10 Best California Mortgage Lenders of 2022
If you’re looking to buy or refinance a home in California in 2022, NerdWallet can help you choose from some of the best mortgage lenders in the state.
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.
Whether you’re shopping for a condo on the coast, a classic suburban ranch or a low-rate refinance, these California mortgage lenders reviewed by NerdWallet can get you there.
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.
10 Best California Mortgage Lenders of 2022
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
620 | 3% | Learn more at Rate | ||
580 | N/A | Learn more at New American Funding | ||
 Better: NMLS#330511 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
620 | 1% | Learn more at Rocket Mortgage, LLC | ||
 SoFi: NMLS#696891 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 620 | 3% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Bank of America: NMLS#399802 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 660 | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
620 | 3% | Learn more at Veterans United | ||
 loanDepot: NMLS#174457 Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | 520 | 5% | Compare More Lenders on NerdWallet | |
 Citibank: NMLS#412915 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 |
Best California mortgage lenders by city
We took an even closer look to find lenders in major California cities. See our picks for best mortgage lenders in your area.
More from NerdWallet:
Last updated on January 6, 2022
Frequently asked questions
The median price of a home in California in 2020 hovered near $700,000, according to the California Association of Realtors. And while home prices vary widely depending on the region, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco and Sacramento were the least affordable areas for first-time buyers among the 50 largest metros in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to a NerdWallet affordability report.
The California mortgage lender that’s right for you will depend on your financial situation and your needs. Search for lenders offering loans that suit your needs, then be sure to compare interest rates. If you are a first-time buyer, California offers programs that can help you find a lender with favorable rates as well assist with a down payment and closing costs.
While the mortgage you get will depend more on the cost of the home and your situation, you can compare lenders by region as well. NerdWallet has compiled lists of the top lenders in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego to help you find the right mortgage for your financial situation and needs.
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 California Mortgage Lenders of 2022
- Rate: Best for online experience
- New American Funding: Best for borrowers with bad credit
- Better: Best for first-time home buyers
- Rocket Mortgage, LLC: Best for online experience
- SoFi: Best for first-time home buyers
- Bank of America: Best for face-to-face service
- Veterans United: Best for borrowers with bad credit
- loanDepot: Best for refinancing
- Citibank: Best for face-to-face service
- Chase: Best for refinancing
