
Online mortgage brokers have revolutionized the way we shop for mortgages, making it easier and faster to find the best deals.
Lenda, for instance, offers pre-approval in as little as 3 minutes and 100% online applications.
This convenience comes at a cost, however, with Lenda charging a 0.5% origination fee.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right online mortgage broker.
Popular Online Mortgage Brokers
Quicken Loans is a great option for homebuyers who want an efficient and streamlined mortgage process. Its user-friendly online platform makes it easy to navigate and find the right loan.
You can choose from a wide variety of loan options, including fixed, adjustable, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Custom Term, and Refinance loans. The company also offers flexible repayment terms ranging from 8 to 30 years.
Here's a breakdown of Quicken Loans' loan types and repayment terms:
Quicken Loans' excellent customer service and online platform make it a popular choice for homebuyers.
Today

Today, online mortgage brokers are revolutionizing the way people buy and refinance homes. Quicken Loans stands out for its efficient and streamlined mortgage process, offering a range of loan types with competitive rates and flexible terms.
Quicken Loans' online platform is user-friendly, making it easy for homebuyers to navigate the process. The company offers a wide variety of loan options, including fixed, adjustable, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Custom Term, and Refinance loans.
One of the benefits of online mortgage brokers is their ability to offer personalized experiences. Better.com, for example, assigns a loan officer to each borrower, providing additional support via phone, email, and chat.
Better.com's digital process can offer rate quotes within seconds and a pre-approval letter within three minutes. This can save borrowers thousands of dollars in lender fees, as the company services its own loans and doesn't charge application, commission, or origination fees.
For those who prefer an online-only experience, Better.com is a great option. However, it's worth noting that the company doesn't offer VA loans, USDA loans, home equity loans, or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).
SoFi is another online mortgage lender that's worth considering. It offers mortgage, mortgage refinancing, jumbo mortgages, cash-out refinancing, and home equity loans, but requires a minimum down payment of 10%.
Bank of America

Bank of America is a great option for online mortgage lenders, especially for first-time homebuyers who might need assistance with down payment or closing costs.
They offer great mortgage options, making them a popular choice among homebuyers.
As the second-largest banking institution after JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America is a reliable choice for mortgage needs.
Their mortgage options are especially beneficial for first-time homebuyers who can get assistance with down payment or closing costs.
Bank of America is also the eighth largest bank in the world, giving them a strong global presence.
Existing Bank of America customers can even get a discount on origination fees, making their mortgage process even more affordable.
SunTrust
SunTrust is a good option for first-time homebuyers due to its informative website, which includes posts on its homepage that explain how to budget for homebuying and more.
SunTrust is becoming Truist, as it merges with BB&T.
Application Process
Applying for a mortgage online is a relatively straightforward process. You can get preapproved with multiple lenders to narrow down your options.

To start, you'll need to get preapproved, which involves a lender taking an initial look at your finances and estimating what you qualify for, including the interest rate. This can be done online with multiple lenders to compare quotes.
You'll then need to organize your documents, which may include bank statements, pay stubs, and tax forms. If you're self-employed, you may need to provide additional documentation such as cash flow or profit-and-loss statements.
The application process involves filling out your personal information, details about the home you want to buy, and uploading your supporting documents. You'll also need to agree to a hard credit check.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the online application process:
- Get preapproved
- Organize your documents
- Apply online
- Underwriting and appraisal
- Closing
It's essential to pay attention to the application process and avoid unnecessary fees, such as paying upfront for an initial quote.
Application Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an online mortgage, lenders consider three main factors: credit scores, income, and debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your eligibility, and the minimum score required can vary depending on the lender and loan type.
Lenders also examine your income to ensure you have a stable financial situation.
Your debt-to-income ratio, which is the percentage of your income that goes towards paying debts, is another crucial factor.
To give you a better idea, here are the three main factors lenders consider:
- Credit scores
- Income
- Debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
How to Apply
Applying for a mortgage online is a straightforward process that's similar to applying for a traditional mortgage. You'll need to get preapproved by a lender, which involves an initial review of your finances and an estimate of how much you qualify for.
To get started, you'll need to organize your documents, including bank statements, pay stubs, and tax forms. If you're self-employed, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as cash flow or profit-and-loss statements.
The next step is to fill out the application, which will ask for your personal information, details about the home you want to buy, and any supporting documents you've gathered. You'll also need to agree to a hard credit check.
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the online application process:
- Get preapproved by a lender
- Organize your documents
- Fill out the application
- Undergo a hard credit check
Keep in mind that online lenders may have different requirements and fees than traditional lenders, so be sure to research and compare options before applying.
Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step in the home buying process. It's like getting a dress rehearsal for your actual mortgage, and it can give you a huge advantage in the market.
Think of pre-approval as a letter from a lender that says you're good to go, financially speaking. They'll ask you for all the same info as a standard application, but you won't need to know the house's details yet.
A pre-approval letter can knock off less than five points off your credit score, and it may take a few days for your lender to verify it thoroughly. You'll receive a final loan approval once your new property is appraised.
Getting pre-approved can give you an edge over cash buyers in high-demand markets, and it may even give you room to negotiate the price of a home. Sellers will consider you a more serious buyer if you have a pre-approval letter.
In fact, most sellers and agents won't even consider an offer from someone who isn't pre-approved. It's become a standard requirement in many markets, especially after the coronavirus pandemic.
Choosing the Right Lender
Choosing the right lender is crucial when working with an online mortgage broker. It's not just about finding a lender with a good reputation, but also about understanding your financial situation and what you want out of the experience.
You should think hard about what you want out of the experience, even things you may not have thought of before. For instance, having real-time access to the status of your loan online can greatly impact your overall satisfaction with the lender.
Overall satisfaction scores for mortgage lenders are an average 140 points higher when customers can have real-time access to the status of their loan online. This is a significant difference that can make a big impact on your mortgage experience.
Types of Loans and Options
Quicken Loans offers a range of loan types with competitive rates and flexible terms. Their online platform and customer service make it a popular choice for homebuyers.

