9 Best Denver Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Looking for a Denver mortgage lender? Compare our picks to find mortgage companies offering loan options for a variety of borrower needs.
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.
Buying a house in Denver raises some "Mile High" questions. Should you live in Jefferson Park so Broncos games are just a hop, skip and a jump away, or Stapleton so getting to Denver International Airport is a breeze? Should you buy new construction or an existing house? And most importantly, which Denver mortgage lender should you choose?
NerdWallet compared Denver’s leading mortgage lenders — big national brands along with smaller hometown options — to identify the best ones for a variety of borrower preferences. These Denver mortgage lenders in the table have been reviewed by NerdWallet and are among the city’s highest-volume mortgage companies, 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 Denver Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | Learn more at Rate | ||
 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 | |
 Guild Mortgage: NMLS#3274 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Caliber: NMLS#15622 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 580 | 0% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 USAA: NMLS#8722 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 0% | 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 | |
 Flagstar: NMLS#417490 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | N/A | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet |
- Why We Like ItRate boasts a streamlined application process, with full underwriting in as little as one business day, though average fees are higher than many competitors’.Pros
- Fully underwritten mortgage approval in as little as one day for qualified borrowers.
- Generous selection of loans, including government-backed, interest-only, jumbo and renovation.
- Advertises a HELOC that can be funded in as few as five business days.
Cons- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
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.
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 ItGood for: first-time home buyers, veterans and those who may have credit challenges to overcome.Pros
- Offers extensive educational resources for military borrowers.
- Participates in some down payment assistance and first-time home buyer programs.
Cons- No mortgage rates displayed online.
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
- 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.
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 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.
Local mortgage lenders in Denver
The following lenders have not been reviewed by NerdWallet. However, these companies originated a significant number of mortgages in Denver and are popular among the city’s home loan shoppers.
Check them out if you want to include some local options in your search for a mortgage lender.
Employs salary-based mortgage consultants.
Offers Colorado first-time home buyer (CHFA) loans and down payment assistance.
Has a bank statement loan program for self-employed borrowers.
Has only one branch located in Aurora, Colorado.
In business since 1986.
Offers specialty loans for first-time home buyers, Native Americans and union members.
Finances new construction and renovations.
Has more than 20 branch locations in Colorado.
Does not require personal information for customized rate quotes online.
Offers first-time home buyer loans with low closing costs and down payment assistance.
Offers construction and lot loans.
Has many branch locations throughout Colorado.
Offers a wide variety of loans, including FHA, VA, USDA and jumbo.
Has a no-closing-cost option for conforming loans.
Displays interest rates online for all its mortgage products, but they’re not customized.
Has more than a dozen branch locations in Colorado.
More from NerdWallet
Last updated on January 26, 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 Denver Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- Rate: Best for an online mortgage experience
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for nonbank option
- loanDepot: Best for an online mortgage experience
- Guild Mortgage: Best for first-time home buyers
- Caliber: Best for veterans
- USAA: Best for veterans
- Bank of America: Best for existing customers
- Chase: Best for existing customers
- Flagstar: Best for first-time home buyers
