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Accurate as of August 19, 2025

Best Mortgage Lenders

Lock in a low monthly payment while mortgage rates continue to drop. Get prequalified online to learn how much you're eligible to borrow, and to receive a personalized quote estimate in minutes.


What Is a Mortgage?

A mortgage, in simple terms, is a home loan provided by a lender, typically a bank or mortgage company, to help you purchase property or other real estate. The mortgage process is a commitment to repay the loan amount over a specific period, usually 15 to 30 years.

During this time, the lender holds the property itself as collateral, ensuring the loan is repaid as agreed upon. Generally, mortgage loans come with lower interest rates than standard loans, since the lender can take your property if you fail to make payments on your loan.

How Do Mortgage Loans Work?

A traditional mortgage loan is a house mortgage (loan) used to purchase or build a new home that's backed by the property you're buying. Owning a mortgage loan means that if you are ever unable to pay off your mortgage, your home can be foreclosed (legally taken and sold) by the mortgage company.

» Many of our top-rated mortgage lenders also offer refinancing services if you ever find yourself falling behind on payments.

Understanding the Different Types of Online Mortgage Loans


Primary Mortgage Loan A primary residential mortgage is a loan secured by the borrower's main residence, used to purchase or refinance that home.
FRMsFixed-Rate Mortgage rates must remain constant throughout the loan's term, which means stable monthly payments.
ARMsAdjustable-Rate Mortgage rates are fixed for an initial period, typically at a lower rate, then rise and fall with market changes.
FHA LoansFederal Housing Administration loans often require lower down payments with flexible qualification requirements.
VA   LoansVA loans, available to eligible veterans and service members, offer competitive interest rates and zero down payment.
House LoansHouse loans, offered by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions, are used only to purchase or build a new home and don’t use existing property as collateral.
Private Home  LoansPrivate home loans are similar to house loans, instead private home loans are provided by non-institutional lenders, offering more personalized terms and flexibility.
Jumbo Home  LoansA jumbo home loan is a mortgage for amounts that exceed the limits set by regulators, used for purchasing high-value properties, and often requiring higher credit scores.

Conventional Mortgage Loan vs Private Mortgage Loan

A conventional mortgage is a house mortgage, typically offered by banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions that follow guidelines set by US government-sponsored enterprises.

A private mortgage loan, offered by private mortgage lenders, offers less strict requirements, making them accessible to borrowers interested in more flexible terms or less-than-ideal credit scores.

Apply for a Mortgage Online

When you apply for a mortgage loan online, you can access your online mortgage application and from anywhere, and go back to review your information as often as you need.

Here are some tips to follow when you're looking to apply for a house loan with top mortgage lenders:

  1. Check Licensing
    • Make sure you're viewing a licensed mortgage loan originator. To verify a lender's license status, check their National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) ID at the NMLS website. (Available under each company's logo on our page.
  2. Compare Multiple Lenders
    • Once you’ve selected the best home mortgage lenders for you, don’t be afraid to fill out more than one online mortgage loan application. This can give you a better idea of average rates and help you find the best mortgage loans out there.
  3. Choose a Loan that Works for Now
    • Ideally, you should apply for a home loan that is tailored to your current financial situation and not your future plans.
  4. Review Terms Carefully
    • Regulation of private mortgage lenders varies, so it's important to review your loan terms in detail to be sure you're not missing any important information.

» For guaranteed reputable lenders, view our best-rated mortgage lenders and apply for a mortgage loan online today with a verified lender.

Everything You Need for an Online Mortgage Loan Application

When you've narrowed down your list ready of the best home lenders you're interested in checking out and you’re ready to apply for mortgage online, be sure to get the following information ready for a quick home mortgage application –

Personal information (Social Security number) • employment history • proof of income (W-2, tax returns) • any debt information (credit cards, student loans) • mortgage property details (if applicable).

Key Features of Good Mortgage Lenders

Loans from private mortgage lenders can offer more flexible terms for people unable to secure traditional financing. Our list of the best home mortgage lenders can help to narrow down your choices, but there are additional things you can consider to help make your decision easier.

Review which of these key features of mortgage loan lenders are most important to you to get some insight into what exactly you’re looking for in your mortgage lender.

  • Low Closing Costs and Interest Rates – Working with an online mortgage lender means money saved on brick-and-mortar costs can can come back to you in the form of lower closing costs and interest rates.
  • User-Friendly Online Platform – The best online mortgage lenders should offer a hassle-free application process, saving you wasted time and unnecessary effort.
  • Variety of Loans – Whether you’re looking for a conventional mortgage, a home loan, a jumbo home loan, or something else, it’s important that your mortgage lender has a good variety of loan services.
  • Good Customer Support – Good customer service from a mortgage company means a smoother, more reassuring process and better support when you need it.
  • Reputable – It’s crucial that you pick a legitimate, licensed mortgage loan originator. A licensed mortgage loan originator helps borrowers find home loans while adhering to legal requirements.

