Deciding to buy a new home is a big step in any individual’s life. However, the harsh reality is that even with years and years of hard work, the great majority of people still aren’t able to afford it. This is where mortgage lenders come to help.
These companies exist in order to assist individuals with their financial requirements. For this purpose, they offer a variety of loan programs with limited fees and extensive qualifying requirements to make it possible for every individual to make their dream of purchasing a new home become a reality.
However, choosing the best mortgage lenders is critical. We have researched the mortgage lending market to find the best companies where you can put your trust and safely acquire your desired financial amount, so keep reading!
Best Mortgage Loan Companies
- eMortgage: Overall Best Mortgage Lenders; Editor’s Pick
- LendingTree: Most Trusted Loan Lenders For Mortgage Loans
- Lexington Law Firm: Reputable Loan Company For Bad Credit Score
- Axos Bank: Recommended Platform For Home Loans With Low Mortgage Rates
#1. eMortgage: Overall Best Mortgage Lenders; Editor’s Pick
eMortgage is one of the most prominent mortgage loan lending platforms that allow you to compare offers between multiple lenders by providing basic information easily. The service works on an automatic algorithm that finds lenders in your area that you qualify for. It offers to compare tools for mortgage refinancing, reverse mortgages, and home equity loans.
The company has an impressive portfolio of successful businesses with thousands of customers for more than 40 years. Its mother company is HSH, widely recognized for helping homebuyers compare offers for mortgages from up to 5 lenders at a time.
They actively recruit expressed loan officers and branch managers to expand their net by welcoming new ambitious investors to build their brand. The eMortgage team is proud of themselves for being a leader in the mortgage industry. They are highly dedicated to providing innovative and flexible services for everyone looking to purchase a new home.
Since the company works towards providing the best terms in the industry, they don’t put restrictions when it comes to their clients, and everyone is free to make an application. Also, there is no obligation to accept a quote. Moreover, the lenders are willing to collaborate until both parties reach mutual satisfaction.
Platform’s Features
- Qualification requirements
As simple as it can get, the loan application process only takes a few minutes to be completed, and you can do it online. All you have to do is provide precise information about the location of the home you want to buy, your financial information, and additional details about you.
The most impressive part of their work is that the platform doesn’t require any sensitive data and doesn’t perform credit checks. Once the application is made, you’ll be directed to the suitable loan offers that suit your requirements within the provided location.
- Services and terms
You can acquire conventional, jumbo, VA, and FHA loans – all that with eMortgage. Each lender presents its own terms and requirements for the down payment and credit score.
If the service is not able to connect you to a lender according to your requirements, you’ll be presented with additional services and other options on how to get a mortgage loan in your area.
The repayment terms are more flexible, as the lenders fully disclose the estimated APR, the monthly repayments, and other important loan terms. However, since the platform isn’t a lender itself, each lender determines independently.
- Customer safety and security
eMortgage uses the attested 256-bit AES encryption to ensure the ultimate protection of your personal information. The lenders will only contact you directly, and they aren’t allowed to pass your information to a third party. If you do not want to take any offer, you can remove yourself from the system at any time.
Also, an important thing to mention is that the platform’s online comparison tool requires only the contact information without any sensitive details like the social security number.
Most importantly, they offer customer support for any issues using their services. When it comes to loans, the lenders will supply you with all the necessary information, and you can feel free to contact them at any time.
Pros
- Wide range of professional and experienced mortgage lenders with
- Fast and easy application process
- Receives offers immediately after submitting the application
- Secured with the strongest encryption system
- Variety of mortgage loans and other services
- Reputable company with an A+ score from the BBB
- No credit check or sensitive data requirements
Cons
- No major cons
=> Click here to visit the official website of eMortgage
#2. LendingTree: Most Trusted Loan Lenders For Mortgage Loans
The platform’s overall performance can be summed up in one word, and that’s -convenience, which is why it comes first on our list. As the clearest proof of this, the website is one of the safest in the domain, giving you the option to connect with the most trustworthy lenders.
LendingTree offers customers a variety of loans to look for a home they are looking for. The rates follow the industry standard, choosing between fixed or adjustable with a 15 or 30 years term. Their representatives are available to assist you with any issues during the application process.
By allowing multiple loan lenders to offer you competitive rates for your business, you are free to compare offers and find the one that suits your necessities without interacting with each lender individually. You can also compete to their advantage and negotiate until you find a middle ground for affordable rates.
One of the highlight features of LendingTree is that it offers a large selection of instructional resources for novice homebuyers. It also has a competitive tool to make your shopping even easier. They also have a mortgage calculator so you can check and monitor your credit score.
