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Home prices have continued to increase nationwide, making it even more important to save money wherever possible to keep homeownership affordable.
Atlanta median sales price, for example, increased more than 23% in April 2022 compared to the year before, according to data from the Georgia Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Mortgage rates are on the rise, too. Prospective homeowners without a large enough down payment to offset the higher cost of borrowing in 2022 are left taking on larger loans with higher monthly mortgage payments.
To keep homeownership as affordable as possible, Georgia borrowers will need to shop rates among different lenders. Being a highly qualified borrower alone will not necessarily guarantee you will get the best rate. In fact, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, two similarly qualified borrowers could see as much as a 0.5% difference in rates among different lenders, a difference that could result in thousands of dollars of savings over the life of the loan.
Your circumstances and financial goals will determine the best lender for you. For instance, if you don’t have much for a down payment, you may fare better with a lender who is knowledgeable in low down payment and first-time homebuyer programs.
To help you navigate the process, NextAdvisor reviewed 51 different lenders and scored each one on categories including transparency, accessibility, online convenience, loan product variety, and customer satisfaction. We then narrowed down the list to the 10 best mortgage lenders available to Georgia residents.
Editorial Independence
As with all of our mortgage lender reviews, our analysis is not influenced by any partnerships or advertising relationships. For more information about our scoring methodology, click here.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Lenders In Georgia
Best With Fast Preapprovals and Closings
Guaranteed Rate
Best With Fast Preapprovals and Closings
Guaranteed Rate
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- More than 400 branch locations nationwide
- Operates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Fully online mortgage application process
- Detailed advertised rates for many of its loan products
- Online preapproval 15 minutes
- Fast closings
Cons
- Lenders fees not available online
- Some loan types are brokered off to other lenders
The Bottom Line
Guaranteed Rate is a Chicago-headquartered firm with a strong online presence and 400 branch locations across the country. We ranked the company a top lender because of its top-of-the-line digital experience, helpful consumer tools, solid customer service, and variety of loan products, including all three government loans.
Guaranteed rate received fewer consumer complaints compared to most other lenders we reviewed. The company logged less than one complaint per 1,000 loans originated with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) consumer complaint database, the agency responsible for collecting, monitoring, and responding to U.S. consumer complaints about financial services and products.
Best for Military Families
Navy Federal Credit Union
Best for Military Families
Navy Federal Credit Union
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Specializes in providing services and advice to the military community
- Offers no-down-payment mortgages
- Has flexible credit requirements
- Doesn’t charge private mortgage insurance
- You can lock in your interest rate and relock it twice if rates improve
Cons
- Membership is limited to service members, veterans, and certain government contractors
- Doesn’t offer FHA loans and USDA loans
- You’ll have to request a customized rate quote
The Bottom Line
Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, Navy Federal Credit Union serves all 50 states and has 344 branches worldwide. Navy Federal Credit Union was a high-scoring lender by NextAdvisor because of its price transparency, streamlined online application process, and loan product variety. It has a slightly above average complaint ratio of 2.8 complaints per 1,000 loans with the CFPB. But this lender offers no-down payment and flexible credit requirements on most mortgage products to qualified military service members and their families.
Top Lender In Customer Satisfaction
Rocket Mortgage
Top Lender In Customer Satisfaction
Rocket Mortgage
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Quick and easy preapproval process
- Entirely remote application and approval process
- Lends in 50 states
- Wide range of loan options
- Strong customer service reputation
Cons
- No physical locations
- You’ll need to call or chat with a representative for some loan information
- No construction loans or renovation loans
- Advertised rates may include discount points, which increase your upfront costs
- Difficult to find mortgage menu of loans
The Bottom Line
Rocket mortgage is the online lender for Quicken Loans and is one of the largest mortgage lenders in the U.S. We ranked the Detroit-based company as one of the best mortgage lenders because of its simple online application process, low level of consumer complaints, the transparency and accessibility of its rates and fees, and the company’s wide offering of mortgage loan products.
Rocket Mortgage stands out for the company’s high level of customer satisfaction. Rocket Mortgage originated over one million loans in 2020, making it the largest lender we reviewed by total volume. We found 0.48 complaints per 1,000 loans — or less than half a complaint per 1,000 loans occurred. This figure is very low compared to the average complaint ratio of 2 complaints per 1,000 loans among other lenders we reviewed.
