8 Best Colorado Mortgage Lenders of 2021
NerdWallet researched Colorado's leading mortgage lenders and identified some of the best across different categories, including first-time home buyers, borrowers with low credit scores and online mortgages. Find the best lender for your needs.
Last updated on January 22, 2021
Written by
Edited by
Alex Richards
Fact Checked
Fact Checked
Written by
Edited by
Alex Richards
Fact Checked
Fact Checked
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.
If you’re looking for the best mortgage lenders in Colorado, we’ve done the research. NerdWallet compared the state’s leading lenders, then identified the best ones for a variety of specific loan needs.
Whether you’re shopping for a condo in Denver, a classic ranch on the Eastern plains or a low-rate refinance on the Western Slope, these lenders are a solid place to start shopping.
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 Colorado Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Have you or your spouse served in the military?
We’ve got more home loan options for you. Show me
Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
580 | 3% | Learn more at New American Funding | ||
 Rate: NMLS#2611 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 660 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 520 | 5% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Citibank: NMLS#412915 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | N/A | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 Carrington: NMLS#2600 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | |
 U.S. Bank: NMLS#402761 LEARN MORE on NerdWallet | 620 | 5% | 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
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.
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
on NerdWallet
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
660
Min. down payment
5%
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItBank of America offers low interest rates, in-person service and plenty of loan options, but it was fined by regulators for reporting inaccurate mortgage data.
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.
- Fined $12 million for reporting inaccurate mortgage applicant info to the federal government.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
loanDepot: NMLS#174457
4.0
Refinancing
NerdWallet ratingMin. credit score
520
National / regional
National
Why We Like ItGood for: borrowers who want an easy online application and a variety of loan types to explore.
Pros
- Has branches across the country for customers who prefer face-to-face service.
- Receives high marks for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power and Zillow.
- Mortgage interest rates tend to be on the lower end, according to the latest federal data.
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren't available online; you'll need to contact a loan officer.
- Doesn't offer home equity loans or lines of credit.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Citibank: NMLS#412915
4.0
Home loans overall
NerdWallet ratingNational / regional
National
Min. down payment
3%
Why We Like ItCiti offers solid customer support and a highly rated mobile app. Borrowers need to contact the lender for a customized rate quote or preapproval — but average mortgage rates are among the lowest of lenders we review.
Pros
- Very low average interest rates compared to other lenders, according to the latest federal data.
- Closing cost credits and interest rate discounts available.
- Highly rated mobile app.
Cons
- Preapproval and application require a phone call to complete.
- Must contact the lender for customized rate quote.
- Doesn’t offer renovation or construction-to-permanent loans.
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.
LEARN MORE
on NerdWallet
Why We Like ItU.S. Bank stands out for online convenience and impressive mortgage options, from government-backed loans to boutique mortgages. Home improvement loans and borrower assistance are available.
Pros
- Offers up to $17,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
- Wide variety of mortgage types.
- Experienced with construction-to-permanent and renovation loans.
Cons
- Assistance programs limited to select cities and states.
- Online rate tool doesn’t customize by credit score.
» MORE: Best Denver mortgage lenders
Last updated on January 22, 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 Colorado Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- New American Funding: Best for low credit score
- Rate: Best for online experience
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- Bank of America: Best for face-to-face service
- loanDepot: Best for refinancing
- Citibank: Best for first-time home buyers
- Carrington: Best for low credit score
- U.S. Bank: Best for face-to-face service
