10 Best Jacksonville Mortgage Lenders of 2021
NerdWallet has narrowed the field to some of the best-rated mortgage companies in Jacksonville, Florida.
Some or all of the mortgage lenders featured on our site are advertising partners of NerdWallet, but this does not influence our evaluations, lender star ratings or the order in which lenders are listed on the page. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Jacksonville, Florida, can measure its appeal by the numbers. It has an average commute time of just 25 minutes and 24 annual music festivals. The sun shines on more than 90 miles of area beaches 220 days of the year. An equally impressive number of companies serve the mortgage needs of the 1.6 million residents in the seven-county area.
Because there is a significant military presence across the First Coast, lenders that specialize in mortgages guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and that cater to first-time home buyers are in high demand.
The challenge for borrowers who want to comparison shop is finding a workable number of high-performing loan providers.
Here are some of the best-rated lenders NerdWallet has reviewed in various borrower categories. We’ve highlighted some local favorites, too. All are among the mortgage lenders that do the most business in Jacksonville.
Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
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Why trust NerdWallet
- 50+ mortgage lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 40+ years of combined experience covering mortgages and financial topics.
- Objective, comprehensive star rating system assessing 120+ categories and 5,000+ data points.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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Explore loans up to $500,000 with no impact on your credit score10 Best Jacksonville Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 PrimeLending: NMLS#13649 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 660 | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 USAA: NMLS#8722 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Caliber: NMLS#15622 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
620
1%
- Why We Like ItRocket Mortgage is the largest mortgage lender by volume, standing out for its range of affordable borrowing options, down payment assistance and closing cost credits.Pros
- Reported average time to close is 15 days faster than industry average.
- FHA and VA loans make up 40% of Rocket Mortgage’s total loan volume.
- Borrowers can apply via mobile app.
Cons- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- No construction or renovation loans.
- Physical branches are only available in Detroit, Cleveland, and Phoenix.
- Why We Like ItLoanDepot is a large nonbank lender that offers the potential for a streamlined mortgage process and cash back, but to start an application or get a rate quote you must work with a loan officer over the phone.Pros
- Offers a variety of repayment terms for fixed-rate loans.
- Does a substantial amount of business in FHA lending.
- mello smartloan product can streamline mortgage application, appraisal and title search.
Cons- Interest rates are not available on the website.
- Origination fees are on the higher end, according to the latest federal data.
- Why We Like ItNavy Federal Credit Union stands out for having exceptionally low VA interest rates and fees.Pros
- Best-scoring VA lender for interest rates and fees.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
Cons- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
PrimeLending: NMLS#13649
620
3%
- Why We Like ItPrimeLending stands out for its wide variety of loan types, including non-QM loans and renovation and construction options, but lacks some technical features like online rates or a mobile app.Pros
- Offers closing cost assistance.
- Wide variety of loan types, including non-QM loans.
- Mortgages are available for manufactured homes, including 3D-printed houses.
Cons- Loans are not available in all states.
- Rates are not posted online.
- Does not have a mobile app.
SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915
620
3%
- Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, doctors and other borrowers interested in low-down-payment mortgage options.Pros
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including special programs for doctors.
- Offers a complete suite of online mortgage application tools and loan tracking.
- Sample rates and fees are easy to find on the website.
Cons- Customized rates aren't available online without starting an application.
- Branches are limited mostly to the Southeast.
- Why We Like ItFlagstar Bank stands out for its range of accessible loans and programs, including loans with flexible requirements and down payment grant options. Its mortgage operations were acquired by Mr. Cooper in 2024.Pros
- Conventional loan terms extend to 40 years, which is unusually flexible.
- Offers options for high-balance mortgages.
- Offers specialized mortgages for professionals, such as doctors and lawyers, starting their careers.
- Reported average time to close (20-30 days) is faster than industry standard.
Cons- The lender’s mobile app is focused on banking, not mortgages.
- Conventional fixed-rate mortgages require a 5% minimum down payment, higher than some competitors.
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
660
5%
National
- Why We Like ItBank of America offers low interest rates, in-person service and plenty of loan options. Current banking customers may be eligible for additional perks.Pros
- Interest rates are lower than most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to qualified borrowers.
- Banking customers can get discounted interest rates or fees.
Cons- Mortgage origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Rate estimator tool doesn’t personalize by credit score.
- Why We Like ItChase offers a good variety of loan types, including programs for first-time buyers, but it doesn't offer home equity options or stand out for competitive average rates and fees.Pros
- Offers two loans with 3% down payment minimums.
- Home buyer grants up to $7,500 may apply for qualifying borrowers.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons- Borrowers must speak with a home loan expert before completing an online application.
- No online live chat feature, and in-person services vary by branch location.
- Why We Like ItUSAA is among the top five VA loan lenders by volume, though conventional loans are available, too.Pros
- Sample VA rates are posted online.
- Offers VA refinancing.
Cons- Lender received a low score for customer experience.
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
- Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers, self-employed borrowers and those who may have credit challenges to overcome.Pros
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Offers financial assistance, such as grants for down payments or closing costs, to first-time home buyers who qualify.
- Supports military borrowers with extensive online resources and dedicated VA loan specialists.
Cons- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Room to improve overall digital experience: No online chat for customer service, and mobile app has poor ratings and reviews.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
Local mortgage lenders in Jacksonville
It’s always a good idea to include a local lender or two in your search for the best mortgage deal. These Jacksonville companies are among the highest-volume mortgage lenders in northeast Florida, though they have not been reviewed by NerdWallet.
The largest credit union based in northeast Florida and the second-largest mortgage lender in the region by loan volume.
Will pay up to $5,000 in borrower closing costs on certain home loans.
Makes credit union membership available to those who live or work in the Jacksonville area.
While now splashed across the Jacksonville Jaguars’ stadium, many will recognize the bank’s legacy brand as a provider of teacher retirement programs.
Allows you to lock your interest rate before you find a home to purchase.
Offers a one-closing construction loan that allows for an 18-month building phase and long-term interest rate lock.
While the name may seem to imply otherwise, every loan decision is made within the local branch.
Claims to close loans “50% faster than the national average.”
Offers bond loans to assist with closing costs.
Started as the in-house lender for a leading homebuilder.
Offers a program to help credit-challenged buyers qualify for homeownership.
Offers an online pre-qualification form to start the homebuying process.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 21, 2021
Methodology
NerdWallet's star ratings for mortgage lenders are awarded based on our evaluation of the products and services each lender offers to consumers who are actively shopping for the best mortgage. The five key areas we evaluated include the variety of loan types and products offered, online conveniences, online mortgage rate information, and the rate spread and origination fee lenders reported in the latest available Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data. To ensure consistency, our ratings are reviewed by multiple people on the NerdWallet Mortgages team.
NerdWallet's Best Jacksonville Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online convenience
- loanDepot: Best for customer service
- Navy Federal: Best for military members and their families
- PrimeLending: Best for closing costs assistance
- SunTrust (Truist): Best for first-time home buyers
- Flagstar: Best for a wide variety of loan products
- Bank of America: Best for a wide variety of loan products
- Chase: Best for a wide variety of loan products
- USAA: Best for military members and their families
- Caliber: Best for first-time home buyers