Top Lender Among Military Families
Veterans United Home Loans
Top Lender Among Military Families
Veterans United Home Loans
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Mortgage loans available in all 50 states
- Educational content available through the company’s website
- Highly experienced in VA loans as a top three VA loan originator for five consecutive years
- Low number of consumer complaints with the CFPB
- Offers a number of loan programs including VA, jumbo, conventional, FHA, and USDA
- Full online application process
Cons
- Limited online rate information; must call to see other rate options such as discount points
- Difficult to find information regarding non-VA loan options
- Does not offer home equity loans or lines of credit
The Bottom Line
Veterans United Home Loans, headquartered in Missouri, is a mortgage lender that specializes in VA home loans in all 50 states. Veterans United is incredibly active in the VA loan space. The U.S. the Department of Veterans Affairs has listed Veterans United in the top three among VA loan lenders by volume for five consecutive years. While the company focuses heavily on VA loans, it also offers conventional, jumbo, FHA, and USDA loans.
Veterans United has a fully digitized and easy online application process. Compared to other lenders we’ve reviewed, the company had one of the lowest complaint ratios logged with the CFPB: less than half of one complaint per 1,000 loans originated.
Best for the Non-Traditional Borrower
North American Savings Bank
Best for the Non-Traditional Borrower
North American Savings Bank
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Lends in 50 states
- Has unique loans products for borrowers with credit issues or are self-employed
- Advertises daily interest rates for purchase and refinance loans
- Can get lower rate if rate drops during 90-day rate lock period
- Streamlined online application process
- Can get customized rate quote without hard credit check
Cons
- 12 in-person branches, but only in Missouri
- Does not offer USDA loans, construction loans, renovation loans, and home equity products
- Higher credit score standards on FHA and VA loans
The Bottom Line
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, North American Savings Bank (NASB) is a full-service bank that lends in all 50 states. North American Savings Bank has a more extensive mortgage menu than most, including options for veterans, first-time homebuyers, self-employed people, and borrowers with less-than-perfect credit histories. That’s because the bank offers VA loans, FHA loans, and mortgages for people who don’t fit conforming loan standards. NASB also has a streamlined online application process with transparent pricing for browsing borrowers.
See our full review of North American Savings Bank (NASB) here.
Best for Full Service Banking
Truist (SunTrust and BB&T) Mortgage
Best for Full Service Banking
Truist (SunTrust and BB&T) Mortgage
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Offers a full lineup of the major mortgage programs
- Advertises sample mortgage rates on both the SunTrust and BB&T websites
- Mortgages available in 47 states and Washington, D.C.
- Can submit an application online, by phone, or in person
Cons
- Gathering mortgage product information is slightly confusing because of the merger
- Mortgages not available in Hawaii, Alaska, or Arizona
The Bottom Line
Truist Bank, now merged with Suntrust and BB&T under its name, has an extensive footprint across the U.S. through its thousands of brick-and-mortar branches and online presence. Along with the company’s solid menu of mortgage products, easy-to-use online application process, transparency of rate and fee information, and average number of complaints compared to other reviewed lenders, the brand’s website is easy to navigate with several useful resources to help with the borrowing process, such as calculators, videos, and sample mortgages.
Truist offers a comprehensive menu of online or in-person banking accounts such as checking, savings, money market, and CDs. If you are in the market for a bank, looking to switch banks, or already have a Truist account, there is an allure of convenience to also have your mortgage through the same institution. Some lending institutions also give incentives or discounts to existing account holders.
Best Online Application Process
Sebonic Financial
Best Online Application Process
Sebonic Financial
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Offers a streamlined digital application and closing process
- Funds conventional loans, jumbo loans, and all three government-backed loan programs
- Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Interest-only jumbo ARMs available
Cons
- Mortgage rates aren’t published on the lender’s website
- Doesn’t offer home equity loans, HELOCs, renovation loans, reverse mortgages, or construction loans
- In-person branches only available in Charlotte, North Carolina; Gaithersburg, Maryland; and Las Vegas, Nevada
The Bottom Line
Sebonic Financial is the mortgage lender division of North Carolina-headquartered Cardinal Financial. Sebonic Financial scored well with NextAdvisor because of the company’s high-end digital borrowing experience, full mortgage product lineup which is available in all 50 states, and the lender’s history of below-average customer complaints with the CFPB. Based on 2020 data, Sebonic has less than one complaint per 1,000 loans originated in the same year.
