8 Best Tennessee Mortgage Lenders of 2021
Here are are our picks for some of the best Tennessee mortgage lenders, including ones that help first-time home buyers and military members, as well as lenders who offer low down payment mortgages and HELOCs.
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Whether you’re shopping for a chalet near Gatlinburg or a loft in Nashville with a view of the Cumberland River, it takes research to get the right mortgage. NerdWallet has done the legwork to help you find the best Tennessee mortgage lenders.
Some of these lenders stand out for overall expertise. Others excel in specific categories, such as VA loans, first-time home buyers, home equity loans or low down payment mortgages.
- 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.
- 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 Tennessee Mortgage Lenders of 2021
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Lender ▾ ▾ | NerdWallet Rating ▾ ▾ | Min. credit score ▾ ▾ | Min. down payment ▾ ▾ | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
580 | 3% | Learn more at New American Funding | ||
620 | 3% | |||
620 | 0% | Learn more at Veterans United | ||
620 | 3% | |||
N/A | 0% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
620 | 3% | |||
660 | 5% |
New American Funding: NMLS#6606
580
3%
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Origination fees are on the high side, according to the latest federal data.
- HELOC requires immediate, full withdrawal of funds.
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Sample interest rates are posted online.
- Interest rates are on the higher end compared to other VA lenders.
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
- Offers a credit up to $10,000 if closing exceeds the contract date and the lender is at fault.
- Sample mortgage rates are highly customizable.
- Borrowers can lock in their rate for up to 91 days after preapproval.
- Borrowers may experience difficulty with customer service.
- Best-scoring VA lender for interest rates and fees.
- Offers VA refinancing.
- Specializes in working with military borrowers.
- Does not offer VA renovation loans.
- 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.
- 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.
SunTrust (Truist): NMLS#2915
National
89.9%
620
- Offers a wide variety of loan options, including special programs for doctors.
- Offers a complete suite of online mortgage application tools and loan tracking.
- Sample rates and fees are easy to find on the website.
- Customized rates aren't available online without starting an application.
- Branches are limited mostly to the Southeast.
Bank of America: NMLS#399802
660
5%
National
- 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.
- 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.
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Last updated on January 21, 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 Tennessee Mortgage Lenders of 2021
- New American Funding: Best for overall
- Rate: Best for overall
- Veterans United: Best for VA loans
- SoFi: Best for first-time home buyers
- Navy Federal: Best for VA loans
- Carrington: Best for first-time home buyers
- SunTrust (Truist): Best for home equity borrowing
- Bank of America: Best for low down payments
