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For the last two years borrowers have watched interest rates on mortgage loans steadily climb higher and higher from their previous all-time low. As we can no longer enjoy the under 3% rates of 2020, it’s important to shop around and find the best possible terms if you’re looking to buy or refinance a home.
Here’s a look at some of the best online mortgage lenders right now and how you can apply for a new loan from the comfort of your home.
Online mortgage lenders compared 2023
| Title | Best for | Types of purchase loans | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
WarpSpeed Mortgage | Flexible repayment terms | Conventional, ARM, FHA, VA, Jumbo, and USDA | five to 30 years |
Calque | Buying a new home with your current home’s equity | Conventional | Not disclosed |
Ally Mortgage | No lender fees | Conventional, ARM, and Jumbo | 15 to 30 years |
Rocket Mortgage | Low credit score | Conventional, ARM, FHA, VA, and Jumbo | 20 to 30 years |
Better | One-day mortgage approval | Conventional, ARM, FHA, and Jumbo | Fixed rate 10, 20, and 30 years; ARM five years and six months, seven years and six months, and 10 years and six months |
Mr. Cooper | Mortgage rate discounts | Conventional, ARM, FHA, VA, and Jumbo | 15 to 30 years |
PNC Bank | Loan options | Conventional, ARM, FHA, VA, Jumbo, and USDA | 10 to 30 years |
LoanDepot | Instant online preapproval | Conventional, ARM, FHA, VA, and Jumbo | 10 to 30 years |
How to select the best online mortgage lender for you
If you’re thinking about buying a new home—or even refinancing a home you already own—you’ll want to shop around a bit first to find the lender that suits you best. Here are some things to consider when trying to select the best online mortgage lender for you and your housing needs.
How long does it take to get preapproved?
Depending on the lender it may take just a few minutes to get preapproved online, or the process could require a few days’ time. Many online mortgage lenders do offer a quick preapproval process, though, so you have a better idea of what you can afford and the sort of loan for which you’ll get approved in the end. This will help you begin shopping for the right property for your budget. What’s more, having a preapproval letter can make you a more enticing buyer in a competitive market.
What are the borrower requirements?
Each lender will set its own mortgage loan requirements for borrowers, which may include factors such as a minimum credit score and maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. If you don’t meet these requirements, you may be limited in the type of loan or loan amount for which you qualify. In some cases you may even be ineligible to take out a mortgage loan from that lender or will need to add a creditworthy cosigner to qualify.
What sort of loans are offered?
When it comes to mortgage loans, there are conventional loans with fixed and variable rates, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), jumbo loans, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans. The right loan for you depends on the property you’re buying, the purchase price, your personal and credit factors, your profession, how much you can afford to put down, where you’re buying a home, and whether it’s your first property purchase. While most online mortgage lenders offer conventional and ARM loans, you may need to shop around a bit if you’re looking for a government product such as an FHA, a VA, or a USDA loan.
Does an online mortgage have better rates?
Some online mortgage lenders offer very competitive interest rates. As they don’t have brick-and-mortar branch locations, they may have lower overhead costs that they can pass on to borrowers. Shopping for a mortgage loan online also makes it easier for you to compare rates and loan terms quickly, so you can find the best loan for you.
In some cases you may still get a better rate by applying through a traditional lender or a financial institution with which you have an existing relationship (such as your current bank or credit union). However, it’s always wise to shop around and compare rates from multiple lender options.
More about online mortgage lenders
Online mortgage lenders are a relatively new concept. In fact, the very first entirely online mortgage lender experience came from Rocket Mortgage, which introduced its end-to-end online product in 2015. If you’re not yet familiar with these types of lenders, here’s what you need to know.
What is an online mortgage?
An online mortgage is a home mortgage loan issued through an online-based lender. These loans generally provide borrowers with an entirely online experience from start to finish: You can get preapproved (sometimes in just minutes), upload requested documents, track underwriting progress, sign documents, communicate with your loan officer, and review mortgage paperwork from wherever you have internet access. In most cases signatures can be obtained digitally, meaning you won’t even need to print out a single piece of paper through the loan closing.
