Reviews

Best Mortgage Services

Secure your dream home with our mortgage services, connecting you with reputable lenders dedicated to offering equitable financing solutions.

Rickie C. Keys, Ph.D., MPH

12 Mar 2024 — 16 min read

Secure your dream home with our mortgage services, connecting you with reputable lenders dedicated to offering equitable financing solutions.

Our collaboration with mortgage providers centers around ensuring access to home loans with clear conditions and favorable interest rates. Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing your current mortgage, or investing in real estate, our lending partners propose options that can be customized to meet your financial needs. Highlighting the principle of equitable lending, these mortgages are crafted to assist you in achieving homeownership while maintaining financial stability. Our partners are meticulously chosen for their dedication to guiding consumers through their home-buying journey with transparency and support, making the path to your dream home a reality.

Buy a Home

Alliant Credit Union

Features

Loan Types: New auto purchase, used auto purchase, and auto loan refinancing available.
APR Range: Competitive rates starting from 7.00% to 26.75% for various loan types.
Loan Amount: Offers a broad range with no maximum limit, accommodating various borrower needs.
Automatic Payment Discount: A rate discount is offered to set up automatic payments.

Andrews Federal Credit Union

Features

Loan Options: Offers a variety of loan types, including Purchase, Home Equity, Refinance, and USDA loans.
Minimum Credit Score: Requires a minimum credit score 620 for mortgage approval.
Down Payment: Minimum down payment as low as 3%, making homeownership more accessible.
Educational Support: Special emphasis on assisting first-time homebuyers with incentives and educational resources.
Military Support: Provides tailored support for military borrowers, with branches near bases in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Bank of America

Features

Credit Score Requirement: Minimum 660 for mortgage applicants.
Down Payment: As low as 5% for qualifying borrowers.
Loan Diversity: Offers a range of products, including Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity, Jumbo, FHA, and VA loans.
National Presence: Available across the United States, providing wide accessibility.

Citizens Bank

Features

Rapid Closing and Funding: Closing within seven days and funding within two weeks for streamlined access to your equity.
GoalBuilder HELOC: Tailored for borrowers earning below the median income in their area, with credit scores starting at 620.
Standard HELOC Requirements: A minimum credit score of 680 is required for traditional HELOC applicants.
No Minimum Draw Requirement: Offers the flexibility to borrow only what you need without mandatory draw amounts.
LTV Ratio: Up to 80% loan-to-value ratio, ensuring a significant portion of your home's equity is accessible.

Discover

Features

High LTV Limit: Up to 90% loan-to-value ratio, enabling borrowers to access a significant portion of their home equity.
Substantial Loan Amounts: Offers loans up to $300,000, catering to substantial financial needs.
Diverse Repayment Terms: Provides flexibility with 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-year repayment options.
Zero Fees: No closing costs or annual fees, making it cost-effective for borrowers.

Figure

Features

Maximum Loan Amount: Up to $400,000, catering to significant financial needs.
Loan-to-Value Ratio: Max LTV of 85%, allowing borrowers to tap into a substantial portion of their home equity.
Interest Rate: Fixed rates for all draws, ensuring payment stability throughout the loan term.
Speedy Closing: Potential for loan closing within just five days of application.

First Federal Bank

Features

Loan Variety: Offers various loan types, including government-backed, jumbo, and loans for manufactured or modular homes.
Minimum Credit Score: Accessible to borrowers with a credit score as low as 620.
Down Payment: As low as 3% down payment options are available.
Nationwide Availability: Loans are available in all 50 states, though physical branches are located in only eight.

Flagstar Bank Mortgage

Features

Loan Variety: A wide selection, including ITIN loans, loans for manufactured homes, and physician loans.
Minimum Credit Score: Accessible with scores starting at 620.
Down Payment Minimum: Offers as low as 3% down payment options.
Specialty Loans: Tailored financing for unique situations, including construction and renovation loans.

Guaranteed Rate

Features

Loan Types: Offers a wide range of options, including Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo loans, and Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) with 5-, 7-, and 10-year options alongside traditional 30- and 15-year fixed rates.
Digital Application Process: A fully online application allows for uploading and signing documents, with approvals in under an hour.
Nationwide Availability: Licensed in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with over 500 branches across 47 states.
At-Home Closings: Offers at-home closings through its FlashClose program for added convenience.
Credit Score Requirement: A minimum credit score 620 is required for approval.