Although Sebonic’s mortgage rates and fees are not listed on the company website, the online system, Octane, makes it easy to access a quote without a credit check or drawn-out process. With Octane, borrowers can get a fast rate quote, start an application, upload documents, and sign closing documents, with real-time updates along the way. We found Octane to be one of the best online application processes compared to other lenders we’ve reviewed. It’s easy-to-use, high-tech, and we appreciate the ability to have a full-online digital experience with the option to speak to loan officers.
Best Online Experience
Penny Mac Loan Services
Best Online Experience
Penny Mac Loan Services
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Advertises daily interest rates for purchases and refinances
- Customized rate quote available online
- User-friendly online experience
- Available in 49 states (not available in New York)
- Maintains 16 branch locations spread across nine states
Cons
- Doesn’t offer home equity products, jumbo mortgages, reverse mortgages, construction loans, and renovation loans
- Doesn’t share information about minimum qualification requirements on its website
The Bottom Line
Pennymac Loan Services isn’t a well-known name. But the California-based mortgage lender stands out for its convenient online application process, ability to get a rate quote without a credit check, transparency of rates and fees, and low frequency of consumer complaints with the CFPB. In 2020, the CFPB reported less than 0.30 complaints per 1,000 loans. Pennymac offers most major mortgage products and all three-government loans in 49 states, with 16 brick-and-mortar branch locations.
The brand had one of the lowest complaint ratios among lenders we reviewed, but the more noticeable standout feature is the overall online experience. At NextAdvisor, we value price transparency and accessibility. Pennymac met this expectation with daily rate and fee updates and customizable rate quotes on its user-friendly webpage.
Best for the Self-Employed Borrower
Watermark Home Loans
Best for the Self-Employed Borrower
Watermark Home Loans
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Solid mortgage menu of products including all three government loans
- Unique loan product for the non-traditional self-employed borrower
- Calculators and tools very helpful
- Easy digital application process
- Low level of consumer complaints
Cons
- Only originates mortgages in 38 states (more states coming soon)
- A breakdown of lender closing fees is not provided with rate quote
The Bottom Line
Watermark Home Loans based out of Irvine, CA, and currently licensed in 38 states. The company is named one of NextAdvisor’s best mortgage lenders of 2022 because of its streamlined online application process, extensive loan product menu including standard conventional, jumbo, and refinance loans, but also all three government-backed loans (FHA, VA, and USDA). Another stand out product by Watermark is its “non-qualified mortgage” meant to serve borrowers with unique income criteria, such as the self-employed.
Watermark has a fully digital online application process with document uploading capabilities. The company also offers an online notary service so you can opt to complete closing paperwork all online versus in person.
Borrowers can receive a customized rate quote by filling out a form online with basic information and then will get an email with a few different quote options to review that lays out clearly discount points, lender credits, or closing costs options. Watermark Home Loans advertises national daily rate averages along with data indicators of how much each loan type’s rate has moved up or down in the last 30 days.
Watermark has a lower-than-average number of consumer complaints: Less than one complaint per 1,000 originated loans in 2020, according to the CFPB’s consumer complaint database.
See our full review of Watermark Home Loans here.
Best Pricing Transparency
LenderFi
Best Pricing Transparency
LenderFi
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Rate quotes can be obtained online without a credit check
- Quick and easy to reach a loan representative by phone
- Very friendly customer service
- Does not charge lender fees
- Super transparent pricing
Cons
- Short list of loan types: No VA, USDA, or home equity loans
- Loans are not offered in all 50 states
- Company’s website has minimal educational content
The Bottom Line
Headquartered in Calabasas, CA, LenderFi is named one of NextAdvisor’s best lenders because of the company’s easy-to-use online application process. LenderFi provides a unique feature to its rate quotes: A full, transparent, line-by-line breakdown of all rates and fees before even getting a credit check. Discount points are clearly advertised with how they affect the APR and monthly payment. The quote even estimates homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance (if applicable), property tax costs, and all third-party closing fees.
What’s more, the company has a below-average number of consumer complaints (per 1,000 loans originated) logged with the (CFPB).
The company advertises that it does not charge lender fees as part of the closing costs. Third-party closing fees, such as appraisal, title insurance, and inspection costs still apply. But LenderFi says no additional lender costs are passed to the borrowers. Instead, all lender-related costs are rolled into the quoted rate and APR.