How does an online mortgage work?
With an online mortgage you are able to browse available loan products and terms online through a lender’s website or app. You can then apply for a new loan from your computer or mobile device, often getting preapproved in a short amount of time. Once you’ve selected the loan and terms that work best for you, you can begin shopping for your new home and let the lender know once you’ve had a purchase offer accepted.
With an online mortgage you’ll be able to complete the process digitally from start to finish. This includes your application, documentation, loan selection, and more. However, you may still need to sign your final loan documents with “wet ink,” meaning putting pen to paper with a notary. These days online lenders will often send a mobile notary to your home, though, so the process is as simple and pain free as possible.
Pros and cons of online mortgage lenders
There are benefits and downsides to working with an online mortgage lender.
Pros
- Easily and quickly shop for rates with various lenders without leaving home.
- Upload documents on the go.
- Compare loan options and rates, which may be more competitive than traditional lenders.
Cons
- Customer service may be limited (and many platforms are run, at least partially, with the help of AI).
- You won’t have a pre-existing relationship with a loan officer or the financial institution.
- The rates you’re initially offered—especially with a preapproval—aren’t guaranteed.
How to prepare for the online mortgage application process
- Get your credit in order. To qualify for a home mortgage loan and get the best possible terms (including a competitive interest rate), you’ll need to have a good credit score and history. This means preparing your credit ahead of time by making on-time payments each month, lowering existing balances, and not opening any new accounts. It’s also wise to check your credit before you begin applying for mortgages, so you can spot and correct any errors on your credit report.
- Have all of your documentation gathered. You’ll be asked for a lot of documentation throughout the mortgage process. This might include providing a lender with your most recent pay stubs, tax returns, proof of identity, bank statements, proof of down payment, and more. If you have all of this ready, it’ll make the process go smoother and faster.
- Know what you can afford. While you won’t know exactly what interest rate you’ll qualify for before applying, you can get an idea of what your current budget will allow. Spend some time going over your household finances to calculate how much you can afford to put down and what you can afford to pay monthly on a new home, including insurance and taxes. This will help you find the best loan terms for your situation.
- Make sure down payment funds are seasoned. A lender will want to see that your down payment funds are seasoned, meaning they have been in your account for a period of time. This is usually about three months, though it may vary by lender. If your funds are coming as a gift or cash deposit, you’ll need to plan ahead.
- Be prepared to rate-shop. Finding the best mortgage loan for you often means shopping around with multiple lenders. This can help you compare terms and interest rates and allow you to choose the one that best meets your needs.
TIME Stamp: Shopping online can get you a mortgage quickly and conveniently
Just be sure to plan ahead, shop carefully, and pick an experienced lender with the mortgage options and level of services that fit your needs and your comfort level. And don’t forget to check with your own bank or credit union, just in case an existing relationship can yield the best deal for you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can you get a mortgage completely online?
You can apply, qualify for, and fully originate a mortgage loan online in many cases. When working with many of the best mortgage lenders, most (if not all) of your documents can be submitted online and uploaded through a secure portal. You may need to sign your closing documents in person, in which case a mobile notary can often be sent to your location, though sometimes you can submit a digital signature online.
Are online mortgage lenders safe?
Online mortgage lenders can be just as safe as brick-and-mortar lenders, as long as you choose an experienced one with a history of secure mortgage originations. Submitting an application online can also be as safe as, or safer than, submitting a paper mortgage application, as your data is often encrypted or maintained behind a secure portal.
Who is the number-one mortgage lender in America?
According to recent Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data (see page 65), Rocket Mortgage is the top mortgage lender in the United States, originating about 464,000 home mortgage loans in 2022. United Wholesale Mortgage (formerly United Shore Financial Services LLC) was next in line, with about 347,000 originated mortgages that same year.
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