NerdWallet reviewed the majority of the largest U.S. mortgage lenders by annual loan volume (lenders had to have at least a 1% market share). We focused on lenders that offered the following loans: purchase, refinance, jumbo, FHA, VA and/or HELOCs. We also considered lenders with significant online search volume and those that specialize in serving various audiences across the country. In addition, we reviewed online lenders and small but growing lenders. Some of the providers are NerdWallet partners, but this did not influence our selection of the winner.
How we chose the winner:
We started by pooling all of our reviewed lenders. The winner(s) must offer at least four out of five loan types (purchase, refinance, home equity, alternative mortgage types and jumbo) (20%), at least four out of five loan products (fixed, adjustable, FHA, VA and home improvement) (20%) and at least four out of five online capabilities (full online application, document upload, loan-process tracking, e-signature and a mobile-responsive website) (20%). The winner(s) must also show mortgage rates for most or all of their loan options, have a form to fill in for customized rates and provide details (such as points, fees, APR, etc.) (20%) and score 4 stars or above on the rate spread/fees portion of NerdWallet’s mortgage lender star-rating rubric (20%). In the result of a tie, the winner(s) must offer online preapproval and offer the highest number of alternative loan types.
How we verified our data:
NerdWallet solicits information from reviewed lenders on a recurring basis throughout the year. All lender-provided information is verified through lender websites and interviews. We also utilized 2019 HMDA data for origination fee and share-of-product data.