Honorable Mention
Best Lender Marketplace
Costco Mortgage Program
Best Lender Marketplace
Costco Mortgage Program
NextAdvisor’s Take
Pros
- Costco members get discounts on lender fees
- Applicants can compare loans from several lenders
- The mortgage application process is quick and automated
Cons
- Fee discounts are only available to Costco members
- Not a direct lender, but a marketplace program
The Bottom Line
The Costco mortgage program does not originate mortgages, so it was not included in the list of best mortgage lenders. However, the useful marketplace is worth an honorable mention. Costco members have access to a network of participating mortgage lenders offering discounts and incentives for borrowing through this channel. Through the Costco mortgage marketplace website, you can fill out a universal application, compare loan offers, and cash-in on discounts or lender fees if you choose a lender through this program. The marketplace platform is easy to navigate with transparent pricing and terms. You can get a rate quote online in minutes and will only be contacted by the lender with your expressed permission.
How We Chose the Best Mortgage Lenders
Our Methodology
To find the best mortgage lenders in Georgia, we first looked at all the mortgage lenders NextAdvisor has reviewed so far. We then eliminated any lender that is not available to Georgia residents.
To score mortgage lenders, we’ve developed a framework using a weighted average score between 0 and 5, with more weight awarded to the criteria we determined to be the most important.
Our list doesn’t take into account key financial factors like mortgage rates, APRs, and fees, because those depend on market conditions and your individual creditworthiness. Instead of focusing on those numbers, it’s best to first determine the qualities you want in a lender and how to find the best mortgage rates. Then you’ll be prepared to find the best lender for you.
The factors we used to evaluate the best mortgage lenders:
- Online Convenience: A lender is scored 1 through 5 based on the company’s online application experience. A 5 is awarded if the company’s mortgage application can be completed fully online with a streamlined process, including uploading documents and a customized rate quote. A lower score is awarded if additional phone calls are needed to process an application or for a poor online user experience.
- Transparency: Lenders are scored 0 through 5 based on the accessibility and transparency of mortgage rates, lender fees, and credit check requirements for rates and/or fees. A 5 is awarded if the lender advertises rates and fees on its websites and doesn’t require a hard credit check to get rates and/or fees. Conversely, a lower score is awarded when consumers cannot easily access rate and fee information and/or must go through a hard credit check to access them.
- Nationwide Availability: Lenders are scored 1 through 5 based on the company’s geographical footprint. A lender can score a 5 if it operates in all 50 U.S. States. Lenders were eliminated from this list if they are not licensed to lend in the state of Georgia.
- Loan Product Variety: Lenders are scored 1 through 5 based on their loan product menu and variety of products offered. A high score of 5 is given if most or all mortgage products are available, with a lower score awarded for a limited mortgage menu.
- Customer Satisfaction: To measure customer satisfaction, we reviewed the number of complaints filed against each lender with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in 2020. We divided the total consumer complaints with the total number of loans originated over the same time period to get a complaint ratio per 1,000 loans originated. We sourced the total loans originated using publicly accessible data provided under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and regulated by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC).
What Are Today’s Mortgage Rates In Georgia?
For Saturday, June 11, 2022, here are the current mortgage rates in Georgia. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.770%. The average 30-year fixed mortgage refinance rate is 5.720%. Today, the average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 4.890%.
This information is from Bankrate’s latest survey of the nation’s largest mortgage lenders.
Current Mortgage Rates In Georgia
| Loan Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| 30-year Fixed | 5.770% |
| 15-year Fixed | 4.890% |
| 30-Year Refi | 5.720% |
How to Find the Best Mortgage Lender for Your Situation
You’ll want to find a lender who has the resources necessary to best meet your personal circumstances, needs, and goals. For instance, if you’re unfamiliar with the process and prefer to receive guidance, you may be more satisfied with a lender that has physical branches you can visit in-person, as opposed to an online lender. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with the lending process, you could simply prioritize lenders that offer competitive rates and low fees.
Here are a few additional steps you could take in finding the best lender for you.
Shopping Rates With Multiple Lenders
Before making any final decisions on which lender to go with, make sure you’ve compared rate offers with several different lenders. It’s also a good idea to do this with different types of lenders, such as credit unions, regional banks, and mortgage brokers. Some lenders may offer incentives in the form of promotional rates or reduced fees, so you’ll want to explore several options before committing to a single lender.
When you do shop rates and fees with different lenders, make sure to get a written loan estimate. You’ll also want to provide each lender with the same information about the loan you want to obtain, including the loan amount, property type, location, and down payment amount.
Loan Programs Offered
Different types of loans programs have varying perks, benefits, and requirements. Finding a lender that offers the program best suited for you could not only save you money, it could mean the difference between getting approved or denied. For instance, borrowers who have blemishes on their credit could have a better chance of landing an approval with an FHA loan, while borrowers with qualifying military service could be eligible for a VA loan requiring no down payment.
The Lowest Rate Doesn’t Always Mean the Best Deal
Make sure to compare all the fees associated with borrowing a mortgage, such as closing costs and lender fees. Two lenders can advertise the same mortgage rate but charge very different closing fees. A low rate with high closing costs can eat away at the savings you thought the low rate provided.
Comparing each loan’s APR can give you a better picture of the actual and overall cost since the APR factors in many of the loan’s fees, in addition to the interest rate, over the loan’s full term.
Using this Home Loan Comparison Calculator, you can enter in all the variables of each offer and see a side-by-side comparison. When entering each loan, make sure to add the closing costs and other upfront fees. Then you can see the actual costs for each loan over time.
First-Time Home Buying Assistance Programs In Georgia
For those looking to purchase a home in Georgia, there are a handful of first-time homebuyer programs which can help cover closing costs or satisfy down payment requirements. Programs may have varying eligibility criteria, so you’ll want to look at the details of each one you may be interested in to be sure you can qualify.
Here are some of the programs available, as listed on the Invest Atlanta and Georgia state websites:
- Georgia Dream Homeownership Program: Programs available for first-time homebuyers or those who purchase in certain areas.
- HOME Atlanta 4.0: Borrowers who qualify for either an Federal Housing Agency loan (FHA) or Veteran Loan (VA) can receive up to 3.5% as a grant to cover closing costs or down payment requirements.
- Vine City Renaissance Initiative (VCRI): Homebuyers can receive up to $10,000 toward down payment and/or closing costs, forgiven after living in the home for 5 years.
- Atlanta Affordable Homeownership Program (AAHOP): Homebuyers can receive up to $20,000 towards down payment and/or closing costs, forgiven after living in the home for either 5 or 10 years.
- ATL Home Renovation Advantage: Homebuyers can receive up to $10,000 toward down payment and/or closing costs, forgiven after living in the home for 5 years.
- Intown Mortgage Assistance Program (IMAP): Homebuyers can receive up to $10,000 toward down payment and/or closing costs, forgiven after living in the home for 5 years.
- Perry Bolton Mortgage Assistance Program: Homebuyers at qualifying income levels purchasing eligible properties can receive up to $20,000 in assistance, forgiven after living in the home for 5 years.
Not all companies will work with first-time homebuyer programs, so before making any final decisions on a lender, you’ll want to check to see if they participate with the program you are interested in.
Is It Better to Go With a Local Georgia Mortgage Lender?
When it comes to choosing between an online lender or a local Georgia lender with physical branch locations, you should consider whether you prefer being able to have in-person meetings, or if you would rather prioritize the convenience of being able to take care of everything online. Many online lenders focus on making it easy to upload documents through their website and are set up to allow you to conduct most of the loan process in the convenience and comfort of your home.
Another item to consider is the fact that a local lender may be more knowledgeable about your specific neighborhood. As a result, they may be able to choose third-party vendors and companies who can assist with any required lending requirements in a much more timely manner.
Pros and Cons of Choosing an Online Lender Over a Local Lender
Pros
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May be able to offer more competitive rates and fees
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Can be more transparent in availability of rates
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Borrowers may be able to view and/or lock rates on their own
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Streamlined digital paperwork process
Cons
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Reduced overhead may not necessarily mean better rates
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Can be more difficult to arrange in-person meetings
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Technical issues with uploading items online can lead to significant delays
Best Georgia Lenders Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the best mortgage lender in Georgia?
Your personal preferences and goals will determine which lender may be the best fit for you. Many online lenders provide educational content on their website, describing the loan process and what to expect. If you’re comfortable with reading up on the lending process on your own and do not mind completing your loan with minimal face-to-face interaction with a lender, then a company that offers a streamlined online digital experience could be a great fit. However, if you have a preference for meeting in-person with a mortgage professional to guide you through the process and address any questions you may have, then you may want to choose a local lender.
Which Georgia mortgage lenders are the cheapest?
To find the cheapest lender, both the interest rate and fees on the loan need to be taken into consideration. Some lenders may offer a lower rate in exchange for additional fees or discount points, so while a lower rate may translate to a smaller monthly mortgage payment, the additional fees or discount points may lead to a more expensive loan for you in the long run. Make sure to shop rates among different lenders, and use a mortgage calculator to determine when it might make sense to pay discount points.
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