Mortgage Companies in Atlanta, Georgia
Buying a home is an exciting endeavor, but securing financing can bring uncertainty and stress. As the Atlanta real estate market continues its upward trend, finding the right mortgage lender to guide you through the loan process is key. The mortgage company you choose can have a major impact on your interest rate, fees, loan options, and overall experience.
This article provides an in-depth look at the top 10 mortgage lenders in Atlanta, Georgia based on a variety of factors:
- Industry awards and recognitions
- Market share
- Range of loan products offered
- Competitiveness of interest rates
- Customer service ratings and reviews
- Complaint volumes
- Technology and convenience offerings
- Years in business serving Atlanta home buyers
Whether you’re looking to purchase your first home in a neighborhood like Decatur, seeking to refinance your Buckhead condo, or want to tap home equity to finance an Atlanta renovation, finding the right mortgage lender matters.
How We Selected the Top 10 Atlanta Mortgage Lenders
Choosing the top mortgage lenders is part art, part science. We focused on lenders headquartered in Atlanta or with a strong regional presence. To make the list, lenders needed to offer an array of purchase and refinance loan products for a range of credit profiles.
Key selection criteria included:
- Market share: The top lenders in Atlanta by dollar volume and percentage of purchase and refinance originations
- Loan products: Availability of conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, and jumbo loans
- Interest rates: Competitiveness of interest rates for both purchase mortgages and refinancing
- Closing times: Ability to close loans quickly once approved to meet tight home purchase deadlines
- Technology: Online tools, mobile apps, and resources to support transparent lending
- Customer reviews: Analysis of third-party review sites like Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau
- Complaint data: Complaint volume based on public databases like the CFPB
Based on this methodology, we are confident these Top 10 Atlanta mortgage lenders offer exceptional service and value in helping area home buyers.
1. Guaranteed Rate
With some of the most competitive interest rates in Atlanta and outstanding customer service, Guaranteed Rate earns the #1 spot on our list.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA
2. Navy Federal Credit Union
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 4.5% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 3.75% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $20 million
Customer Reviews: 4.8/5 stars, Google (1,700+ reviews)
Guaranteed Rate offers a rate match pledge to keep their pricing competitive. They have a closing guarantee to prevent delays. With free credit pre-approvals, lending options for scores as low as 580, and down payments as low as 3%, they help many first-time home buyers in Atlanta become homeowners.
For home buyers who qualify for credit union membership, Navy Federal offers exceptional mortgage products and pricing.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, Jumbo, VA, FHA, USDA
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 4.375% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 3.75% APR
Loan amounts: Up to $5 million
Customer Reviews: 4.9/5 stars, Google (3,200+ reviews)
Navy Federal stands out for providing members with transparent, low-cost loans using today’s very best rates. All employees work in house as full-time salaried staff, providing specialized assistance. Their online mortgage experience lets you complete almost the whole loan process digitally on any device.
3. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp
For personalized guidance from an independent mortgage broker, Fairway Independent Mortgage earns high marks.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, Reverse Mortgages
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 4.99% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 4.125% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $20 million+
Customer Reviews: 4.8/5 stars, Google (350+ reviews)
Borrowers benefit from Fairway’s extensive loan products, competitive rates, and expertise on condo/investment property financing. Free consultations with their lending team help home buyers understand all options. Their cash-out refinance loans allow flexible use of equity for any purpose.
4. PrimeLending
As a lender who closes $2 billion in Georgia home loans annually, PrimeLending delivers exceptional mortgage solutions.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 4.99% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 4.125% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $20 million
Customer Reviews: 4.9/5 stars, Google (1,100+ reviews)
The dedicated Atlanta team provides tailored financing options for low down payments, unusual properties, self-employed borrowers, and less-than-perfect credit. Their online tools let you apply, upload documents, chat with experts, and track progress 24/7.
5. Movement Mortgage
Movement Mortgage lives up to their name by making getting a home loan convenient through innovative technology.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 5.125% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 4.25% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $5 million
Customer Reviews: 4.9/5 stars, Google (700+ reviews)
Borrowers can complete paperwork electronically through their uploader tool or snap photos through an app. Movement Mortgage presents loan estimates on video calls to improve transparency. Competitive rates and an efficient underwriting process help Atlanta home buyers move quickly.
6. Caliber Home Loans
Trusted by over 2 million customers and backed by experience financing over $275 billion in loans, Caliber Home Loans provides exceptional service tailored to you.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 5.25% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 4.25% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $6 million
Customer Reviews: 4.8/5 stars, Trustpilot (5,700+ reviews)
Their wide range of lending products can accommodate unconventional situations like 100% financing options for veterans. Caliber Home Loans offers online applications, digital uploads, and phones open 24/7 to provide resources whenever you need them.