You can choose from fixed, adjustable, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Custom Term, or Refinance loans. Quicken Loans also offers Military Choice and Homebuyers Choice loans.
Quicken Loans offers repayment terms of 8 to 30 years. This allows homebuyers to choose a term that fits their budget and financial situation.
Home Loans Explained
Online home loans work like traditional mortgages, providing the money you need to buy a home. The typical steps include prequalification or preapproval, application, appraisal, documentation of your income and finances, and final approval and closing.
You'll need to pay upfront for the appraisal and any inspections you schedule. Depending on the lender, the appraisal may be in person or virtual.
To prepare for the mortgage process, you should have your income and financial documents ready. This may include pay stubs or bank statements, which you can upload through an online portal.
Closing can take place online, but this depends on your state's laws. If you can close online, you'll e-sign your paperwork and arrange to pay your closing costs and down payment via bank transfer.
The steps to a home loan are similar to other types of loans, but the specifics can vary by lender.
Guaranteed Rate
Guaranteed Rate is a great option for those looking to refinance their mortgage, especially if they're trying to social distance during the pandemic. They offer the ability to upload sensitive documents and digitally sign forms securely.
You can get pre-approval with Guaranteed Rate in as little as 15 minutes, according to reviews.
Get Rates
To get the best online mortgage rates, you need to check your credit. A good credit score can help you qualify for lower interest rates.
A credit score of 700 or higher is generally considered good, and can help you get a lower rate.
Getting multiple quotes from different online mortgage lenders can also help you find the best rates. Compare rates across at least three lenders to see how they stack up.
Even a difference of half a percentage point can make a big difference in the total cost of the loan.
Variable-rate loans can be attractive when interest rates are low and likely to remain so, but fixed-rate loans offer predictability if you're unsure about the future of interest rates.
Here's a quick comparison of loan terms:
Ultimately, the best loan term for you will depend on your individual financial situation and goals.
Approval Types
Pre-approval is often the first step in the loan application process, but it's not a guarantee of a mortgage. It's more like a letter of intent from your lender.
A pre-approval is usually valid for a short period, typically 30 to 60 days, and can be revoked at any time if your financial situation changes. This is why it's essential to keep your financial documents up to date during this period.
Conditional approval is another stage in the loan application process, where your lender will review your creditworthiness and other factors to determine if you qualify for a mortgage. This approval is usually conditional on meeting certain requirements.
Approval is the final stage, where your lender confirms that you meet all the requirements and are ready to close the home loan. This is the stage where you can finally breathe a sigh of relief and know that you're on your way to owning a home.
Types of Loans

