The home they call home is their most valuable asset. The decision to purchase a house is one of the most important financial decisions they will ever make.
This decision is complicated by the high price of real estate. Even the smallest adjustments to a mortgage interest rate can make a huge difference in your lifetime borrowing costs. A free mortgage amortization calculator shows that a 30-year $300,000 mortgage will result in a total interest payment amount of $155,332.36. This is assuming a fixed rate of 3%. Raising the annual interest rate from 3.10% to $161,177.71 will result in nearly $6,000. increase
This logic is also applicable to homeowners who are looking to reduce their interest rates and total borrowing costs by refinancing mortgages. It is worth shopping around to find the lowest monthly mortgage payments, best interest rates, and most flexible loan terms. Begin your search for the best mortgage lenders.
Best Mortgage Lenders
These mortgage lenders are the best for homeowners and homebuyers in America this year. These mortgage companies are among the top home equity lenders for homeowners who want to tap into the equity they have built up in their homes with home equity loans and/or home equity lines credit (HELOCs).
Rates and terms of loans are subject to change without notice.
1. loanDepot
- Mortgage Loan Types Available: Fixed-rate conventional mortgage loans, adjustable-rate mortgage loans, VA loans, FHA loans
- The Loan Rates for (30-Year Fixed Conventional Purchases) are as Low As 2.75%
- Verdict: Many types of mortgage loans at very competitive rates
The mortgage lender loanDepot specializes in home loans. This includes purchase loans, refinance loans, and construction loans. There are more than 200 locations across the country, so you’re likely to find a loanDepot store near you.
LoanDepot is a direct lender that specializes in real estate financing. This gives it superior pricing power and lowers interest rates. According to its website, loanDepot has been in business for more than a decade and has originated nearly $100 billion in purchase loans and refinance loans. There are a variety of loan programs available, including VA loans that are backed by the US Department for Veterans Affairs for military personnel and FHA loans that are backed Federal Housing Administration for first-time homebuyers with impaired credit (minimum credit score 580 or lower).
2. Rocket Mortgage (Quicken Loans).
- Types of mortgage loans available: Fixed-rate conventional mortgage loans, adjustable-rate mortgage loans, jumbo loans, VA loans (including interest rate reduction refinance loans), FHA loans (including streamlining refinance loans).
- The Loan Rates for Conventional Purchases of 30 Years is as Low As 2.88%
- Verdict: Technology-assisted mortgage origination with rapid speed
Rocket Mortgage, formerly Quicken Loans was an online lender that is known for its speedy loan origination and underwriting. It offers a quick prequalification process and pre-approval. This streamlines the application process for mortgage loans.
Rocket Mortgage securely connects with your financial accounts to provide a complete picture of your income, assets, and expenses. This reduces the paper required to close.
Rocket Mortgage provides a variety of mortgage options for home buyers and refinancers, including conventional loans and VA and FHA products. The mortgage does not offer home equity products such as HELOCs and certain types of specialty loans like construction loans.
3. Better
- The following types of mortgage loans are available: fixed-rate conventional mortgage loans, adjustable-rate mortgage loans, jumbo mortgage loans, and FHA mortgage loans
- The Loan Rates for (30-Year Fixed Conventional Purchases): 2.63%
- Verdict: Very low fees, fast preapproval, and quicker closing
A digital mortgage lender is better because it strips down the entire process of applying for a mortgage and eliminates many fees (and closing costs) that were once considered non-negotiable. Its differentiators include
- There are no origination fees, which is a common type fee that many mortgage lenders charge for.
- No commissions for mortgage brokers
- A fully online workflow that allows applicants to see exactly where they stand in the application and underwriting process
- Get instant loan estimates and transparent pricing
Better offers a wide range of mortgage options to buyers and refinance applicants. This includes conventional loans and FHA loans.
4. USAA
- VA loans, VA jumbo loans, and VA interest rate reduction refinance loans are available
- Loan Rates Start At (30-Year Fixed VA Purchase Loan): 2.875%
- Verdict: Military service personnel and their families get excellent rates and terms for mortgage products
USAA is a financial institution that provides full-service financial services to military personnel and their families. Its focus on service members is a double-edged blade. The majority of Americans are not eligible for USAA membership. USAA’s mortgage loan portfolio is limited to VA loans that are specifically tailored to veterans and military personnel.
USAA provides outstanding customer service and competitive rates for those who are eligible. USAA should be added to your lender shortlist if you are eligible for a VA loan.
5. Veterans United
- Mortgage Loan Types Available: VA loans, VA jumbo loans, VA refinance loans with interest rate reductions
- The 30-year fixed VA purchase loan rate starts: at 2.50%
- Verdict: VA Loan Products at Extremely Competitive Rates
Veterans United, a mortgage lender for military personnel that specializes in VA home loans, is called Veterans United. It is not a full-service financial institution like USAA and does not offer to check accounts, property and auto insurance, or wealth management services.
It does offer a wide range of VA home loans, including streamlining refinance loans, at very competitive rates. Veterans United has a few dozen branches in the U.S. but it is able to keep overhead costs low and pass those savings onto borrowers through very low rates.
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