9 Best North Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
If you're shopping for a mortgage in North Carolina, NerdWallet has done the research. Here are the best mortgage lenders for a variety of needs, including first-time home buyers.
Last updated on January 21, 2021
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As a North Carolinian, you probably have firm ideas about which barbecue style is best. But when you shop for a mortgage, the options may leave you stumped.
Will this be your first home? Do you want to talk face to face with a mortgage lender? Do you have imperfect credit? Are you trying to refinance, or get a VA loan? NerdWallet is here to help you find the best mortgage lender in North Carolina for your needs.
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 North Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
580 | N/A | See Offers at New American Funding | ||
580 | 3% | See Offers at Rate | ||
 PNC Bank: NMLS#446303 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
620 | 0% | See Offers at Veterans United | ||
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | N/A | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 BB&T (Truist): NMLS#399803 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 |
New American Funding: Best for weaker credit
Min. credit score
580
Min. down payment
N/A
Learn more
on New American Funding's website
- Why we like itNew American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
ConsRead full review- Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Rate: Best for refinancing
Min. credit score
580
National / regional
National
Learn more
on Rate's website
- Why we like itRate has a wide variety of refinance loan options and a streamlined application process, though refinance origination fees are on the high side.Pros
- Excellent variety of refinance mortgage types.
- Easy to shop for rates on the lender's website.
- Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
ConsRead full review- Origination fees for refinances are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
PNC Bank: Best for face-to-face service
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.
Veterans United: Best for veterans
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
0%
Learn more
on Veterans United's website
- Why we like itVeterans United is the largest VA loan originator in the country by far, according to the latest federal data.Pros
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Sample interest rates are posted online.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are on the higher end compared to other VA lenders.
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Bank of America: Best for refinancing
Min. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itGood for: first-time home buyers looking for low- or no-down-payment options and homeowners interested in a home equity line of credit.Pros
- 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.
ConsRead full review- Doesn't offer renovation loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
loanDepot: Best for first-time home buyers
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itLoanDepot is a large nonbank lender that offers the potential for a streamlined mortgage process and cash back, but to start an application or get a rate quote you must work with a loan officer over the phone.Pros
- Offers a variety of repayment terms for fixed-rate loans.
- Does a substantial amount of business in FHA lending.
- mello smartloan product can streamline mortgage application, appraisal and title search.
ConsRead full review- Interest rates are not available on the website.
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
Navy Federal: Best for veterans
Min. down payment
0%
National / regional
National
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itNavy Federal Credit Union stands out for having exceptionally low VA interest rates and fees.Pros
- Best-scoring VA lender for interest rates and fees.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
ConsRead full review- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
BB&T (Truist): Best for face-to-face service
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
- Why we like itGood for: borrowers in the Southeast who want the option of face-to-face service. BB&T is now part of Truist Financial Corp., which offers a full menu of home loans.Pros
- Offers a variety of home loans, including construction-to-permanent loans, physicians loans and jumbo loans.
- Has a robust online mortgage application.
ConsRead full review- Branches limited to mostly the Southeast region.
- Custom rates are only available if you speak with a representative.
Carrington: Best for weaker credit
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: Best Charlotte mortgage lenders
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 21, 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 North Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- New American Funding: Best for weaker credit
- Rate: Best for refinancing
- PNC Bank: Best for face-to-face service
- Veterans United: Best for veterans
- Bank of America: Best for refinancing
- loanDepot: Best for first-time home buyers
- Navy Federal: Best for veterans
- BB&T (Truist): Best for face-to-face service
- Carrington: Best for weaker credit