Conventional loans are a popular choice, but government-sponsored loans are also available for those who qualify.
To accommodate each borrower's needs, lenders offer a range of loan types, including conventional, government-sponsored, and special loan programs.
Quicken Loans, for example, offers a wide variety of loan options, including fixed, adjustable, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Custom Term, and Refinance loans.
Quicken Loans also offers special loan programs, such as VA, Military Choice, Fixed, Homebuyers Choice, Adjustable, Jumbo, and Refinance loans.
Lenders consider factors like minimum FICO scores, discounts, waivers, and debt-to-income ratios when evaluating loan options.
Here are some loan types offered by Quicken Loans:
The type of loan you choose will depend on your financial situation and goals, so be sure to research and compare your options carefully.
Customer Experience and Reputation
Customer Experience and Reputation are crucial factors to consider when choosing an online mortgage broker. Companies with high customer service standards can make a big difference in your loan experience.
Studies show that consumers value human involvement during the application process. This balance of tech and staff support can speed up the loan process and help borrowers feel more secure.
The J.D. Power 2019 Mortgage Customer Satisfaction survey is a good indicator of consumer satisfaction. Younger customers, in particular, look at the reputation of the lender through reviews and the convenience of the online platform.
A lender's financial reputation is also important to consider. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sets rules to safeguard borrowers from unfair, abusive, or deceptive practices. You can check the number of complaints filed against a lender with the CFPB.
Regulatory actions taken by the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) can also give you an idea of a lender's trustworthiness. It's essential to research and evaluate these factors before making a decision.
To get a better understanding of what to look for, consider the following key factors:
- Interest rates
- Types of mortgages offered
- Fees
- Ease of application
- Customer service and support
These factors can help you determine which online mortgage broker is right for you. By considering customer experience and reputation, you can make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls.
Comparing and Applying
Applying for a mortgage online has proven to be more convenient and efficient, especially during a pandemic.
It's essential to keep an eye out for unnecessary fees when applying for a mortgage online, such as paying anything upfront for an initial quote.
You'll likely be asked to fill out forms online, but it's crucial to pay attention to what you're doing to avoid misunderstandings or incorrect numbers that can hurt your chances for the mortgage or cause you to pay more interest.
Many online mortgage companies have 800 numbers, but they're not manned 24 hours a day, so be sure to set aside time to fill out the forms when you know you can get help if you need it.
Comparing lenders is a must to find the best financing deal for your needs, and experts suggest taking time to research and compare fees, points, down payments, and available quotes to save thousands in the long run.
Knowing your budget and requesting lenders provide a detailed quote listing all costs involved, including added or hidden fees, rates, and terms, is recommended by the Federal Trade Commission.
Applying

Applying for a mortgage online is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to get preapproved with a lender, which can help you narrow down your options.
To get preapproved, you'll need to provide some basic financial information, including your income, credit score, and debt. This will give the lender an idea of how much they're willing to lend you.
You'll also need to organize your documents, such as bank statements, pay stubs, and tax forms. If you're self-employed, you may need to provide additional documentation, like cash flow or profit-and-loss statements.
Once you've selected a lender, you'll fill out the application online, providing personal information and details about the home you want to buy. Be sure to upload your supporting documents and agree to a hard credit check.
The online application process is similar to a traditional mortgage application. However, online lenders may have lower fees due to their lower overhead costs.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the online application process:
- Get preapproved with a lender.
- Organize your documents, including bank statements, pay stubs, and tax forms.
- Fill out the application online, providing personal information and details about the home you want to buy.
- Upload your supporting documents and agree to a hard credit check.
Remember to carefully review the application and supporting documents to avoid any misunderstandings or errors.
Compare
Comparing lenders is a crucial step in finding the best financing deal for your needs. This process can save you thousands in the long run.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, knowing your estimated rate and monthly payment isn't enough. You should shop, compare, and negotiate fees, points, down payments, and available quotes.
Comparing lenders can be overwhelming, but it's essential to know your budget and request lenders provide you with a detailed quote listing all of the costs involved in the loan, including added or hidden fees, rates, and terms.
A home appraisal is a necessary step to determine your property's fair market value. This process involves a visual inspection of your home and comparison to others in the neighborhood to give you an official estimate of what the home is worth.

The appraiser will take into account current market trends and any amenities the home possesses, such as square footage and recent renovations.
Here are some factors to consider when comparing lenders:
- Estimated rate
- Monthly payment
- Fees
- Points
- Down payment
- Available quotes
Some lenders may offer temporary waivers for appraisals due to the coronavirus pandemic. It's essential to verify with your lender if they have alternative options in place during this public health crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an online mortgage broker?
An online mortgage broker is a professional who helps you find and access the best mortgage deals based on your circumstances, guiding you through the application process. They don't provide the loan themselves, but connect you with suitable lenders.
Can you get a mortgage completely online?
Yes, you can get a mortgage completely online, from application to closing, through an electronic process. This streamlined approach can save time and effort, but it's essential to understand the details and requirements involved.
Is it better to go to a bank or a mortgage broker?
Generally, mortgage brokers offer better rates and terms, but may have stricter qualification requirements. They can compare multiple options to find the best fit for you
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