Mortgages

Best Mortgage Lenders and Home Loan Options for First-Time Buyers

Compare the top mortgage lenders, loan types, and rates to find the best financing for buying your first home or refinancing your current property.

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01
W

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

A top lender offering extensive product lineup including renovation loans, construction loans, and the Dream. Plan. Home. program with down payment assistance options for qualifying buyers.

Rising·Score +23
02
B

Better.com

A digital-first mortgage lender with no origination fees, competitive rates, and a streamlined online application that can get you pre-approved in as little as 3 minutes.

Rising·Score +22
03
1

15-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage

Choosing a 15-year fixed mortgage over a 30-year saves tens of thousands in interest while building equity faster — the preferred strategy for financially stable buyers who can handle higher payments.

Steady·Score +12
04
PennyMac Loan Services

PennyMac Loan Services

One of the largest mortgage lenders with highly competitive rates, strong online tools, and a wide variety of loan options including conventional, government-backed, and jumbo loan products.

Steady·Score +12
05
Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage

America's largest mortgage lender offers a fully digital application process, fast approval times, and competitive rates with an intuitive app guiding you through every step of the homebuying journey.

Steady·Score +11
06
Chase Mortgage

Chase Mortgage

Full range of mortgage products including conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans with discounts for Chase banking customers and the DreaMaker mortgage for low-to-moderate income buyers.

Steady·Score +10
07
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM)

ARM loans offer lower initial rates for a fixed period (typically 5-7 years) before adjusting — ideal for buyers who plan to sell or refinance before the adjustment period begins.

Steady·Score +10
08
FHA Loans

FHA Loans

Government-backed loans requiring only 3.5% down payment with credit scores as low as 580, making homeownership accessible to first-time buyers with limited savings or imperfect credit history.

Steady·Score +6
09
Guild Mortgage

Guild Mortgage

Known for working with first-time homebuyers through programs with down payment assistance, low down payment options, and specialized loan products including manufactured homes and renovation loans.

Steady·Score +3
10
Ally Bank Mortgage

Ally Bank Mortgage

Competitive rates with no lender fees, a fully online application process, and excellent customer service — a great choice for tech-savvy homebuyers who prefer a streamlined digital experience.

Steady·Score +3
11
Veterans United Home Loans

Veterans United Home Loans

The nation's largest VA mortgage lender, specializing exclusively in helping veterans, active-duty service members, and their families access all VA loan benefits with expert personal guidance.

Steady·Score +1
12
USDA Rural Development Loans

USDA Rural Development Loans

Zero down payment mortgages for eligible homes in rural and suburban areas for low-to-moderate income buyers — one of the best-kept secrets in first-time homebuyer financing that too few know about.

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Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Currently ranked #1. Where will it be in 7 days?