Platform’s Features
- Qualification requirements
LendingTree connects you with reliable lenders that provide a variety of mortgage loans. By providing information on your necessity and current financial condition, the platform logarithm will be able to match you with suitable offers. The application forms require you to input your basic information, credit score, income, and employment information.
The platform has one of the fastest approval times among its competitors. Most lenders respond in minutes; however, if your requirements are very strict and more demanding, you might have to wait a couple of days.
After selecting a certain offer, you’ll be connected with the lender directly and discuss further terms and conditions to complete the process. They usually vary from one lender to another.
- Services and terms
One of the biggest advantages of acquiring a loan at LendingTree is that it all comes with some basic requirements, no matter the lender. You must have a maximum debt-income ratio of 50% or less. The government-backed mortgages usually have relaxed credit requirements, with lenders requiring a minimum of 500 credit scores and a 10% down payment.
The mortgage terms usually depend on the lender and your financial condition. You can find out the current interest rates in the particular area you want to buy a home by entering the loan type, down payment, and estimated credit score range via the platform’s calculator option.
Most of the lenders at LendingTree offer loan terms between 15 and 30 years, with some of them even more flexible.
- Customer safety and security
Being the leader in the mortgage lenders domain, LendingTree has built its reputation by paying major attention to its client’s safety and security. They have implemented a strict encryption technology system to keep their information safe and confidential, so you can rest assured that no one outside the platform will have access to them.
They only collaborate with accredited lenders with a specified license for providing mortgage loans and other assistance in the most reliable and professional way. The most impressive part of their work is the fact they hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which largely testifies that the company takes the interest of their customers very seriously.
Pros
- Certified lenders that excel in providing a variety of mortgage loans
- Extensive range of loans for mobile and multi-family homes
- Easy and comprehensive application process
- Fast response and approval
- Covers a wide range of property types
- Flexible repayment terms
- No minimum credit score
- Safe and secure platform
Cons
- Not a direct lender, so the terms and rates vary
=> Click here to visit the official website of Lending Tree
#3. Lexington Law Firm: Reputable Loan Company For Bad Credit Score
Lexington Law Firm gives you the opportunity to achieve a significant milestone in your life, like buying your first own home, by providing you with the best mortgage rates among its competitors. With their support, you can even repair your credit score and increase it to acquire a more advantageous loan term; With an array of over a thousand happy customers, the platform has been recognized as one of the best mortgage lenders at the present moment.
Since customers with bad credit are usually those that struggle the most when it comes to bigger expenses, Lexington Law can help you stand on your feet. They offer personal paralegal consulting by easing the process by educating you about how to manage your finances more reasonably.
If you are looking to improve your credit score before purchasing your new home, this platform will dispute the negative items on your credit score. Depending on how bad your credit is, the representatives can direct you to suitable services like lender intervention, credit monitoring, and identity protection.
Platform’s Highlights
- Qualification requirements
The signup process requires only a few minutes, where you need to provide documentation of your financial condition and additional information on the type of loan you want to get and the home you are looking to purchase.
After finalizing this step, the platform representatives will pull your credit report, and then you’ll be presented with offers that meet your goals.
You can get a personal consultant throughout the process that will be at your disposal if you face any kind of issue using the service.
- Services and terms
Lexington Law is mostly recognized for its credit repayment services, offering a variety of monthly plans with flexible costing levels for every customer that looks to repair their credit score.
Their Absolute basic replying service is suitable for those that need to budge their credit score by anything. This includes some minor defaults or simple, clear-cut errors.
The Concord Standard plan offers essential services of the essentials for ethical report repair. This means that the representatives of Lexington will contact the bureaus and creditors to get your overall crest report back on track.
The Concord Premier is a top-tier plan, taking things to another level by implementing additional methods to improve your credit score and resolve all issues. This is especially recommended for everyone facing especially critical challenges.
- Customer safety and security
What makes Lexington Law to stand apart from its competitors is its outstanding 27 years of successfully dominating the industry. Moreover, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, which is one of the biggest pieces of evidence of the brand’s honest, safe, and reliable work.
The brand doesn’t compromise on any aspect of its customer’s satisfaction and security. They ensure complete discretion with all the information kept strictly among the service experts for their clients.
Pros
- Reputable business with two decades of experience
- Free consultation before using the service
- Especially recommended for bad credit users
- Variety of tools for repairing credit scores and acquiring better terms for mortgage loans
- Safe and attested platform
- Flexible rates
- A+ score from the BBB
- Educational finance resources
- Discount offers
Cons
- The credit report comes with extra costs
=> Click here to visit the official website of Lexington Law
#4. Axos Bank: Recommended Platform For Home Loans With Low Mortgage Rates
Axos Bank provides conventional and non-conforming loans with low and no down payment options, interest-only mortgages, and investment property loans. The brand offers a diversity of financial services intended for resolving all kinds of financial issues and banking services.