How to Find the Best Online Mortgage Lenders

The best place to get a mortgage loan, whether online from private mortgage lenders or in-person at a bank, depends on what you need. Online mortgage loans might be a better choice than traditional mortgage loans if you're looking for low rates and convenience.

Since online lenders typically have lower overhead costs and adviser fees than brick-and-mortar lenders, you may be able to get a better deal. As for convenience? It’s all about what you prefer—Quick online communication or face-to-face meetings with your mortgage lender.

Additional Resources

Take time to compare the best mortgage lenders and find the perfect home loan for your financial situation.

» Company Comparisons – Refinance

Check out our best refinancing lenders 2025 to lock-in better rates on an existing mortgage or secure more affordable payments.

» Mortgage Resources – Shop Around or Learn More

Explore our guide for first-time homeowners and our best mortgage loan companies reviews before you apply for a house loan.

» Our Selections – Best-Rated Mortgage Lenders

Our expert analysts searched for the best place to get a mortgage loan, and the list at the top of this page includes their top choices of the best mortgage loan companies for 2025. Explore our page to learn more about the findmortgages.com ranking process and methodologies, as well as how we share information about our best online mortgage lenders with you.

How We Rank?

Learn more about how findmortgages.com rankings are determined.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A mortgage loan is used to purchase a home or real estate property. It involves an agreement where the borrower repays the loan over a set term, typically 15 to 30 years. The loan is secured by the property, which means the lender holds it as collateral until the mortgage is fully paid off. The borrower repays the loan through monthly payments, which include both principal (the loan amount) and interest.
Securing a mortgage loan typically takes between 30 to 45 days from start to finish. The process includes pre-approval, application submission, underwriting, appraisal, and closing. If you need to secure a mortgage loan as fast as possible, online lenders are a great option. Online lenders can process and approve loans in as little as 15 to 30 days, thanks to streamlined digital applications and quicker approval processes.
Your credit score plays a key role in determining both your mortgage eligibility and the interest rate you'll receive, accounting for roughly 34% to 40% of the decision-making process. Generally, higher credit scores result in more favorable terms and lower interest rates. If your credit score is on the lower side (around 620 or less), there are still plenty of options available. Many online lenders offer more flexible credit requirements, and applying with a co-signer who has a strong credit score can also improve your chances of securing better loan terms.
To improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage loan, focus on raising your credit score by making timely payments and reducing any unpaid balances on your card(s). Lenders also prefer a lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, typically below 43%, as it shows financial stability. Saving for a larger down payment and maintaining stable employment can further strengthen your application. To speed up the approval process, ensure that all documents you submit are accurate and up to date.
To secure the lowest mortgage rates, it's important to maintain a high credit score and keep your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio low, as these factors demonstrate financial responsibility to lenders. Lenders also assess your income, employment history, and the size of your down payment when determining your eligibility. If your financial profile is lacking in one or more areas, applying with a co-signer who will share responsibility for the loan can help boost your chances of approval and possibly lead to better terms.
Pre-approval is a process where you self-report your financial details, such as income and debt, to get an estimate of how much you might qualify for without a hard credit check. It provides a personalized loan estimate and potential interest rate, helping you compare offers from different lenders and determine what you can afford. Pre-approval is a great first step before fully applying for a mortgage, as it allows you to shop around and better understand your options without impacting your credit score.
When applying for a mortgage loan, lenders will use the following documents to assess your financial health and determine your eligibility for a mortgage loan: PROOF OF INCOME (pay stubs, tax returns W-2s or 1099s) • EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION (a letter or workplace contact) • BANK STATEMENTS (savings and/or checking account balances and other assets) • CREDIT INFORMATION (lender will conduct a credit report check) • DEBT INFORMATION (current debts and/or other outstanding loans) • PROOF OF IDENTITY (driver's license or passport and your Social Security number).
Start by researching online and reading reviews to check the lender's reputation. Then, shop around by getting preapproved with multiple lenders to compare rates. (Preapproval should not impact your credit score, it's simply a preliminary loan and rate estimate). Don't hesitate to ask questions about the loan process and fees. Local real estate agents can also provide recommendations based on their personal experience with mortgage lenders.
If you're facing challenges with your mortgage payments, there are options to explore. Many homeowners refinance their mortgage to modify their loan terms or secure a lower rate if the market has changed (though there's typically a 6 month waiting period from after you close to when you can refinance). Additionally, you can contact your lender to discuss assistance programs like forbearance and loan modification.
You should consider refinancing your mortgage when it can help you achieve a financial goal, such as lowering your monthly payments, reducing your interest rate, switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate loan, or accessing your home’s equity. It's generally worth considering refinancing if current interest rates are significantly lower than your existing rate (around 0.5% to 1% or more) or if your credit score or financial situation has improved since you took out the loan. You should always factor in the closing costs associated with refinancing before signing any paperwork to ensure it’s a cost-effective move.