9 Best North Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
If you're shopping for a mortgage in North Carolina, NerdWallet has done the research. Here are the best mortgage lenders for a variety of needs, including first-time home buyers.
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.
As a North Carolinian, you probably have firm ideas about which barbecue style is best. But when you shop for a mortgage, the options may leave you stumped.
Will this be your first home? Do you want to talk face to face with a mortgage lender? Do you have imperfect credit? Are you trying to refinance, or get a VA loan? NerdWallet is here to help you find the best mortgage lender in North Carolina for your needs.
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 North Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
580 | 3% | Learn more at New American Funding | ||
580 | 3% | Learn more at Rate | ||
 PNC: NMLS#446303 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
620 | 0% | Learn more at Veterans United | ||
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | N/A | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Navy Federal: NMLS#399807 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 BB&T (Truist): NMLS#399803 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet |
Learn more
at New American Funding
New American Funding: NMLS#6606
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
580
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItNew American Funding offers a large menu of loan products, as well as programs like first-time home buyer assistance, but personalized mortgage rates aren't available on its website.
Pros
- Offers a wide variety of purchase and refinance mortgages, as well as unique buyer assistance programs.
- Its home equity line of credit can be used for a primary residence or second home.
Cons
- Average origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Personalized mortgage rates are not available on the website without providing contact information.
Learn more
at Rate
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers seeking a broad menu of loans, including jumbo and interest-only options, renovation loans and government-backed mortgages, as well as home equity lines of credit.
Pros
- Offers a one-day mortgage approval process.
- Offers a generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, ITIN, jumbo, and renovation loans.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
- 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.
- HELOC has a relatively short draw period, which may not provide flexibility for someone who wants the option of accessing home equity over a longer period.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItPNC Bank has a variety of appealing mortgage options, including jumbo loans, programs for first-time home buyers and home equity lines of credit.
Pros
- Low-down-payment loan options include FHA, VA, USDA and PNC Community Loan.
- Jumbo loans available with minimum down payments of 5%.
- Customizable mortgage rates are posted online.
Cons
- Average mortgage rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- In-person service is not available in every state.
- You’ll have to supply personal data or account info to get answers by phone.
Learn more
at Veterans United
Why We Like ItGood for: veterans, active-duty service members and eligible reservists looking for VA loans.
Pros
- Largest VA lender in the country by far.
- Offers 24/7 customer service over the phone.
- Offers a free credit counseling service.
Cons
- Does not offer second mortgage options like home equity loans or HELOCs.
- Borrower must provide contact info for customized rates.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
4.5
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: first-time home buyers looking for low- or no-down-payment options and homeowners interested in a home equity line of credit.
Pros
- Offers down payment and closing cost assistance programs.
- May give existing customers 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 loans that roll costs into a mortgage.
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on NerdWallet
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.
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on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItGood for: military members and their families looking for low-down-payment mortgages.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of affordable mortgage products, including 0% down payment loans, designed for military members.
- Offers HELOCs and home equity loans.
- Offers low rates compared with most lenders, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Website does not provide customized mortgage rates based on credit score or other factors before you apply.
- Credit union membership is limited to veterans and current military members, their families, and certain federal employees, retirees and contractors.
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on NerdWallet
BB&T (Truist): NMLS#399803
4.5
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
620
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers in the Southeast who want the option of face-to-face service. BB&T is now part of Truist Financial Corp., which offers a full menu of home loans.
Pros
- Offers a variety of home loans, including construction-to-permanent loans, physicians loans and jumbo loans.
- Has a robust online mortgage application.
Cons
- Branches limited to mostly the Southeast region.
- Custom rates are only available if you speak with a representative.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItCarrington Mortgage offers loans for people who might have trouble qualifying for a mortgage elsewhere, like self-employed borrowers or those with heavy debt. However, its interest rates are on the high side.
Pros
- Considers borrowers with bad credit, foreclosure or bankruptcy.
- Accepts self-employed borrowers.
- Mortgage origination fees are on the low side, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Interest rates are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- Doesn’t post interest rates online.
- No online chat for customer service.
» MORE: Best Charlotte mortgage lenders
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 North Carolina Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- New American Funding: Best for weaker credit
- Rate: Best for refinancing
- PNC: Best for face-to-face service
- Veterans United: Best for veterans
- Bank of America: Best for refinancing
- loanDepot: Best for first-time home buyers
- Navy Federal: Best for veterans
- BB&T (Truist): Best for face-to-face service
- Carrington: Best for weaker credit