Axos Bank mostly excels in providing mortgage loans with the most flexible terms, allowing you to apply online easily at any time with the option to choose home purchase or mortgage refinance. Most importantly, if you cannot apply for a mortgage loan, they offer assistance in improving your bad credit score.
If you are an entrepreneur or you are handling commercial finances for a larger corporation, this platform is the ideal option for you. Moreover, even if you are tech-savvy, it has especially comprehensive navigation so you can successfully manage all your expenses online.
You can pick the type of baking you want according to your necessities by filtering through the detailed options. There is also a FAQ section where you can find detailed information about direct deposits, account owners, and other features Axos Bank has.
The best part is that it also comes with a mobile app option so that you can access their service on the go. The bank is available around the clock, which is very impressive for a business like this, especially if you are in a hurry or during holidays.
Platform’s Features
- Qualification requirements
Since Axos is an online bank, the entire qualification process is done online. You can apply for a loan very easily and at any time by uploading your documents.
What makes the platform different from the others is that to get a mortgage loan, you only need to answer some basic questions about the type of loan you want and the home you are looking to purchase. After submitting the information, you’ll be contacted by the brand’s consultants, who will explain the further steps.
- Services and terms
Axos Bank offers between 10 to 30 years of mortgage loans with fixed and adjustable rates. The loan amounts range from $15,000 to $510,00, with some exceptions. There is also a jumbo loan option that has no minimum credit.
You can earn 3% cashback and save up to $995 on the lender fee. An especially convenient option that the platform has are the auto repayments that make sure your account stays up to date.
- Customer safety and security
As expected, Axos Bank has an impeccable rating from the BBB, with the majority of satisfied customers that have no complaints when it comes to the safety of their confidential information.
Since it is an online platform, it’s important to have superior cybersecurity to protect their client’s information. Axos Bank uses 128-bit SSL encryption to provide a secure and confidential connection between borrowers and lenders.
Pros
- Multiple types of mortgage loans
- Checkings and savings accounts are free of cost
- Excellent mobile app navigation
- Ability to earn up to 3% cashback
- Large home loans selection with jumbo loan option of up to $30 million
- Loan managing assistance
- Secured with 128-bit SSL encryption
- Available at any time
- Attentive customer service
Cons
- Discounts and cashback are only available if you have to check an account
=> Click here to visit the official website of Axos Bank
How We Made The List Of These Bad Credit Mortgage Lenders?
When we selected the best mortgage lenders, we put a significant focus on reliability and security. These were the most important factors since we wanted to ensure that our readers who look for a mortgage lender approach these services with complete confidence.
However, searching through so many businesses on the internet, it was challenging to narrow down the choice; that’s why we made a questionnaire and asked a few experts who are the most favorable features they need to have, and these were the most favorable ones:
Interest rates
Since the interest rate is one of the essential things when customers opt for mortgage loans, we made sure to select that business that has flexibility in terms of the repayment period and the additional costs, especially in loans with 30 years.
Since the interest rates of the applicants with a poor credit score are usually higher, we have listed the lenders that charge modest interest rates so users with all financial standards can afford them.
Lenders reputation
The number of companies operating with providing mortgage loans is enormous, and not every one of them is a reliable one. Their reputation and years of experience in the domain were significant for us. We would never want our readers to put their trust in and share critical financial documents with new companies and end up in great danger.
This is why we only listed the most influential brands for authenticity and reliability.
Customers’ experience
Even if the business offers the lowest rate quote, it wouldn’t be worth the extra headache if they cannot close your home purchase on time or, in the worst-case scenario, back out of the financing at the last moment.
This is why we paid close attention to carefully revising the lender’s reputation among other clients and their feedback. We went through publicly available domains and forums to investigate each lender’s reputation and the customer’s experience with their services.
Type of loans they offer
Since everyone has different needs and requirements, we have selected the brands that offer an extensive line of loan options to accommodate every customer’s needs. In order to qualify for a specific type of loan, some lenders require a certain amount of down payment. The brands on our list are open to collaboration with customers with bigger financial necessities and those with much lower ones.
This is why we have included businesses that provide all types of mortgage loans, including conventional loans, conforming mortgage loans, non-confirmation mortgage loans, government-insured federal housing administration loans, government-insured veterans affairs loans, and government-insured department of agriculture loans.
