Best Mortgage Lenders of 2025

We compared 189 companies and chose the top mortgage lenders

  • Best overall
    Network Capital
    4.5(1,169)
  • Low loan costs
    Lower
    4.0(286)
  • Fast closing
    Rocket Mortgage
    4.3(2,768)

Best Mortgage Lenders of 2025

After reviewing ratings, fees and availability, Network Capital stands out as the best overall mortgage lender. If you want to save money upfront, Lower offers some of the lowest closing costs and smaller down payment options. For homebuyers who need to move fast, Rocket Mortgage is the best choice for quick, online closings.

Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
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  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

Our 6 picks for the best mortgage lenders

  1. Best overall: Network Capital Funding Corporation
  2. Best for low loan costs: Lower
  3. Best for fast closing: Rocket Mortgage
  4. Best customer service: ClearPath Lending
  5. Best loan variety: AmeriSave Mortgage
  6. Best for VA loans: Veterans United Home Loans

We chose these mortgage lenders by looking at customer reviews, fees, loan options and how fast they close loans. We used a scoring system that gives more weight to what matters most to borrowers: things like customer service, costs and the overall loan process.

Some of the companies we recommend are Authorized Partners and may pay us for referrals. However, this does not affect our rankings or opinions. Our goal is to give readers honest, unbiased information, and our publishing policy ensures that all content and user reviews remain free from commercial bias.

Please read our full methodology to learn exactly how we evaluate and score mortgage companies.

Compare top-rated mortgage lenders

Learn more about mortgages
All information is accurate at time of publication.

Our 6 mortgage lender picks

If you’re buying your first home or refinancing, the right lender can save you thousands of dollars and make the process easier. Whether you care most about low costs, a fast process or great service, one of these lenders can help you reach your homeownership goals.

Network Capital logo
Mortgage rates
Lower than average
Minimum FICO score
580 to 620
Availability
Most states
Time to close
As fast as 15 days
Why we picked it

We picked Network Capital as our best overall mortgage lender thanks to a combination of low fees, quick closings and strong customer service. Among all the lenders we reviewed, it earned some of the highest customer satisfaction ratings for interest rates.

Network Capital also stands out because qualifying borrowers don’t pay any lender fees. You’ll still pay normal closing costs like appraisal, title and escrow fees, but there are no extra charges from the lender.

It was an amazingly fast and stress-free process.”
— Jason, a Network Capital customer in California
Pros
  • Low fees
  • Fast closings
  • Strong customer reviews.
Cons
  • No mobile app
  • No USDA loans
  • Occasional communication issues
What reviewers say

Most customers say the process is quick and smooth. Some mention higher-than-expected closing costs or minor communication problems, but overall, borrowers highlight fast approvals and helpful staff.

Lender details

Types of loans

  • Conventional home loans
  • FHA loans
  • VA loans
  • Refinancing loans
  • Home equity loans

Availability
Network Capital is available in 44 states. It isn’t licensed in Nevada, Missouri, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts or Hawaii.

How to apply
You can apply online through Network Capital’s website. The process is simple and can move from application to closing in as little as 15 business days.

» RELATED: Best lenders for first-time homebuyers

Best for lower loan costs
Lower logo
Mortgage rates
Average
Minimum FICO score
580
Availability
Most states
Time to close
Typically 30 to 60 days
Why we picked it

True to its name, Lower stands out for offering some of the lowest closing costs and small down payment options in the industry. It’s a great choice if you want to spend less upfront or if your credit isn’t perfect.

Lower also works well for first-time homebuyers. You can put down as little as 3% on a conventional loan, 3.5% for an FHA loan or 0% for VA loans.

Pros
  • Low closing costs
  • Small down payment options
  • Flexible credit score requirements
  • Support available through text and mobile app
Cons
  • No quick closing guarantee
  • Limited transparency on some details
  • Not licensed in all states
What reviewers say

Borrowers often praise Lower for its clear communication, fair rates and easy loan process. Some mention issues with platform glitches or delays after the loan transfer, but most describe a smooth overall experience.

Lender details

Types of loans

  • Conventional home loans
  • Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)
  • FHA loans
  • VA loans
  • USDA loans
  • Jumbo loans
  • Home improvement loans
  • Debt consolidation loans
  • Home equity loans

Availability
Lower is not currently licensed in Hawaii, Indiana, New York or Vermont.

