This year’s best
Our Nerds scrutinized rates and fees, variety of loans, ease of application, and more to find the best mortgages of 2022. While some winners may be partners, this didn't influence our decisions or opinions.
Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Home Buyers
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Why this lender made the list
NASB offers multiple loans for first-time home buyers who might need flexible down payment or credit score requirements, and charges low fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Refinancing
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
Pros
- 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.
Cons
- 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.
Why this Lender made the list
Flagstar provides a wide menu of refinance options and a fully digital application process while charging competitive origination fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for FHA Loans
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
- An online tool makes it easy to customize a rate quote online, with no contact information required.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 90 days while you house-hunt, and switch to a lower one if rates drop while you shop.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
Pros
- Rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
- An online tool makes it easy to customize a rate quote online, with no contact information required.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 90 days while you house-hunt, and switch to a lower one if rates drop while you shop.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
- An online tool makes it easy to customize a rate quote online, with no contact information required.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 90 days while you house-hunt, and switch to a lower one if rates drop while you shop.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
Pros
- Rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
- An online tool makes it easy to customize a rate quote online, with no contact information required.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 90 days while you house-hunt, and switch to a lower one if rates drop while you shop.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
- An online tool makes it easy to customize a rate quote online, with no contact information required.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 90 days while you house-hunt, and switch to a lower one if rates drop while you shop.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
Pros
- Rates are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
- An online tool makes it easy to customize a rate quote online, with no contact information required.
- “Lock & Shop” lets you secure a rate for up to 90 days while you house-hunt, and switch to a lower one if rates drop while you shop.
Cons
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn't offer home equity lines of credit or renovation loans.
- Online chat is available only in the logged-in experience.
Why this lender made the list
Pennymac offers multiple FHA loans for purchase and refinance with transparent rates, a fully digital loan application and low fees.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for VA Loans
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Pros
- Sample mortgage rates are customizable.
- Offers nontraditional mortgage products that may be difficult to find elsewhere, such as 1099 loans and bank statement loans for self-employed borrowers.
Cons
- NASB has limited the scale of its conventional and government loan lending.
- Branch locations are limited to the greater Kansas City, Missouri area.
- Does not offer home equity products, renovation loans or construction loans.
Why this lender made the list
NASB originates a significant volume of VA loans, charges low fees and has a convenient digital application process.
Read our methodologyBest Mortgage Lender for Jumbo Loans
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products, including options for borrowers who work for themselves and those without Social Security numbers.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products, including options for borrowers who work for themselves and those without Social Security numbers.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products, including options for borrowers who work for themselves and those without Social Security numbers.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products, including options for borrowers who work for themselves and those without Social Security numbers.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Min. Credit Score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products, including options for borrowers who work for themselves and those without Social Security numbers.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Pros
- Sample rates clearly posted for various loan products.
- Offers a wide variety of loan types and products, including options for borrowers who work for themselves and those without Social Security numbers.
- Mortgage rates tend to be on the low side compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer home improvement loans, or home equity loans or lines of credit.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
Why this lender made the list
Wells Fargo offers jumbo loans for various property types. It allows down payments under 20% and charges competitive origination fees.
Read our methodologySee the latest rates
Easily compare today's mortgage rates and find the right one for you with our personalized mortgage tool.