Easy application process
Customers that struggle with not-so-great credit scores understand the challenge of applying to many lenders and the inconvenience that comes with it. We have aimed for platforms that have an easy and straightforward application process.
The platforms we have mentioned offer services for different applicants, even those with poor credit history; moreover, the application process is easy and seamless.
Approval time
If you are in a hurry to find a mortgage lender and you don’t want to bother with plenty of paperwork by acquiring one from traditional lenders or banks, the marketplace on our list works surprisingly fast.
We have selected those lenders that you can get access to online and complete all the documentation from the comfort of your own home. Moreover, the approval process is very quick, so you will get a timely answer on whether you are eligible for one.
Customer assistance
It’s very important for a company providing this kind of service to have an attentive team of assistants to help you divide what kind of loan to opt for and how to choose the best lender. Since not all lenders have the same interest rates and strict loan terms, it’s convenient to have someone guide you to get better knowledge.
Usually, there might be some restrictions on how you can spend the money, and they might differ from one lender to another. Therefore, you need to inform yourself and have someone explain the requirements before you get the loan.
Buying Guide: Tips on How to Find the Best Home Mortgage Lenders
Before you start searching for the best mortgage lenders and deals, it’s important to gain basic knowledge on what to look for. This is why we are going to give you a guideline. Depending on the property’s value, you are in condition to get it; the better rates the lender offers, the more choice you’ll have.
Make research on mortgage lenders
Once you have determined what mortgage you want, whether that be fixed, variable, discount, or specialist mortgage, you should do research on the lender’s rates. They usually depend on the size of the deposit and the property’s value. The bigger deposits will usually get you better rates.
There are a lot of mortgage lenders online, but not all of them willfully show the deals since the mortgage market is complicated. What you need is to make sure to select those lenders willing to cooperate with their clients and present them with as much information as they can.
We have included those mortgage lenders on our list; however, if you do it on your own, make sure to use the online tools to compare the rates and choose the deal that is the best for you.
Prepare your finances in good shape
According to the type of mortgage loan you want to get, your credit score will play an important part in the choices you are going to make. If you have a low credit score, then it’s most likely that you won’t get presented with very good rates, so you need to make sure you get your financial condition on track before you apply for a loan.
Get your credit score reports from all three major credit bureaus, and revise them carefully if there are any errors. Paying your bills on time will lower your debt and improve your credit score. The ideal DTI ratio for a mortgage is under 36%.
Find which mortgage is the most suitable for you
Mortgage lenders offer a variety of loans suitable for different needs; some of the most commonly used are:
- VA loans are suitable for active and veteran military members and are available for rural homebuyers. They don’t require a down payment
- FHA loans have the lowest credit score requirements compared to other mortgage loans and require a downpayment of as little as 3.5%.
- Conventional loans are the best for borrowers with good credit, requiring 3% down.
- Jumbo loans, in most cases, are used for great finance properties and are more expensive than conventional loans.
Usually, the loan’s length ranges between 15 to 30 years. With fixed-rate mortgage loans, the interest rate stays the same during the entire loan term, while the adjustable-rate loans might periodically increase or decrease.
Evaluate the lender’s rates and fees
Once every lender evaluates your credit score, debts, and assets, each one of them will present you with different offers, which is why you may find better rates with some lenders. However, you need to look at the fees as well.
Compare the payment options side by side to see which one is the most suitable for your financial condition.
The mortgage terms determine the total interest you’ll need to pay and the monthly payments. Longer terms come with smaller payments; however, the life of the loan will be higher since you will have to repay it in a longer period of time.
Apply for a preapproval
Generally, a very useful tip is to apply for multiple mortgage loans before you start shopping for a home. The preapproval application will present sellers and real estate agents that you are a serious buyer. The preapproval applications will also save you some time later and give you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow.
To get pre-approved, all you need is to fill out the online form by providing information about your income, depths, and assets.
Check whether you are eligible for the assistance program
If you are a first-time homebuyer, it’s good to check for assistance programs. These programs can save you thousands of dollars and give you more advantages in choosing the most suitable options. They are available in different varieties, depending on the home you are looking to purchase.
Some of the lenders participate in those programs. Some may have specific mortgage products or promotions that target first-time buyers. So, when you choose a lender, make sure to consider the lender’s upfront cash assistance.
FAQs On Online Mortgage Lenders
How to qualify for a mortgage loan?
There are several ways how to improve your chances of qualifying for the best loan terms and rates, so these are the most important things you need to do:
- Improve your credit score
The most effective way to get improved for a good rate is to improve your credit score since if it falls within the “good” or “better” range, it will be possible for you to get competitive rates. This typically requires having a 670 or higher FICO score.