How to apply
You can apply online or through Lower’s mobile app. You can get preapproved, upload documents, track your progress and communicate with your loan officer in one place.

They understood, listened and made things work.”
— Sean, a Lower customer in New Jersey
Best for fast closing
Rocket Mortgage logo
Mortgage rates
Lower than average
Minimum FICO score
580 to 620
Availability
Nationwide
Time to close
Typically 30 to 45 days
Why we picked it

Rocket Mortgage is our recommendation if you’re looking for a fast closing time and a low mortgage rate. It offers a fully online process that moves quickly from application to approval.

Backed by Quicken Loans, one of the largest lenders in the country, Rocket combines competitive rates with easy digital tools and strong customer service. This makes it a great choice for homebuyers who want speed, convenience and reliable support (all without needing to visit a branch).

The app is very helpful with the entire loan process.”
— Sharon, a Rocket Mortgage customer in New Hampshire
Pros
  • Posts current mortgage rates daily
  • Available nationwide
  • 100% digital application
  • User-friendly online tools
Cons
  • No in-person branch locations
  • No construction loans or HELOCs
  • Some borrowers report communication delays
What reviewers say

Many borrowers say Rocket Mortgage offers an easy, fast and organized loan process. However, some reviewers mention a few issues with too many emails or limited personal contact near closing.

Lender details

Types of loans

  • FHA loan
  • VA loan
  • Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs)
  • 30-year and 15-year fixed loans
  • Home equity loan
  • Cash-out refinance
  • Bridge loan
  • Jumbo Smart
  • ONE+ by Rocket Mortgage
  • HomeReady and Home Possible

Availability
Rocket Mortgage offers loans nationwide but doesn’t have physical branches.

How to apply
You can apply and manage your loan completely online. The approval process can take as little as three days. You can compare rates, upload documents and track progress through the website or mobile app.

Best customer service
ClearPath Lending logo
Mortgage rates
Higher than average
Minimum FICO score
580 to 700
Availability
Most states
Time to close
25 to 45 days
Why we picked it

ClearPath Lending is our pick for best customer service among mortgage lenders thanks to excellent user reviews across all categories. It’s a great choice if you want a lender that communicates clearly and helps guide you through.

We also like ClearPath’s best-price guarantee, which includes matching rates from select competitors, plus a loyalty program for returning borrowers.

Pros
  • Friendly, personalized support
  • Best-price guarantee
  • Loyalty program for returning borrowers
  • Easy loan tracking through an online portal
Cons
  • Not a fully online process
  • Some reports of delays or unexpected fees
  • Limited transparency on refinancing rates
What reviewers say

Many customers say ClearPath Lending offers great service and responsive loan officers. Some reviewers, however, mention delays or issues with escrow payments.

Lender details

Types of loans

  • Conventional
  • FHA
  • VA
  • Jumbo
  • Refinance (VA IRRRL and FHA streamline)

Availability
ClearPath Lending is currently licensed in the following states: 

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho 
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky 
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Michigan 
  • Montana
  • Nebraska 
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico 
  • North Carolina 
  • Ohio 
  • Oklahoma 
  • Oregon 
  • Pennsylvania 
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee 
  • Texas 
  • Virginia 
  • Wisconsin 

How to apply
You can start your application online or by phone. After that, a ClearPath representative will guide you through the next steps. Borrowers can upload documents and track progress through the ClearPath Lending Portal.

NOTE: ClearPath claims you can prequalify for a mortgage in as little as 15 minutes, but it’s unclear if that applies to refinancing. You also won’t be able to access more information about ClearPath’s refinancing rates or process until you apply online.

Best loan variety
AmeriSave Mortgage logo
Mortgage rates
Lower than average
Minimum FICO score
600 to 620
Availability
Most states
Time to close
As little as 25 days
Why we picked it

AmeriSave Mortgage stands out for its wide range of loan options, competitive rates and smooth online process. We like its simple prequalification process that lets you check rates without hurting your credit score.

AmeriSave is a strong choice for homebuyers who want flexibility and prefer managing everything digitally. It also works with other types of borrowers, whether you’re buying a new home, refinancing or applying for a jumbo or USDA loan.

Pros
  • Competitive rates
  • Easy online application
  • No origination or application fees
  • Helpful customer support
Cons
  • No physical branches
  • Harder for self-employed borrowers to qualify
  • Occasional underwriting delays
What reviewers say

Customers often praise AmeriSave’s simple application process and responsive loan officers. A few reviewers mention small delays or challenges for self-employed applicants, but most experiences are positive overall.

