9 Best Kansas City Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Locating a mortgage lender in Kansas City is easy, but finding the right one can be overwhelming. NerdWallet did the research to recommend some of the best.
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.
You’ll find a strong stable of mortgage companies in the Kansas City area, regardless of which side of State Line Road you look. The challenge? Sifting through the plethora of options. To make the process easier, NerdWallet researched the local market to find some of the best national and regional mortgage lenders for a variety of borrowers. These companies do business throughout the area and are good places to start your search.
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 Kansas City Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | Learn more at NBKC | ||
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 | |
620 | 3% | |||
N/A | 0% | |||
N/A | 0% | |||
N/A | 5% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
660 | 5% |
- Why We Like ItNBKC has a user-friendly website and low average rates, but the mobile app is not aimed at mortgage borrowers and browsing customized mortgage rates requires supplying your name and contact information.Pros
- Mortgage rates are on the low side compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- VA loans represent more than a quarter of purchase volume, a larger share than many lenders NerdWallet reviews.
- Offers a variety of loan types for purchase and refinance, including fixed- and adjustable-rate loans and government options
Cons- HELOCs and no-down-payment loans are available only in the Kansas City metro area.
- Mobile app focuses on online banking, not mortgages.
- You’ll need to share contact information to see customized mortgage rates.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
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.
Local mortgage lenders in Kansas City
The following companies haven’t been reviewed by NerdWallet, but they do a lot of business in the Kansas City metropolitan area. They’re worth investigating if you’re looking for more options.
Good for borrowers looking for a homegrown credit union.
Offers membership to Kansas City area residents, workers and employees of select companies outside the area.
Has an adjustable-rate loan available with no down payment for first-time home buyers.
Offers FHA, USDA and VA mortgages, as well as fixed-rate home equity lines of credit.
Has two mortgage-lending locations in the Kansas City area.
Has an online application available.
Makes its lending decisions locally.
Good for borrowers looking for a full suite of fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgage options.
Allows you to start an application online.
Offers FHA, USDA and VA mortgages.
Offers no and low down payment options, including a special program for physicians.
Good for borrowers looking for online conveniences.
Has an online application and displays mortgage rates on its website.
Has programs available for low- and moderate-income home buyers.
Offers construction loans and combined purchase and renovation loans.
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 Kansas City Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- NBKC: Best for online convenience
- Rate: Best for nonbank option
- Fairway Independent Mortgage: Best for nonbank option
- PrimeLending: Best for niche loan products
- USAA: Best for veterans
- Navy Federal: Best for veterans
- Flagstar: Best for niche loan products
- Carrington: Best for first-time home buyers
- Bank of America: Best for online convenience