Movement Mortgage

Features

Rapid Processing: Loans can be processed in as few as seven days.
Diverse Loan Options: Includes renovation loans and HELOCs.
Movement Boost Program: Assists FHA borrowers with down payment and closing costs.
High Customer Satisfaction: Recognized by J.D. Power and Zillow for outstanding service.

Navy Federal

Features

Max LTV 100%: Access up to 100% of your home equity, surpassing many lenders' limits.
Flexible Repayment Terms: Choose 5, 10, 15, or 20 years to repay the loan.
No Closing Costs: Borrowers are not required to pay closing costs, reducing upfront expenses.
No Prepayment Penalties: Offers the flexibility to repay the loan early without additional fees.

NBKC

Features

Wide Range of Loans: NBKC offers VA, FHA, and conventional loans, along with adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) like 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, and 10/1, and fixed-rate mortgages spanning 10 to 30 years.
No Lender Fees for VA Loans: VA loans are available without lender fees, although VA funding fees still apply.
Nationwide Service: Available in all 50 states, providing purchase and refinance loan options to a broad audience.
Unique Refinancing Options: Includes the FHA Streamline Refinance program for easier refinancing of FHA loans.
Online Tools and Resources: Interest rate estimates, financial calculators, and a Home Buying 101 guide are available on NBKC.

Network Capital

Features

High Loan-to-Value Ratio: Borrow up to 90% of home equity.
Wide Range of Terms: Options include 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30-year loans.
Flexible Usage: Loans available for second homes.
Loan Amounts: Up to $3,000,000 for qualified borrowers.

OneUnited Bank

Features

Focus on Underserved Communities: Specializes serving Boston, Miami, and Southern California borrowers.
Minimum Credit Score: Accepts borrowers with a credit score as low as 620.
Minimum Down Payment: Offers mortgages with as little as 3% down.
Loan Types: Specializes in fixed-rate, conventional mortgages.

PenFed

Features

Minimum Credit Score: 620, accommodating a broad range of borrowers.
Minimum Down Payment: 3%, making homeownership more accessible.
Loan Types: Includes Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity, Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, VA, and FHA, catering to various needs.
Rate Lock: Available with a fully underwritten preapproval, offering security while you shop for a home.

Pennymac

Features

Credit Score Minimum: 680, catering to borrowers with good credit history.
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV): 85%, allowing homeowners to borrow a significant portion of their home equity.
Loan Terms: Flexible options ranging from 10 to 30 years, fitting various financial plans.
Fees: An application fee and appraisal are required for a thorough property valuation.

PNC

Features

Minimum Credit Score: 620, making it accessible to a broader spectrum of borrowers.
Minimum Down Payment: 3%, enabling more individuals to pursue homeownership.
Loan Variety: Offers Purchase, Refinance, Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, catering to different preferences and needs.
PNC Community Loan: This unique offering that requires just a 3% down payment without the need for PMI is designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
Jumbo Loans: These loans are available with a 5% down payment, less than the standard 20% typically required.

Rocket Mortgage

Features

Credit Score Minimum: Accessible with a score of 620.
Minimum Down Payment: Exceptionally low at 1%, opening doors for many.
Loan Variety: A comprehensive suite that includes purchase, refinance, jumbo, fixed, adjustable, FHA, VA, and home equity loans.
Digital First: Offers a streamlined online application process, with document and asset retrieval and the ability to adjust your preapproval letter digitally.

San Diego County Credit Union

Features

Loan Types: Offers conventional and jumbo mortgages, including products for second homes and home equity.
Rate Information: Customizable rate and fee quotes are available online without needing contact information.
Interest Rates: Competitive, with notably low rates per the latest federal data.
Access: Services are regionally focused, available exclusively in California.

TD Bank

Features

Rate Discount: Available for checking account holders, enhancing affordability.
Rate Options: Variable rate with an option to convert to fixed, aiding payment predictability.
No Minimum Draw: Offers flexibility in borrowing, aligning with various financial needs.
Origination Fee: Applicable, alongside a $50 annual fee for lines over $50,000.
Availability: Restricted to 15 East Coast states and Washington, D.C.

Truist

Features

Low Down Payment: Starting at 3%, ideal for first-time and low-income home buyers.
Diverse Loan Options: Includes conventional, VA, FHA, jumbo loans, and HELOCs.
Proprietary Grant Program: Assists with down payments and closing costs in select states.
Loan Variety: Offers construction loans, programs for early career doctors, and a range of jumbo loans.
Regional Availability: Primarily serves the South and East, with branches in specific states.