Lender details

The application process takes place entirely online, so if you want an in-person option, you’ll need to use another lender.

Types of loans

  • Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans
  • FHA, VA and USDA loans
  • Cash-out refinance
  • HELOC
  • Rate buydown options

Availability
AmeriSave is available in 49 states and Washington, D.C. It is not available in New York.

How to apply
Apply online through AmeriSave’s website. You can view rates, upload documents and get prequalified with a soft credit check. Once preapproved, you can lock in your rate for up to 90 days and receive a certified approval letter for home shopping.

AmeriSave may not be the best choice if you want face-to-face service, since everything is online. Self-employed or nontraditional borrowers may also find it harder to qualify. In these cases, an in-person lender could be a better fit.

The application was very self-explanatory.”
— Christina, an AmeriSave customer in Georgia
Veterans United Home Loans logo
Mortgage rates
Lower than average
Minimum FICO score
620
Availability
Nationwide
Time to close
Typically 35 to 50 days
Why we picked it

We picked Veterans United as best for VA loans because it’s built from the ground up to serve military members, veterans and their families. The company has helped more veterans buy homes than any other VA lender in recent years.

Veterans United is known for its knowledgeable loan officers, helpful online tools and smooth process from start to finish. It’s built to guide service members through the unique steps of VA financing and help them get the best rates possible.

As a veteran, I appreciated how well they understood my needs.”
— Marco, a Veterans United customer in New York
Pros
  • Specializes in VA loan programs
  • Streamlined, easy-to-follow application
  • Low interest rates
  • Helpful online resources
Cons
  • Some reports of communication issues
  • Occasional delays in loan processing
What reviewers say

Borrowers often praise Veterans United for its clear communication, respectful service and expertise with VA loans. Some mention small delays or unexpected fees, but overall, customer feedback is very positive.

Lender details

Types of loans

  • VA purchase loans
  • VA streamline refinance (IRRRL)
  • VA cash-out refinance
  • VA renovation loan
  • VA Energy Efficient Mortgage
  • Native American Direct Loan (NADL)

Availability
Veterans United Home Loans is available nationwide.

How to apply
You can apply online, by phone or in person. The first step is to confirm your VA loan eligibility. After preapproval, the company guides you through the full application process. Veterans United can close loans in as little as three weeks, though most take about 35 to 50 days.

Methodology: How we chose the best mortgage lenders

We analyzed thousands of verified ConsumerAffairs reviews to find out what matters most to borrowers and which lenders earned the highest ratings.

Most reviewers focused on four key things:

  • The helpfulness of staff
  • The loan process
  • Customer service
  • Interest rates

We then compared top lenders on the features that matter most when choosing a mortgage, including:

  • Loan options
  • Closing costs
  • Closing time
  • Minimum down payment

Each lender received a score based on a weighted formula that measures how well it performs in each area. The top company in every category earned a “Best for” or “Our pick for” designation.

If one lender led in multiple categories, we highlighted the next-highest performer in some cases to give readers a wider range of high-quality options.

Mortgage Lenders Buyers Guide

Jump into our guides and start learning

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

Network Capital logo
Lower logo
Rocket Mortgage logo
See our top picks

Simplify your search

Easily compare personalized rates.

Getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the mortgage application process, from understanding requirements to closing on your new home.

Key insights

A mortgage rate is the interest rate charged by a lender on a home loan. It determines how much you’ll pay in interest over time in addition to repaying the borrowed amount.

Jump to insight

During the preapproval process, a lender reviews your financials to determine how much you can borrow.

Jump to insight

According to our latest study, Syracuse, New York; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Rockford, Illinois are the best metros for homeowners right now.

Jump to insight

Mortgage rates

“Mortgage rates are influenced by a combination of factors, and understanding these factors can help buyers secure the best mortgage rate, even in a high-rate environment,” explained Shmuel Shayowitz, president and chief lending officer at Approved Funding, a multistate direct mortgage lender.

Factors like inflation, Federal Reserve policies and bond market trends impact overall mortgage rate movements. Lenders also change rates based on competition and their own business strategies.

Current mortgage rates

Rates are effective 11/18/2025 and are subject to change without notice. APR shown is provided by a partner of ConsumerAffairs.

