Find a Great Mortgage Lender
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| Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Min. down payment | Loan types | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030 | 4.5 /5 | 620 | 1% | Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA | Visit Lenderat Rocket Mortgage, LLC at Rocket Mortgage, LLC |
 NBKC: NMLS#409631 | 4.5 /5 | 620 | 0% | Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA | Visit Lenderat NBKC at NBKC |
 New American Funding: NMLS#6606 | 4.5 /5 | 500 | 3.5% | Reverse, Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA, USDA | Visit Lenderat New American Funding at New American Funding |
 First Federal Bank: NMLS#408902 | 4.5 /5 | 620 | 3% | Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA, USDA | Visit Lenderat First Federal Bank at First Federal Bank |
 Rate: NMLS#2611 | 4.5 /5 | 580 | 0% | Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA, USDA | Visit Lenderat Rate at Rate |
 Farmers Bank of Kansas City: NMLS#613839 | 4.5 /5 | 660 | 3% | Jumbo, Fixed, FHA, Adjustable, VA, USDA | Visit Lenderat Farmers Bank of Kansas City at Farmers Bank of Kansas City |
 GO Mortgage: NMLS#1018 | 4.0 /5 | 620 | 3% | Adjustable, Fixed, Jumbo, VA, FHA, USDA | Visit Lenderat GO Mortgage at GO Mortgage |
 Mutual of Omaha: NMLS#1025894 | 3.5 /5 | 640 | 3% | FHA, VA | Visit Lenderat Mutual of Omaha at Mutual of Omaha |
620
1%
Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA
620
0%
Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA
500
3.5%
Reverse, Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA, USDA
620
3%
Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA, USDA
580
0%
Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA, USDA
660
3%
Jumbo, Fixed, FHA, Adjustable, VA, USDA
620
3%
Adjustable, Fixed, Jumbo, VA, FHA, USDA
640
3%
FHA, VA
Frequently asked questions
- Which mortgage lender is the best?
The answer depends on your needs. Lenders vary by the types of loans and services they offer as well as their credit score minimums and other requirements for borrowers. The best mortgage lender is the one that offers the products you need, has requirements you can meet and charges the lowest mortgage rates and fees.
- How do I find the lender with the lowest mortgage rate?
Some lenders post mortgage rates on their websites and include tools to see how much your rate might be. But those are just estimates. You'll need to get preapproved for a mortgage to get a rate offer based on your credit score and other financial information.
- What if I can't afford closing costs?
Most state housing finance agencies offer first-time home buyer programs, which can include closing cost and down payment assistance. The assistance can come in the form of a grant, a forgivable loan or a deferred-payment loan. To qualify, you need to work with a lender approved by the state agency.
- Should I shop for a home or find a lender first?
You should shop for a lender first and get preapproved for a mortgage before shopping for a house. A mortgage preapproval shows sellers and their real estate agents that you're a serious buyer. It also indicates how much you can borrow, which will help you determine how much home you can afford.
- What credit score do you need for a HELOC?
Lender requirements vary, but typically you'll need a credit score of 620 or higher. Taking out a HELOC will probably reduce your credit score temporarily when it appears on your credit report.
- Is a HELOC tax-deductible?
The interest you pay each year on a HELOC is tax-deductible up to a limit as long as the borrowed money is used to buy, build or substantially improve your home, according to the IRS.
- What lender is best for VA loans?
All VA loans are subject to rules and guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Individual VA lenders vary by the services and options they offer as well as the requirements they set for borrowers, such as minimum credit scores, however. This is why it's important to shop around to compare mortgage rates and qualification requirements.
- What is the current interest rate for VA loans?
VA mortgage rates fluctuate daily, just as rates for other loans do. Rates also vary by lender, and the rate you're offered will depend on a variety of factors, such as your credit score. When shopping VA lenders, compare the annual percentage rate, or APR, to get a complete picture of the true costs. The APR includes the interest rate, fees and other costs of the loan.
- What credit score do you need to qualify for a VA loan?
The Department of Veterans Affairs doesn't set a minimum credit score for VA loans. But lenders can have their own requirements, and they often look for scores of 620 or higher. Lenders that accept lower scores may require applicants to meet stricter standards in other areas. VA lenders will also look at other factors, such as your debt-to-income ratio, to evaluate your ability to repay the loan.
