The best top mortgage lenders provide competitive rates and conditions customers may profit from. However, they also take measures to alleviate the difficulty associated with a home purchase or refinancing. They achieve this by delivering abundant online tools for potential borrowers and leveraging technology to enhance the loan application and closing process.
The best top mortgage lenders also make their minimum requirements for approval apparent, which helps borrowers understand the financial benchmarks they need to satisfy before they apply.
With all this in mind, we analyzed the best top mortgage based on essential factors including loan options, rates, terms, customer service, and the chance to be pre-qualified before applying.
Best Mortgage Lenders
#1. ROCKET MORTGAGE (Best Top Mortgage Lenders)
Rocket Mortgage won the top place in our list of best top mortgage 2023 for various reasons, including its speedy closing times (26 days on average, according to customer assistance) and great grades from third-party ranking agencies and prior customers.
This mortgage provider offers a fully online experience that lets borrowers in all 50 states (Texas, California, Florida, and so on). Apply for a mortgage, upload their documents, can get financing for their house, or refinance a loan without visiting a physical office. Rocket Mortgage even offers remote closings in states where it is legal.
Rocket Mortgage enables borrowers to apply for fixed-rate mortgages in 15- and 30-year terms and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), as well as jumbo, FHA, and VA loans. With conventional loans, borrowers will require a minimum down payment of 3% (or 5% if they’re first-time buyers) and a debt-to-income ratio that is no more than 50%. Conventional loans require a credit score of 620 minimum.
Initially formed as Rock Financial in 1985, this firm ran under the moniker Quicken Loans for many years until changing its name to Rocket Mortgage in July of 2021. With that in mind, you should understand that Rocket Mortgage and Quicken Loans are sometimes used interchangeably.
- Minimum down payment: 0%-3.5%
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%
- Average days to closing: 26 days
Pros
- Fast closing times
- Convenient online loan process
- Impressive reviews from past users
- All available across the US
Cons
- No mobile home financing and or USDA home loans
- No construction loans
- No interest-only mortgage options
- No physical offices space for customers
#2. PROSPERITY HOME MORTGAGE
Prosperity Home Mortgage holds the second position due to its low minimum credit score requirement for its customers.
The firm doesn’t reveal its minimum credit score online, but the company minimum for conventional loans is often 600, a lower minimum than many other lenders ask. And because it offers FHA loans, you may be able to secure a mortgage even if your score is lower than that.
Prosperity doesn’t disclose its conditions online, so you need to submit an application or work with an agent to understand its rates and costs.
- Online application: Yes
- Loan types: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo
- Days until closing: 30 days
Pros
- Low down payment options
- Lower credit score minimum
Cons
- It is not available in Hawaii and New York
- Doesn’t post its rates or fees online
- Longer time to shut
#3. CHERRY CREEK MORTGAGE
Cherry Creek Mortgage was first established in 1987, and since then it’s evolved to become one of the best top mortgage lenders with several loan options accessible. This lender provides conventional mortgages, as well as FHA, VA, and USDA home loans, as well as jumbo, mortgage refinancing, and reverse mortgages.
We picked it as the best for veterans and customer service owing to its many resources for military people seeking home finance. Veterans and qualifying service personnel can deal with an agent at one of 22 physical facilities, however, the organization is licensed to offer mortgages in 42 states and Washington, D.C.
While Cherry Creek offers practically every sort of mortgage accessible today, its concentration in VA loans sets them apart. VA loans from Cherry Creek Mortgage do not demand a down payment, however, they can only be used to purchase a principal house. Borrowers will require a credit score of 620 or above, as well as a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans who apply will need to show recent pay stubs, tax records from the previous two years, and evidence of income. Thankfully, Cherry Creek Mortgage makes it simple for candidates to start the application process and upload loan paperwork online from the comfort of their homes.
- Minimum down payment: 0%-3.5%
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%
- Average days to closing: 28-42 days
Pros
- Plethora of possible loan types
- Low-down payment loans accessible
- Physical branches in 22 states
Cons
- It is licensed in Washington D.C. and other 42 states
- Does not properly disclose mortgage rates or fees
- Does not offer interest-only mortgages
#4. FAIRWAY MORTGAGE
Fairway Mortgage made the list of the 2023 Best Top Mortgage Lenders. Since its founding in 1996, Fairway Mortgage has evolved by leaps and bounds to offer a myriad of home financing and refinancing options, including loans with particular incentives. This organization provides conventional, VA Loans, FHA, USDA, and jumbo, and it also offers reverse mortgages.
However, the organization concentrates on giving mortgages with specific homebuyer perks, like remodeling loans. Options available via this lender include the HomeStyle Renovation Loan, the Limited 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage, and the Standard 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage. All of which help buyers acquire financing for houses that need prolonged restorations or improvements to fulfill their potential.
While Fairway Mortgage does make it feasible for some portions of the mortgage process to take place online. It concentrates on customer experience by offering physical offices and loan specialists in all states except for West Virginia and Alaska. That said, the organization is still licensed to offer home loans and refinancing loans in all 50 states.
When it comes to conventional loans from this supplier, borrowers will require a minimum credit score of 620 and a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 45% to 50%.
A minimum down payment of 5% is normally required. However, certain borrowers may be able to put down as low as 3%. Furthermore, remember that Fairway Mortgage charges 2% to 3% of the loan amount in closing expenses.