ProductAPR
6.836%0.02%Get Rates

The APR shown of 6.836% is available for a 30-year fixed rate loan in the amount of $200,000 for consumers with loan-to-value of at least 80%.

6.689%0.0%Get Rates

The APR shown of 6.689% is available for a 20-year fixed rate loan in the amount of $200,000 for consumers with loan-to-value of at least 80%.

5.96%-0.17%Get Rates

The APR shown of 5.960% is available for a 30-year VA fixed rate loan in the amount of $200,000 for consumers with loan-to-value of at least 80%.

5.898%0.0%Get Rates

The APR shown of 5.898% is available for a 10-year fixed rate loan in the amount of $200,000 for consumers with loan-to-value of at least 80%.

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Rates are subject to change; use is subject to terms of use

Turn your home equity into cash

Shop our cash-out mortgage refinance and HELOC lenders

Help Me Decide

How can I get the best rate?

You can get a better mortgage rate by raising your credit score and putting more money down. You can also lower your rate by buying mortgage points.

Shorter loan terms usually mean lower interest rates.

“Buyers can choose to pay points upfront to reduce their mortgage rate,” Shayowitz explained. “Each point is typically equal to 1% of the loan amount. By paying points, buyers can effectively buy down their rate.”

If you plan to stay in your home for many years, buying mortgage points could save you thousands of dollars.

How to choose a mortgage lender

Choosing the right mortgage lender is as important as finding the right home. Look for a company that offers fair rates and treats borrowers honestly.

1. Compare loan options and fees

Start by finding a lender that offers the type of home loan you need. Most people choose between government-backed loans and conventional loans. Each type has its own rules for credit scores, down payments and who can qualify.

Types of mortgages

* VA and USDA programs do not set official minimum credit scores, but most lenders like to see a score of 620 or higher.
What to know about origination fees

Origination fees differ by lender and cover costs like processing and underwriting. Most borrowers pay between 0.5% and 2% of the loan amount, though some lenders charge a flat fee of about $1,000 or less.

Other expenses, such as property taxes and title insurance, stay about the same no matter which lender you choose.

2. Consider the approval timeline

Online lenders are usually faster and easier to use, but local banks or credit unions can give you more personal help.

Ask how long it takes to get approved and close on your loan. Most lenders take 30 to 45 days, but some can close faster.

3. Check reviews and reputation

When reading reviews, watch for warning signs like poor communication, surprise fees or paperwork mistakes. Pick a lender with good reviews for customer service and a smooth loan process.

Should I work with a broker?
A mortgage broker connects you with different lenders and helps you compare rates. Working with a broker can save time and money if you want to compare multiple options and find the best rate.

» MORE: Mortgage broker vs. lender

How to apply for a mortgage

Applying for a mortgage can seem like a daunting prospect, but breaking it down into steps makes it more manageable.

1. Prepare your finances

Mortgage requirements vary by loan type, but most lenders look at three main things:

  • Credit score: Your credit score affects both your loan options and your interest rate. Most mortgages require a score between 500 and 620, though higher scores can help you get better rates and loan terms.
  • Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: This number compares how much debt you pay each month to how much you earn before taxes. Most lenders prefer a DTI below 43%. A lower debt-to-income ratio makes it easier to qualify and can increase how much you can borrow.
  • Down payment: A 20% down payment helps you avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), but many lenders offer lower down payment options between 0% and 3.5%. Your down payment requirement depends on the loan type and your credit score. Some mortgages, like VA and USDA loans, don’t require any down payment at all.
Did you know?
Your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio compares your loan amount to your home’s appraised value. A lower LTV (which means you put more money down) reduces the lender’s risk and may help you qualify for better rates.

» RELATED: Income needed for a $300k mortgage

2. Gather documents

Lenders need to verify your income, savings and job history. Having these ready can speed things up:

  • Pay stubs from the last 30 to 60 days
  • W-2 forms from the last two years
  • Tax returns (especially if self-employed)
  • Bank statements showing your savings and assets

3. Research rate options

Most lenders offer either fixed or adjustable interest rates.

  • Fixed-rate mortgages have the same rate for the entire loan (usually 15 or 30 years). They make it easier to plan your budget because your payment won’t change.
  • Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) start with a lower rate that changes later. For example, a 10/1 ARM has a fixed rate for 10 years, then adjusts each year based on the market. An ARM can be a good choice if you plan to sell or refinance before the rate increases.