- Pay down your debts
Lowering your debt-to-income ratio is a major factor in qualifying for a mortgage. Make sure you pay off any unsecured debts before you make your application.
- Compare multiple loan offers
It’s always wiser to shop around for different lenders and compare the rates to find the one that suits you the best. If you don’t have much time on disposal, consider comparing the rates using comparing sites.
- Go for low mortgage rates
The chances of being qualified for a mortgage loan are much higher if you opt for lower mortgage rates. Choose a shorter loan term like a 15-year fixed mortgage rate instead of a 30-year homemade loan.
Is it possible to get a mortgage loan without a credit score?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and the answer would be unexpected for most of you. Yes, it is possible for you to qualify for a loan even without a credit score if you’ve paid off all your debt. So, as long as you meet this criterion, you might be able to get approved for a loan.
When you apply for a mortgage loan without a credit score, you need to go through manual underwriting. What this means is that you’ll simply need to provide additional information for the underwriter to review personally. The loan process might take longer than usual; however, buying your home without getting into bigger debt is very much with it.
What is the mortgage interest rate, and how does it work?
The mortgage interest rate is the annual cost of the total loan amount you need to pay, expressed in a percentage. It doesn’t include fees or other costs, so if the interest rate is 5%, you need to pay 5% of your loan’s balance in interest every year.
The loan also has an annual percentage rate which includes the interest rate plus additional charges like closing costs, discount points, and origination fees.
The interest rates on the mortgage loans might be fixed or adjustable.
- Fixed rates stay the same throughout the entire loan term, and their monthly payment stays the same, which means that you don’t have to worry about them going up. These rates are typically higher than the initial monthly payment because the lender can’t increase your interest rate later.
- Adjustable rates, on the other hand, can rise or fall based on the market rates. They depend on the benchmark rate, such as the prime rate. When the benches go up and down, your interest rate will do the same. They are mostly recommended if you plan to sell or refinance your home before it increases.
Which mortgage term is the most convenient?
Choosing your mortgage term largely depends on your goals and circumstances. If you want to save on interest rates and build equity faster, short-term mortgage loans would be a better option for you. However, if you want a more affordable loan, then long-term mortgages are far more flexible in terms of repayment.
These are the most common mortgage terms that you can choose:
- 30 years fixed-rate mortgage
This is the most commonly selected option since the monthly payments are low over the loan’s life span.
- 15 years fixed interest rate
This loan term option has a greater overall interest saving but higher monthly payments than the 30 years option since it is half of the time.
What’s most important to mortgage lenders while reviewing the application?
As you can probably guess, mortgage lenders are mostly interested in whether you are going to be able to repay the loan and what the risk is of collaborating with you. These are the crucial factors they consider for whether they will approve your mortgage loan or not.
- Your credit score
Your credit score plays a crucial factor in your application approval, and lenders always look at it first. Conventional mortgage loans usually require a minimum FICO score of 620. However, some programs might allow you to qualify even with a lower one if they use manual underwriting for your application.
- The loan amount and the home value
The higher the value of the mortgage, the bigger the risk for the lender to borrow the money. So lenders usually limit the risk by following government loan limits. If you are looking for an especially expensive mortgage, then you should apply for a jumbo loan.
- Down payment
Your down payment is the amount you need to pay upfront for the property, while the mortgage will cover the rest. Larger down payments usually mean lower interest rates on the mortgage. If you want to borrow less money, then your lender will have less risk.
What happens if I don’t make repayments on time?
If you find yourself in a difficult financial condition and you can’t make your monthly mortgage repayments, then you should take action as fast as possible.
You need to contact your mortgage loan provider and discuss further options. In this case, the lender will present you with some potential options that can help you gain more time until you find a solution.
If you are still unable to make the repayments, then you might have to set up a forbearance agreement, which can help you make your money repayments more manageable.
Conclusion: Mortgage Lenders Near Me
One of the most challenging decisions in life is to purchase a new home. Especially if you aren’t that good with managing your finances, then getting proper counsel is always a wise decision.
These were our top picks for the best mortgage lenders available, where you get access to all the necessary tools that can ease the whole process of purchasing a new home way more than handling it on your own.
The four brands we have selected offer the most competitive interest rates featuring a variety of loan products for different necessities. All of these services offer customer assistants that are ready to help you find the most suitable offers for your financial condition and guide you through the whole process.
Keep in mind that the most important thing while choosing from a variety of lenders is to evaluate each of their offers to secure the best rate, fees, and terms that won’t get you in trouble in the future.