- Minimum down payment: 0%-3.5%
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%
- Average days to closing: 30-45 days
Pros
- You may consult with a competent mortgage expert
- Offers practically every sort of mortgage product
- Offers loans with unique perks
Cons
- Unlikely to be your loan servicer
- No offices in West Virginia and Alaska
- Physical branches may be geographically limited
#5. PRIMARY RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE
Primary Residential Mortgage was started in 1998, and it has expanded to become licensed in 49 states plus Washington, D.C., Texas, Florida, and California with more than 250 branches and 1,800 employees nationwide. That said, this lender is largely noted for its exceptional online user experience, particularly its online loan application.
Prospective borrowers can utilize the corporate website to begin their loan application and upload required papers that will accelerate their loan approval. The entire procedure starts with an intelligent Q&A session that steers borrowers toward the loan kind that would fit their needs best. After your loan is authorized, you may use the company’s online interface to make mortgage payments and check your repayment status.
When it comes to loan options, the Primary Residential Mortgage stands out. The lender provides conventional mortgages, FHA mortgages, jumbo mortgages, VA mortgages, and even reverse mortgages. Primary Residential Mortgage allows borrowers to get pre-qualified for financing online without any influence on their credit, which is a key positive for them to be among the 2023 Best Top Mortgage Lenders.
Usually speaking, borrowers seeking a conventional home loan from this lender will require a credit score of at least 620. A 3% down payment is also required for conventional home loans, as is a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 50%.
- The minimum down payment is 0%-3.5%.
- The maximum debt-to-income ratio is 50%.
- Days to closing: 21-30 days
Pros
- Robust online platform with many services
- Offers a closing guarantee
- Licensed to operate in 49 states, Washington D.C. inclusive.
Cons
- Doesn’t publish mortgage rates online
- Limited office locations
#6. CALIBER MORTGAGE
Caliber Home Loans was formed in 2008, so it’s amazing to think about how far the firm has come in that time. It is currently licensed to offer mortgages in all 50 states. Its product offerings have expanded to encompass almost every form of mortgage and mortgage specialty product available today.
In addition to conventional mortgages, for example, it offers additional conventional products. Including the HomeOne mortgage, the HomeStyle Renovation Loan, the Home Possible mortgage, and the HomeReady mortgage. Caliber Home Loans specializes in FHA loans, including the FHA 203(k) Home Loan and the FHA Streamline Refinance. Additional borrowing options include VA loans, VA Streamline Refinance loans, USDA loans, and different loan options oriented exclusively to real estate investors.
Caliber Home Loans need a 0% to 3.5% down payment, depending on the loan type, and a maximum debt-to-income ratio of roughly 50%.
Caliber Home Loans lets you take care of the bulk of the mortgage procedure digitally with the aid of its online platform. Borrowers may use this site to fill out their loan applications, upload required papers, and check their loan progress in real-time.
- Minimum down payment: 0%-3.5%
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: About 50%
- Average days to closing: 10-30+ days
Pros
- Different loan options for different customer
- Licensed in all 50 states
- Offers useful mortgage resources and tools
Cons
- Lender faced regulatory action in 2021
- Doesn’t post mortgage rates online
- No home equity loan options
#7. FINANCE OF AMERICA MORTGAGE
Finance of America Mortgage is another top mortgage lender of 2023, since 1994, it has been helping its customers to finance their houses. It offers a comprehensive range of loan kinds, from conventional mortgages to jumbo loans and reverse mortgages. It also offers financing options for real estate investors. As well as renovation loans that enable borrowers to purchase houses that require considerable renovations to become habitable.
Nonetheless, this lender stands out thanks to its variety of loan options for borrowers with poor credit ratings. They include mortgages guaranteed by the government, such as FHA, USDA, and VA loans, as well as mortgages from Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible.
These loans can allow eligible buyers to get into houses with credit scores as low as 500. Certain loan kinds even have no minimum credit score criteria that are imposed by a government body. In many circumstances, like with USDA loans and VA loans, buyers may purchase a home with no money down.
- Required down payment: 0%-3%
- Offers a 55% maximum debt-to-income ratio
- Closing date: not specified
Pros
- High allowed DTI ratio
- Licensed across the 50 states
- Numerous loan options
Cons
- Doesn’t publish mortgage rates online
- Doesn’t reveal lender fees
Who is the #1 mortgage lender in the US?
The #1 mortgage lender in the United States is Rocket Mortgage, according to the Mortgage Market Share Report from Mortgage Daily.
What is the most a mortgage lender will lend?
The amount a mortgage lender will lend is decided by many factors, including the borrower’s credit score, debt-to-income ratio, income, and other factors. There is no maximum amount that a lender will lend. Nevertheless, the amount that a lender is ready to lend is also related to the price of the home and the amount of down payment the borrower can make.
What is the most common mortgage?
The most popular mortgage is the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Which offers a set interest rate and fixed monthly payments for the term of the loan. This type of mortgage is popular because it allows borrowers to budget more easily and offers more predictability than other loan options.
What type of bank provides mortgages?
Mortgage banks, are also known as mortgage lenders and specialize in providing mortgages. And, some banks and credit unions provide mortgages as well.
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