4. Get prequalified

Getting preapproved gives you a clear idea of how much house you can afford. It’s quick, doesn’t affect your credit score (no hard credit check) and helps you understand your budget.

It does not guarantee final loan approval, but it does give you a competitive edge in the homebuying process by showing sellers you are financially prepared to move forward.

5. Get preapproved

Preapproval is a more detailed step. The lender reviews your financial documents and credit report to give you a conditional loan offer with a set amount and interest rate.

Preapproval usually takes a few days to two weeks. Once approved, you’ll get a preapproval letter that shows sellers you’re a serious buyer. Most letters are valid for 60 to 90 days and strengthens your position when making an offer on a home.

6. Find a home and make an offer

After you’re preapproved, work with a real estate agent to find a home that fits your budget.

Always include your preapproval letter when you make an offer. This shows sellers that you are a serious buyer with financing ready.

7. Go through underwriting and conditional approval

Once your offer is accepted, the lender’s underwriting team reviews your financial details and orders an appraisal to confirm the home’s value. If everything looks good, you’ll receive conditional approval (meaning the lender just needs a few final items before full approval).

8. Get final loan approval

When all the conditions are met, you’ll receive final approval. This means your loan is ready to close.

At least three days before closing, your lender will send you a closing disclosure listing all your final terms and costs.

9. Close on your loan

At closing, you’ll sign the final paperwork, pay any remaining closing costs and finalize your mortgage.

You’ll usually work with your lender and a real estate attorney during this final step. Once closing is complete, you’ll receive the keys to your new home.

The best places to buy a home

If you’re looking for the perfect place to buy a home, there are a few key factors to consider. Ideally, you find somewhere affordable and safe, but you don’t want a housing market that’s too volatile.

To find the best places to buy a home in 2025, we analyzed data from 166 metro areas with populations of at least 300,000. For each metro, we compared metrics for affordability, safety and climate risk, as well as the stability, growth and fluidity of the housing market. Below, see how your metro stacks up.

BEST METROS TO BUY A HOME

  1. Syracuse, New York
  2. Green Bay, Wisconsin
  3. Rockford, Illinois
  4. Scranton, Pennsylvania
  5. Rochester, New York

WORST METROS TO BUY A HOME

  1. San Francisco, California
  2. Miami, Florida
  3. Los Angeles, California
  4. Naples, Florida
  5. Austin, Texas

Top Picks

See who reviewers like

Network Capital logo
Lower logo
Rocket Mortgage logo
See our top picks
Methodology and sources: Best places to buy a home

To determine the best places to buy a home, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team analyzed U.S. metropolitan areas with populations of at least 300,000 across five weighted categories: affordability, livability, stability, growth and fluidity. Data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau (2024), Zillow (2025), NeighborhoodScout (2025) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (2023).

  • Affordability (30 points): This category reflects both upfront and ongoing housing costs. We measured the ratio of median home sales price to median household income (15 points) and the percentage of median income spent on median housing costs for units with a mortgage (15 points).
  • Livability (25 points): The livability category includes violent and property crime rates per 1,000 people (each 10 points) in the largest city in each metro, plus the average climate risk index score among counties in each metro (5 points).
  • Stability (15 points): This category measures how rooted homeowners are and whether property values have grown over time. We considered the median time since homeowners moved in (7.5 points) and the five-year percentage change in property values from August 2020 to August 2025 (7.5 points).
  • Growth (15 points): This category captures short-term market movement. We analyzed the 12-month change in property values from August 2024 to August 2025 (7.5 points) and the three-month change in property values from June 2025 to August 2025 (7.5 points).
  • Fluidity (15 points): This category reflects the ease and speed with which properties can be bought and sold at stable, predictable prices. We measured the 12-month average of median days on market (7.5 points) and the 12-month average of the percentage of listings with a price cut (7.5 points).

In each category, the metro that performed the best was given the highest possible score, with others getting relative scores. We added the category scores together to get an overall score, which is out of 100 points. 

Reference policy

We love it when people share our findings! If you do, please link back to our original article to credit our research.

For questions about the data or if you'd like to set up an interview, please contact rsowell@consumeraffairs.com.


