How much can I borrow?

Most lenders limit your housing payment to 28% of gross monthly income, and your total debt payments to 43%. That number is your absolute ceiling — the lender we recommend you actually accept depends on what's comfortable, not what's possible.

30-year fixed or 15-year fixed?

A 15-year fixed cuts your lifetime interest by 60% or more, but the monthly payment is roughly 50% higher than a 30-year on the same loan. If the 15-year payment is comfortable on your income, the savings are substantial; if it isn't, stretch to 30 and pay extra principal when you can.

What's the minimum down payment?

Conventional: 3% for first-time buyers, 5% otherwise. FHA: 3.5%. VA and USDA: 0%. Putting 20% down avoids PMI on conventional loans, which usually adds 0.5-1.5% APR depending on credit and loan-to-value.

How long does closing take?

Most purchases close 30-45 days after contract, but several lenders above advertise 14-21 day closings for clean files (no contingencies, clean credit, straightforward documentation). Speed varies by lender — check the funding-time column.

How much can I borrow?

Most lenders limit your housing payment to 28% of gross monthly income, and your total debt payments to 43%. That number is your absolute ceiling — the lender we recommend you actually accept depends on what's comfortable, not what's possible.

30-year fixed or 15-year fixed?

A 15-year fixed cuts your lifetime interest by 60% or more, but the monthly payment is roughly 50% higher than a 30-year on the same loan. If the 15-year payment is comfortable on your income, the savings are substantial; if it isn't, stretch to 30 and pay extra principal when you can.

What's the minimum down payment?

Conventional: 3% for first-time buyers, 5% otherwise. FHA: 3.5%. VA and USDA: 0%. Putting 20% down avoids PMI on conventional loans, which usually adds 0.5-1.5% APR depending on credit and loan-to-value.

How long does closing take?

Most purchases close 30-45 days after contract, but several lenders above advertise 14-21 day closings for clean files (no contingencies, clean credit, straightforward documentation). Speed varies by lender — check the funding-time column.

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Best Mortgage Lenders for Buying a Home

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Compare offers from lenders that fund 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, and adjustable-rate mortgages. Pre-qualify with a soft credit pull to see real rates without affecting your score, then accept the offer that fits your timeline and target monthly payment.

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Alpha Lending539 reviews by Trustpilot

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Placeholder editorial review for Alpha Lending (Mortgage Loans). Real content lands separately.

APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for Lowest APR

Theta Loans951 reviews by Trustpilot

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Placeholder editorial review for Theta Loans (Mortgage Loans). Real content lands separately.

APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for Fast funding

Beta Financial1,363 reviews by Trustpilot

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APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for Bad credit

Eta Lending1,775 reviews by Trustpilot

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Placeholder editorial review for Eta Lending (Mortgage Loans). Real content lands separately.

APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for Large loans

Gamma Bank2,187 reviews by Trustpilot

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Placeholder editorial review for Gamma Bank (Mortgage Loans). Real content lands separately.

APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for Customer service

Epsilon Direct2,599 reviews by Trustpilot

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Placeholder editorial review for Epsilon Direct (Mortgage Loans). Real content lands separately.

APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for Soft credit pull

Iota Mortgage3,011 reviews by Trustpilot

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APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for No origination fee

Zeta Capital3,423 reviews by Trustpilot

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APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for Repeat borrowers

Kappa Trust3,835 reviews by Trustpilot

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Placeholder editorial review for Kappa Trust (Mortgage Loans). Real content lands separately.

APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

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More Details:

APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Best for Branch network

Delta CU4,247 reviews by Trustpilot

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Placeholder editorial review for Delta CU (Mortgage Loans). Real content lands separately.

APR: 5.99%–29.99% APR
Loan amount: $1,000 to $100,000

8.4

Very good ⌄

See my rate

More Details:

APR

5.99%–29.99% APR

Loan amount

$1,000 to $100,000

Term

12–84 mo

Min credit

580+ credit

Our Top Choice

Frequently asked questions

How much can I borrow?
Most lenders limit your housing payment to 28% of gross monthly income, and your total debt payments to 43%. That number is your absolute ceiling — the lender we recommend you actually accept depends on what's comfortable, not what's possible.
30-year fixed or 15-year fixed?
A 15-year fixed cuts your lifetime interest by 60% or more, but the monthly payment is roughly 50% higher than a 30-year on the same loan. If the 15-year payment is comfortable on your income, the savings are substantial; if it isn't, stretch to 30 and pay extra principal when you can.
What's the minimum down payment?
Conventional: 3% for first-time buyers, 5% otherwise. FHA: 3.5%. VA and USDA: 0%. Putting 20% down avoids PMI on conventional loans, which usually adds 0.5-1.5% APR depending on credit and loan-to-value.
How long does closing take?
Most purchases close 30-45 days after contract, but several lenders above advertise 14-21 day closings for clean files (no contingencies, clean credit, straightforward documentation). Speed varies by lender — check the funding-time column.

Best Mortgage Lenders for Buying a Home

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Frequently asked questions

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