8 Best Wisconsin Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Browse some of the top mortgage lenders in Wisconsin so you can choose the lender that’s right for your needs.
Last updated on January 21, 2021
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No matter where you want to live in the Badger State, buying a home starts with the selection of a top-notch Wisconsin mortgage lender.
To streamline your search, NerdWallet has gathered some of the best mortgage lenders in Wisconsin, each offering a variety of loan products and service options.
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.
8 Best Wisconsin Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 0% | Learn more at Rate | ||
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289 Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | 620 | 3% | Learn more at Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 520 | 3.5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at Rate
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers seeking a solid variety of loan types and a robust online experience.
Pros
- Displays detailed sample rates for many of its loan products.
- Offers a generous selection of loans.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
Cons
- Origination fees are higher than average, according to the latest federal data.
Learn more
at Rocket Mortgage, LLC
Rocket Mortgage, LLC: NMLS#3030
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
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.
Learn more
at Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
2.5
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 ItWorking with LoanDepot partners offers the potential for a streamlined mortgage process and cash back, and the lender offers a wide variety of FHA loan types.
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.
- Can't apply for a mortgage on the lender's mobile app.
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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.
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on NerdWallet
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.
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on NerdWallet
Wells Fargo: NMLS#399801
5.0
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItWhile Wells Fargo earns solid scores in our rankings, its consumer trust track record is rough. The lender focuses its mortgage lending on banking customers and borrowers in underserved communities.
Pros
- Low average refinance rates and fees, according to the latest federal data.
- High market share of refinance loans.
- Offers discounts to Wells Fargo banking customers with substantial assets.
Cons
- Home loans business is broadly focused on existing bank customers.
- Scandals and government actions have damaged consumer trust in recent years.
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on NerdWallet
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 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.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
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.
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 Wisconsin Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Rate: Best for USDA loans
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for online experience + USDA loans
- loanDepot: Best for FHA loans
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Flagstar: Best for construction loans
- Wells Fargo: Best for refinancing
- Chase: Best for refinancing