Article sources

ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

  1. Zillow, “Housing Data.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2025.
  2. U.S. Census Bureau, “Income in Past 12 Months (in 2024 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars).” Accessed Sept. 25, 2025.
  3. U.S. Census Bureau, “Median Selected Monthly Owner Costs (Dollars) by Mortgage Status.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2025.
  4. U.S. Census Bureau, “Median Year Householder Moved Into Unit by Tenure.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2025.
  5. NeighborhoodScout, “NeighborhoodScout.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2025.
  6. FEMA, “National Risk Index Data Resources.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2025.

FAQ

How does a mortgage work?

A mortgage is a loan you use to buy a home. You borrow money from a bank, credit union or mortgage company and agree to pay it back over time with interest.

Your monthly mortgage payment usually includes principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI)

Your loan agreement lists how much you borrow, your interest rate and how long you’ll take to pay it off — usually 15 to 30 years. The home itself acts as collateral, meaning the lender can repossess it through foreclosure if you fail to make payments.

» HOW TO: Buy a home in 12 steps

Is now a good time to get a mortgage?

The real estate market is constantly fluctuating, so it’s hard to say when the “best” time to buy is. Right now, interest rates are high and inventory is low in many areas.

If rates drop later, more people will qualify for loans. But that can also lead to more competition and bidding wars.

» MORE: Homeownership statistics by state

How long does it take to get a mortgage?

The total time to obtain a mortgage — from application approval to closing — is typically anywhere from 30 to 60 days. However, this timeline may change depending on several factors, such as delays in the underwriting process or appraisal scheduling.

What are the different types of mortgages?

The two main types of mortgage loans are government-backed loans and conventional loans.

When a government entity backs a loan, it’s less risky for a private lender. This often translates to greater savings and less strict credit requirements for the borrower. These are the most common types of government-backed home loans:

  • FHA: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans have a relatively low credit score requirement. You need at least a 3.5% down payment.
  • USDA: Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA loans have a low- or no-down-payment option for buyers in rural areas. Upfront and annual guarantee fees (similar to mortgage insurance) are required.
  • VA: Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans also have low- or no-down-payment options for active military personnel and veterans.

Conventional loans, which are not insured by the government, come in two categories: conforming and nonconforming.

  • Conforming loans: These must meet Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac requirements (such as a maximum debt-to-income ratio and minimum credit score) to make them safe investments for individuals and institutions. In 2025, the maximum conforming loan limit in most of the country is $806,500.
  • Nonconforming loans: Since these do not meet the Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac standards, nonconforming loan lenders set their own guidelines and limitations. For example, jumbo loans are nonconforming loans with amounts exceeding the conforming loan limit. You need good credit (often 700-plus) and a large down payment to be eligible.

» RELATED: Best mortgage lenders for refinancing

What is a second mortgage?

With a second mortgage, you’re borrowing against the equity you’ve built in your home, using it as collateral. Like your original (primary) mortgage, it comes with fixed terms, monthly payments and interest. But it’s separate from your first mortgage.

Home equity loans and lines of credit are the most common types of second mortgages:

What is the difference between a second mortgage and a reverse mortgage?

Both let you use your home’s equity, but a reverse mortgage works differently. It’s only for homeowners age 62 or older. Instead of making monthly payments, the lender pays you, and the loan is repaid when you sell your home, move out or pass away.

» COMPARE: Reverse mortgage vs. home equity loan vs. HELOC

Can I get a mortgage loan to build a house?

Yes, construction loans are a type of home loan available to finance building a brand-new home. A regular construction loan is different from a mortgage because there is no existing property to use as collateral for the loan, which makes it riskier for the lender. As a result, lenders often charge higher interest rates and require larger down payments for construction loans.

Can I pay my mortgage off early?

Many mortgage lenders allow early repayment, but some may include prepayment penalties. Check with your lender to understand any restrictions or fees.

Not sure how to choose?

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    Guide sources

    ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

    1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “Mortgages.” Accessed Oct. 7, 2025.
    2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Looking for the Best Mortgage.” Accessed Oct. 7, 2025.
    3. U.S. General Services Administration, “Government-backed home loans and mortgage assistance.” Accessed Oct. 7, 2025.
    4. U.S. Department of Agriculture, “Single Family Housing Programs.” Accessed Oct. 7, 2025.
    5. U.S. General Services Administration, “Fannie Mae.” Accessed Oct. 7, 2025.
    6. Federal Housing Finance Agency, “FHFA Announces Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2025.” Accessed Oct. 7, 2025.

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