7. CrossCountry Mortgage
Specializing in helping self-employed borrowers, CrossCountry Mortgage delivers financing solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Renovation Loans
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 4.99% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 4.125% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $10 million
Customer Reviews: 4.8/5 stars, Google (1,500+ reviews)
By understanding your whole financial picture, CrossCountry can get loans approved that some banks would decline. With lending authority residing within their Atlanta office, you work directly with local experts. Their fast pre-approval process sets buyers up to make competitive offers.
8. Academy Mortgage
From first-time home buyers to luxury lending, Academy Mortgage supplies various financing solutions for Atlanta area families.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Reverse Mortgage
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 5.125% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 4.25% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $15 million
Customer Reviews: 4.9/5 stars, Google (1,100+ reviews)
Their specialized Home Buyer Plus ProgramTM makes homeownership achievable even sooner with flexible requirements regarding income, employment, and credit. With access to exclusive loan options that value a borrower’s whole profile, they approve many loans that big banks won’t.
9. Churchill Mortgage
As a boutique lender with large-scale capabilities, Churchill Mortgage serves many Georgia home buyers with speed and service.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA, Renovation loans
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 4.875% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 4% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $10 million
Customer Reviews: 4.9/5 stars, Google (500+ reviews)
Churchill Mortgage specializes in helping borrowers buy investment properties or second homes. Their renovation loans make financing home improvements simple with cash available at closing. With an emphasis on ethical, honest lending practices, their customers benefit from transparent guidance.
10. Cherry Creek Mortgage
Supporting home buyers in the Atlanta area for over 35 years, Cherry Creek Mortgage demonstrates extensive knowledge and quality service.
Types of Loans Offered: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Reverse Mortgage
Sample Rates:
- 30-year fixed conventional: 4.99% APR
- 15-year fixed conventional: 4.25% APR
Loan Amounts: Up to $3 million
Customer Reviews: 5/5 stars, Zillow (300+ reviews)
Cherry Creek Mortgage sets themselves apart with their Heart+ program that lets borrowers make a charitable donation at closing. Expert mortgage advisors guide you through every decision in simple terms. Custom lending solutions help borrowers consolidate debt or access home equity for large expenses.
Which Mortgage Lender is Right for You?
While we selected the top 10 Atlanta mortgage lenders based on specific criteria, you need the right fit for your situation. As you compare mortgage rates in Atlanta, weigh factors like:
Your Credit Score: Is a lender comfortable working with your current score?
Down Payment: Do you meet minimum requirements or need low down payment options?
Debt-to-Income Ratio: How might your existing obligations impact qualification?
Loan Type Needed: Are niche products like renovation loans or physician loans relevant?
Customer Service Needs: Do you want a full-service experience or self-service technology?
Evaluating these elements will help match you to the right lender. Rates and fees matter, but finding a lender aligned with your scenario makes the biggest difference.
Get Started with a Top Atlanta Mortgage Lender Today
The first step connects you to the expansive market of mortgage products available. Whether buying your first home or investing in Atlanta real estate, the lenders above have proven ability to turn dreams into reality.
Reach out to any catching your eye to:
- Get pre-qualified to determine affordability
- Review customized rates for which you’ll qualify
- Assess relevant down payment assistance programs
- Discuss features or options perfect for your needs
- Ask lingering questions holding you back from homeownership
With an expert Atlanta lender guiding you through available mortgage products, the exciting journey of buying a home begins. Don’t let financing be a barrier to your dreams. Use the analysis above to find the right lending partner so you can confidently take the next steps toward an Atlanta address you’ll be proud to call home.
FAQS
What credit score do I need to qualify for an Atlanta mortgage?
Most lenders require a minimum credit score in the 580-620 range for conventional loans or FHA financing. Some lenders work with scores as low as 500 with additional requirements. VA and USDA loans can qualify with scores around 580.
How much do I need for a downpayment on an Atlanta home?
Conventional loans typically require at least 3-5% down. FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5%. VA and USDA loans can be 100% financed for eligible buyers. Most jumbo loans require at least 10-20% down.
How long does it take to close an Atlanta mortgage?
A typical purchase mortgage takes 45-60 days to close. Refinances may close in 30 days or less in some cases. Factors impacting timelines include financing type, appraisal, home inspection findings, and more.
Can I get preapproved for an Atlanta mortgage?
Yes, get preapproved before starting your home search. Preapproval shows sellers you can finalize purchase financing quickly after an accepted offer.
Should I use a mortgage broker or direct lender?
Mortgage brokers shop rates amongst lenders and provide guidance on the best fit loan products. Direct lenders can offer consistency through the process but have a smaller product menu.