9 Best Montana Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Looking for a home loan in Montana? Browse this list of top lenders offering in-person mortgage help, online convenience and more.
Last updated on January 20, 2021
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If you're in the market for a mortgage in Big Sky Country, NerdWallet has done some of the homework for you.
Whether you're a first-time home buyer or looking for a home equity line of credit, there's a Montana mortgage company with the expertise and offerings you need.
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.
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.
9 Best Montana Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 0% | Learn more at Veterans United | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | 3% | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 720 | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 U.S. Bank: NMLS#402761 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 PrimeLending: NMLS#13649 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at Veterans United
Why We Like ItVeterans United is the largest VA loan originator in the country by far, according to the latest federal data.
Pros
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Sample interest rates are posted online.
Cons
- Interest rates are on the higher end compared to other VA lenders.
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
3.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItFairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has many brick-and-mortar branches and a reputation for top-notch customer service, but it was recently penalized for redlining.
Pros
- Loan options include government-backed mortgages and physician loans.
- Offers first-time home buyer grants to buyers in eligible locations.
- Highest scoring mortgage lender for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't posted online.
- Online customer service requires contact information and phone is for existing customers only.
- Home equity loans and HELOCs are not available.
- Has been penalized for redlining.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: low- to moderate-income buyers who qualify for down payment or closing cost assistance programs and homeowners interested in a home equity line of credit.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- Existing customers who meet certain qualifications can receive a discount on mortgage lender origination fees and HELOC interest rates.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Doesn't offer renovation or construction-to-permanent mortgage loans.
- Must enroll in online banking to access Home Loan Navigator.
- Fined $12 million for reporting inaccurate mortgage applicant info to the federal government.
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on NerdWallet
Chase: NMLS#399798
4.5
HELOCs
NerdWallet ratingNational / regional
National
Max LTV
80%
Min. credit score
620
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want a wide selection of loan products, an in-person experience and comparatively low interest rates.
Pros
- Carries a wide variety of mortgage types and products, including DreaMaker and Standard Agency mortgages, with down payments as low as 3%.
- Offers low rates compared with other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Offers a customizable mortgage calculator for personalized rate and payment estimates.
Cons
- Doesn't offer home improvement loans, such as FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle.
- You have to speak with a home loan adviser to complete the application.
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are currently unavailable.
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItWells Fargo has significant upsides and shortcomings. Sample rates are easy to view, assistance programs may apply and the lender earns solid scores in our rankings, but its consumer trust track record is rough.
Pros
- Sample rates are shown for various loan products, along with the type of borrower and loan that would get them.
- Offers generous down payment and closing cost assistance programs for qualified borrowers.
- Market leader in number of jumbo loans and refinances originated, according to the latest federal data.
- Rate-and-term refinance interest rates offered are lower than average, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on existing bank customers.
- Doesn’t offer specialty home loans or equity borrowing (home equity loans or HELOC).
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItU.S. Bank stands out for online convenience and impressive mortgage options, from government-backed loans to boutique mortgages. Home improvement loans and borrower assistance are available.
Pros
- Offers up to $17,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Wide variety of mortgage types.
- Experienced with construction-to-permanent and renovation loans.
Cons
- Assistance programs limited to select cities and states.
- Online rate tool doesn’t customize by credit score.
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on NerdWallet
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.
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
N/A
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGuild offers a number of loans and programs that stand out, including renovation loans and home equity products. However, Guild does not have a mobile app, and interest rates aren’t published online.
Pros
- Offers several programs to make homeownership more accessible.
- Offers loans for manufactured homes.
- Renovation loan options are available.
Cons
- Does not publish interest rates online.
- No mortgage mobile app.
- Loans are not available in every state.
Compare More Lenders
on NerdWallet
PrimeLending: NMLS#13649
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
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.
Last updated on January 20, 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 Montana Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Veterans United: Best for VA loans
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for online experience
- Bank of America: Best for jumbo loans
- Chase: Best for HELOC
- Wells Fargo: Best for face-to-face service
- U.S. Bank: Best for face-to-face service
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Guild Mortgage: Best for first-time home buyers
- PrimeLending: Best for first-time home buyers
