Best Online Mortgage Lenders of December 2023

Applying for a mortgage is easier than ever before, and many home buyers can now complete the entire process online. That means no awkward meetings at the bank -- you won't even need to change out of your pjs. (Unless you really want to.)

It's also easier to compare mortgage lenders with today's technology. Thanks to online lending, you can compare multiple mortgage lenders and pick the one that's best for you.

With that in mind, we've researched the top mortgage companies to bring you our picks for the best online mortgage lenders. Check out our shortlist below as well as a rundown of some of the most important things to know about the online mortgage industry.

What is an online mortgage lender?

Throughout most of modern history, if you applied for a mortgage, you'd have to physically drive to a lender's office or to a bank branch. The process could be a very time-consuming experience, to put it mildly.

The lender would give you an application packet, which you'd have to fill out and return before your loan could enter processing. You'd then be given a list of necessary documents (tax returns, for example), and have to physically get them to your lender's office. Along the way, if anything needed to be modified, you'd probably have to make another trip to sign paperwork. In all, it wasn't uncommon for a home buyer to physically visit their lender's office 10 or more times -- I made at least this many visits when I bought my first house in 2011.

An online mortgage lender aims to simplify the mortgage process by allowing people to complete the application online. Home buyers can check rates, submit an application, sign documents, and upload documents without leaving their home. And many online mortgage lenders pride themselves on closing loans in less time than the typical office-based lender or bank.

How does an online mortgage work?

The online mortgage process depends on the bank or lender. For example, some lenders allow you to complete the entire home loan process online from start to finish (Note: Due to notary requirements, closings generally still take place in person, although a lender might send someone to your home instead of making you go anywhere.) Other lenders might allow you to check your mortgage rates online and upload documentation, but might require you to speak with a loan officer by phone before your application can be processed.

Whatever the level of online services available, an online mortgage loan follows the same basic steps in most cases. In general, here are the steps you may encounter.

1. Fill out a simple form and check your interest rates

This is typically referred to as a prequalification, and it involves your bank or lender performing a soft credit check to verify your credit score. This does not include verifying income, employment, or assets. Typically, you can fill out a lender's prequalification form in a matter of minutes. Provided you have the lender's minimum credit score or higher, you'll then be able to see the loan products you qualify for.

2. Decide what type of mortgage loan you want

Are you looking for 15 years, 30 years, or another length? Conventional, FHA loan, VA? Select the type of mortgage loan that fits your needs and formally apply.

3. Submit any documentation your lender requires

You'll likely be able to do this entirely online. Many lenders will allow you to directly link to your bank accounts and other sources to make it as easy as possible.

4. Verification

After you submit your documentation to your mortgage company, the lender's underwriting department will verify it. Once your documentation is verified, you'll be cleared to close.

5. Sign and schedule

Schedule your closing time and date and sign your loan documents. This will likely need to take place in person, but many online lenders will send a notary to you, so you won't have to go anywhere.

It's also worth noting that if your mortgage is a refinance loan, you'll have the added step of scheduling an appraisal of your home to confirm its value.

This happens with a purchase mortgage as well, but it's more of a behind-the-scenes step (as opposed to an appraiser coming to the home you're living in when refinancing).

How to choose the best online mortgage

The best course of action involves two basic steps.

First, make a short list of online mortgage lenders (let's say three to five) that meet your needs. We'll talk about what to look for in the next section, but our picks for the best online lenders listed above is a good starting point.

Once you have your short list, apply for a pre-approval with all of them, even if they do a credit check to determine your interest rates. The FICO credit scoring formula is specifically designed to allow rate shopping without harming your credit score.

You might be surprised by the different loan terms that lenders will offer the same borrower. The difference can be huge. For example, if you're applying for a $400,000 mortgage, the difference between 6.5% and 6.75% interest rates translates to almost $24,000 in interest savings over a 30-year fixed-rate loan term when adding up your monthly mortgage payments. You can use a mortgage calculator to compare what your monthly payments would be from each lender.

Research: If you prefer a big lender, check out The Ascent's research piece on the largest mortgage providers.

Tips for comparing online lenders

Start by comparing the interest rates you're offered. Here are a few other things to consider before applying.

• Origination fees: Some online lenders have little or no origination fee. Others may charge hundreds or thousands of dollars. Also pay attention to other fees you might be charged as part of the mortgage origination process.
• Loan types: Unless you're looking for a basic conventional mortgage, it's important to make sure the lender offers the type of home loan you need. For example, if you need to use FHA financing or need to refinance a jumbo mortgage loan, make sure the lender offers the mortgage product you need before you apply.
• Other features: Some mortgage lenders may offer discounts for opening additional accounts (like a checking account.) Others offer an online process but still have physical branches you can visit if you need in-person service. These are just a couple of factors to consider, but the point is that you should pick the lender that fits your situation. Also, make sure a lender is licensed in all 50 states (or at least in the state you're buying a home) -- not all online mortgage lenders are nationwide.

Pros and cons of online mortgage lenders

Like most things in life, using online mortgage lenders has pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider: