


Dawnielle Robinson-Walker
Georgia Rose
Johanna Arnone
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Best for cashout refinances
Our take on Rate
Rate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day — though for all its online conveniences, you'll still work with a human.
Best for home equity borrowing
Our take on Better
Better stands out for its wide range of mortgage types, including vacation and manufactured home loans. It also provides connections to insurance providers and real estate attorneys. However, the lender does not have a mobile app, and reports higher than average rates and fees than competitors, according to the latest federal data.
Best for financial assistance
Our take on New American Funding
New American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.
Best for VA loans
Our take on Veterans United
Veterans United originates more VA mortgages than any other lender. With average fees and rates being lower than competitors, it’s a solid pick for veterans and military borrowers.
Best for first-time home buyers
Our take on Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage is the Goliath of home loans in the U.S. It's the largest mortgage lender by volume, and keeps expanding its reach. Fortunately for borrowers, Rocket is a gentle giant, offering affordable borrowing options including a 1% down payment loan.
Best for rate transparency
Our take on Tomo
Tomo, established in 2020, is an online-only lender with a focus on digital efficiency and purchase loans. We’re impressed with its customizable mortgage rate tool. However, you won’t find home equity products. Mortgages are available in 41 states and counting.
Best for financial assistance and first-time homebuyers
Our take on Guild Mortgage
Guild Mortgage offers a wide range of products that may attract nontraditional borrowers, including loans with 0% or 1% down. However, interest rates aren’t published online, making it harder to shop around.
Best for low credit borrowers
Our take on Carrington
Carrington Mortgage offers specialty loans for people who might have trouble getting a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers or those with heavy debt. However, average rates and fees are higher than competitors.
Best for FHA loans
Our take on SoFi
SoFi offers online conveniences and a range of customer service options, though combined rates and fees are higher than many other options.
Best for HELOCs
Our take on Lower
Lower offers an impressive variety of loan products, including options for self-employed borrowers and those with non-traditional credit. Time to close is quicker than average and sample rates for many products are visible online, though you'll need to submit an application to get a custom quote.
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Lenders reviewed
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Data points analyzed