9 Best Seattle Mortgage Lenders of 2022
Looking for a Seattle mortgage lender? We researched Seattle's best mortgage companies so you can compare loan options, mortgage rates and more.
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.
Seattle is one of America’s fastest-growing cities, and it’s easy to see why. Residents can enjoy views of Mt. Rainier, plenty of coffee shops and ample job opportunities. Want to join them and become an Emerald City homeowner? It all starts with the right mortgage lender, and we’ve narrowed the field so your search can be even simpler.
These national and regional institutions have been reviewed by NerdWallet, and are among the highest volume mortgage lenders in the Seattle area, according to the latest available data.
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.
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Explore loans up to $500,000 with no impact on your credit score9 Best Seattle Mortgage Lenders of 2022
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Caliber: NMLS#15622 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Chase: NMLS#399798 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 720 | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | 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 |
Fairway Independent Mortgage: NMLS#2289
620
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.
- 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 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.
Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274
N/A
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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Local mortgage lenders in Seattle
While these lenders have not been reviewed by NerdWallet, they do a lot of lending in Seattle and are popular with the city’s mortgage shoppers. Check them out if you want to include a local company or two on your list.
Participates in down payment assistance programs.
Offers special loans for medical professionals and borrowers with unique income streams.
Provides mortgage lending customer service only Monday through Friday.
Has over a dozen home loan centers in and around Seattle.
Offers membership to anyone who lives or works in Washington state.
Does not charge origination fees on conventional mortgage loans.
Works with third-party companies to provide rebates on real estate agent commissions.
Over a dozen branch locations in and around Seattle.
An independent mortgage company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington
Has a program that reimburses the down payment amount if the property is sold at loss in the future.
Offers a guarantee that pays a seller $2,500 if a borrower makes an offer and the loan then falls through.
Has only one branch location in Seattle.
Primarily serves high-tech or telecom company employees and their families.
Doesn’t offer FHA, VA or USDA loans.
Offers a specialized 5/5 adjustable-rate mortgage.
Has only one branch location in Seattle.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 6, 2022
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 Seattle Mortgage Lenders of 2022
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for mobile app experience
- loanDepot: Best for strong customer service
- Caliber: Best for first-time home buyers
- Guild Mortgage: Best for down payment assistance
- Chase: Best for conventional loans
- Bank of America: Best for jumbo loans
- Flagstar: Best for renovation and construction loans
- Navy Federal: Best for military members and their families
- PrimeLending: Best for borrowers with past credit issues
