide range of mortgage offerings, including niche products like physician loans, non-QM loans, ITIN loans and mortgages for manufactured homes.Pros
- Reported average time to close is 20 days, far below the industry average.
- Products like non-QM loans and ITIN loans make borrowing more accessible.
- HELOCs offer long draw terms, up to 30 years.
ConsRead full review- The lender’s website offers limited loan details.
- HELOCs have a minimum loan amount of $50,000.
Rate: Best for government-backed loans and jumbo loans
- Why we like itRate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day, though average fees are higher than many competitors’.Pros
- Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
- Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for first-time home buyers
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Learn more
on Rocket Mortgage, LLC's website
- Why we like itRocket Mortgage is the largest mortgage lender by volume, standing out for its range of affordable borrowing options, down payment assistance and closing cost credits.Pros
- Reported average time to close is 15 days faster than industry average.
- FHA and VA loans make up 40% of Rocket Mortgage’s total loan volume.
- Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- No construction or renovation loans.
- Physical branches are only available in Detroit, Cleveland, and Phoenix.
loanDepot: Best for refinancing
Min. credit score
520
National / regional
National
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on NerdWallet
- Why we like itGood for: borrowers who want an easy online application and a variety of loan types to explore.Pros
- Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage interest rates tend to be on the lower end, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
PNC Bank: Best for online lending
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itPNC Bank has a variety of appealing mortgage options, including jumbo loans, programs for first-time home buyers and home equity lines of credit.Pros
- Low-down-payment loan options include FHA, VA, USDA and PNC Community Loan.
- Jumbo loans available with minimum down payments of 5%.
- Customizable mortgage rates are posted online.
ConsRead full review- Average mortgage rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
- You’ll have to supply personal data or account info to get answers by phone.
Bank of America: Best for government-backed loans
Min. credit score
600
Min. down payment
3.5%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itGood for: borrowers looking for a bank with lower-than-average FHA rates.Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers a discount on mortgage lender origination fees.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
ConsRead full review- Doesn't offer FHA renovation loans.
Veterans United: Best for refinancing
Min. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itGood for: veterans, active-duty service members and eligible reservists looking for VA loans.Pros
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
- Mortgage rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Veterans United has physical branch offices in only 17 states.
- Focus on VA loans, so may not be the strongest choice for those seeking other loan types.
SoFi: Best for online lending
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itSoFi offers standard purchase and refinance mortgage options, but not construction or renovation loans, and stands out for its convenient one-stop-shopping setup.Pros
- Offers a credit up to $10,000 if closing exceeds the contract date and the lender is at fault.
- Sample mortgage rates are highly customizable.
- HELOC borrowers may access up to 90% of their home equity.
ConsRead full review- Borrowers may experience difficulty with customer service.
Carrington: Best for first-time home buyers
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itCarrington Mortgage offers loans for people who might have trouble qualifying for a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers or those with heavy debt. However, its interest rates are on the high side.Pros
- Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
- Accepts self-employed borrowers.
- Mortgage origination fees are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t post interest rates online.
- No online chat for customer service.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 26, 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.
NerdWallet's Best Pennsylvania Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Network Capital: Best for online lending
- Rate: Best for government-backed loans and jumbo loans
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for first-time home buyers
- loanDepot: Best for refinancing
- PNC Bank: Best for online lending
- Bank of America: Best for government-backed loans
- Veterans United: Best for refinancing
- SoFi: Best for online lending
- Carrington: Best for first-time home buyers
