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8 Best Ohio Mortgage Lenders of 2021

Looking for home loans in Ohio? Here are popular local lenders and standouts for first-time buying, refinance, home equity borrowing and traditional and online service.

Last updated on January 29, 2021
NerdWallet
Written by 
Alex Richards
Edited by 
Fact Checked
NerdWallet
Written by 
Alex Richards
Edited by 
Fact Checked

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

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8 Best Ohio Mortgage Lenders of 2021

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Lender
NerdWallet Rating
Min. credit score
Min. down payment
Learn more
Rocket Mortgage, LLC

Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030

See Offers
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
4.5
/5
Home loans overall
Best for online experience

620

1%

See Offers
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Fairway Independent Mortgage

Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289

See Offers
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
3.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for first-time home buyers

620

3%

See Offers
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
loanDepot

loanDepot: NMLS#174457

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on NerdWallet
4.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for online experience

620

3%

Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
PNC Bank

PNC Bank: NMLS#446303

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on NerdWallet
5.0
/5
HELOCs
Best for home equity

600

3%

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on NerdWallet
USAA

USAA: NMLS#8722

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on NerdWallet
4.5
/5
VA loans
Best for first-time home buyers

N/A

0%

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on NerdWallet
U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank: NMLS#402761

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on NerdWallet
5.0
/5
HELOCs
Best for home equity

660

N/A

Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
PrimeLending

PrimeLending: NMLS#13649

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on NerdWallet
4.0
/5
Refinancing
Best for refinancing

620

3%

Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
Chase

Chase: NMLS#399798

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on NerdWallet
4.0
/5
Home loans overall
Best for a traditional bank

620

3%

Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
NMLS#3030
4.5
Home loans overall
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
1%
Learn more
on Rocket Mortgage, LLC's website
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.
    Cons
    • 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.
    Read full review
Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for first-time home buyers
NMLS#2289
3.0
Home loans overall
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Learn more
on Fairway Independent Mortgage's website
on Fairway Independent Mortgage's website
  • Why we like itFairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has many brick-and-mortar branches and a reputation for top-notch customer service, but it was recently penalized for redlining.
    Pros
    • Loan options include government-backed mortgages and physician loans.
    • Offers first-time home buyer grants to buyers in eligible locations.
    • Highest scoring mortgage lender for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
    Cons
    • Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
    • Online customer service requires contact information and phone is for existing customers only.
    • Home equity loans and HELOCs are not available.
    • Has been penalized for redlining.
    Read full review
loanDepot: Best for online experience
NMLS#174457
4.0
Home loans overall
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.
    Cons
    • Interest rates are not available on the website.
    • Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
    Read full review
PNC Bank: Best for home equity
NMLS#446303
Max LTV
89.90%
Min. credit score
600
National / regional
National
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on NerdWallet
  • Why we like itPNC Bank is a large HELOC lender with a higher-than-average borrowing limit, a wide range of repayment terms and no initial draw requirements.
    Pros
    • Max borrowing limit is higher than average.
    • Minimum credit score requirement is lower than most competitors.
    • Repayment period up to 30 years.
    • Among the largest HELOC lenders by origination volume.
    Cons
    • Annual fee of $50.
    • Borrowers in 17 states and Washington, D.C. will pay an origination fee.
    Read full review
USAA: Best for first-time home buyers
NMLS#8722
Min. credit score
N/A
Min. down payment
0%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
  • Why we like itUSAA is among the top five VA loan lenders by volume, though conventional loans are available, too.
    Pros
    • Sample VA rates are posted online.
    • Offers VA refinancing.
    Cons
    • Lender received a low score for customer experience.
    • Does not offer VA renovation loans.
    Read full review
U.S. Bank: Best for home equity
NMLS#402761
Max LTV
90%
Min. credit score
660
National / regional
National
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
  • Why we like itU.S. Bank’s HELOC offers a rate discount and an option to convert to a fixed rate. It has a generous maximum draw, but the lender charges an annual fee and early repayment penalty.
    Pros
    • Online tool lets you customize sample rate by location.
    • Offers a fixed-rate payment option.
    • High maximum loan amount compared with other lenders.
    Cons
    • Charges a fee for early repayment.
    • Annual fee up to $75 (waived for certain banking customers).
    Read full review
PrimeLending: Best for refinancing
NMLS#13649
4.0
Refinancing
Min. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
  • Why we like itGood for: borrowers looking for closing cost assistance, as well as those seeking to renovate or to build a new home.
    Pros
    • Full online application includes document uploads and automated loan updates.
    • Offers a "float-down" interest rate lock.
    • Offers government-backed mortgage and refinance options, including FHA, USDA and VA loans.
    Cons
    • No online mortgage rates — you have to contact the lender for info.
    • Doesn't offer home equity products.
    Read full review
Chase: Best for a traditional bank
NMLS#399798
4.0
Home loans overall
Min. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
  • Why we like itChase offers a good variety of loan types, including programs for first-time buyers, but it doesn't offer home equity options or stand out for competitive average rates and fees.
    Pros
    • Offers two loans with 3% down payment minimums.
    • Home buyer grants up to $7,500 may apply for qualifying borrowers.
    • Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
    Cons
    • Borrowers must speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
    • No online live chat feature, and in-person services vary by branch location.
    Read full review

Local Ohio mortgage lenders

It’s smart to get at least three quotes when shopping mortgage lenders. These local lenders are among those with the highest volume of mortgage sales in Ohio. They have not been reviewed by NerdWallet.

  • 7 Ohio branches in Columbus and on the U.S. 23 corridor.

  • Jumbo purchase and refinance, and cash-out refinance.

  • Renovation loans allow $5,000 to $250,000 for repairs.

  • Offers FHA, USDA, VA and conventional loans, and home equity loans and HELOCs.

  • Adjustable-rate mortgages offered, and fixed-rate terms ranging from eight to 30 years.

  • Helps with state down payment assistance bond programs.

  • Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

  • Fixed-rate and 1/1 and 3/1 adjustable-rate mortgages.

  • FHA, VA, conventional and jumbo financing.

  • Products include balloon loans, home equity borrowing, construction, blanket (for development) and lot loans.

  • Headquarters in Cincinnati with 28 Ohio offices.

  • Low down payment option if your income is at or below the local median and for homes in underserved areas.

  • Physicians and dentists may qualify for no down payment and no mortgage insurance.

  • Has FHA, VA, conventional and jumbo purchase, refinance and construction loans.

  • Offers home equity loans and credit lines.

  • Does not sell its mortgages to other mortgage companies but keeps and services them.

  • Loan officers do not work on commission.

  • Will beat a lower mortgage rate offer or pay you $1,000.

  • No private mortgage insurance required with a 15% down payment.

  • Offers a no-cost 60-day rate lock with a free optional “float down” if rates fall.

  • Home equity products include a 5/1 ARM, fixed-rate loans and a HELOC.

  • Bridge loans available.

  • Headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.

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 Ohio Mortgage Lenders of 2021

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