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PrimeLending mortgage review

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PrimeLending
Minimum credit score
Conventional: 620
FHA: 620
Jumbo: 740
Minimum down payment (Conventional)
3%
State availability
Available in all states

Our verdict

This versatile lender offers over 400 mortgage types and down payment assistance programs but no home equity loans or HELOCs.

PrimeLending is a versatile, highly rated lender that claims to offer more than 400 different loan products. It offers all the most common mortgage products, including conventional loans, jumbo loans and government-backed loans, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a mortgage product best suited for your situation. But the company doesn't offer home equity loans or HELOCs for those looking to tap into their home's equity.

In addition to its comprehensive offering of mortgage products, PrimeLending stands out from its competitors with its elimination of lender fees. The company doesn't charge any application or origination fees, which is rare among mortgage lenders. Most charge either a flat fee of between $1,000 to $2,000 or a fee of between 0.5% and 1.0% of the total loan amount. Buying a house often requires handing over a lot of cash up front, so a savings of this amount is a big deal.

All considered, we think PrimeLending is a strong choice for most types of homebuyers. Its online application process is quick and easy, and you aren't shelling out additional money in lender fees. That being said, if PrimeLending doesn't have what you need, compare more lenders to find the right one for you.

Pros

  • Offers rate locks and float-down options
  • Will work with self-employed borrowers
  • Lends in all 50 states

Cons

  • No home equity loans
  • New York home loan restriction

In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Details
    • Features
  • Your reviews
  • Choose this lender for closing cost assistance.
  • Choose another lender if you want a home equity loan or HELOC.
  • A good option for first-time homebuyers.

Details

Features

Loan products offered Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, Refinance
Minimum credit score Conventional: 620
FHA: 620
Jumbo: 740
Minimum down payment (Conventional) 3%
State availability Available in all states
NMLS # 13649

PrimeLending requirements

To find out if you’re eligible for a PrimeLending home loan, visit the company’s website. Basic eligibility for a mortgage with PrimeLending includes:

  • Two years’ history of employment.
  • A FICO credit score of 620 or higher.
  • No history of bankruptcy in the past two years.

Documentation

When applying for a mortgage with PrimeLending, be prepared to provide copies of the following documentation or information:

  • Driver’s license and Social Security card
  • Employment history for the past two years
  • W-2s for the past two years
  • Tax returns for the past two years
  • Last two most recent pay stubs
  • Last three months’ checking and saving account statements
  • Quarterly or semi-annual statements for investment and retirement accounts
  • Residency history for the past two years
  • Sources of funds used for the down payment
  • Copy of sales contract when ratified

For self-employed borrowers:

  • Last two years’ tax returns with all schedules
  • Current profit and loss (P&L) statement and balance sheet
  • Corporate/partnership tax returns for the past two years if you own 25% or more of the company
  • Last two years’ W-2s and 1099 forms

Costs and fees

PrimeLending doesn’t charge an application or origination fee. You’re only required to pay closing costs, which typically range from 1.5% to 5% of the total loan amount. Closing costs may include:

  • Appraisal
  • Home inspection
  • Private mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Homeowner’s insurance
  • Title search and insurance
  • Attorney’s fees if applicable
  • Recording fees
  • Courier fees
  • Taxes

How to apply for a mortgage with PrimeLending

To apply for a PrimeLending home loan:

  1. Go to the PrimeLending website and select Connect with a Loan Expert.
  2. Enter your city, state or ZIP code in the search box to locate loan officers in your area.
  3. View the list of available loan officers. Choose a loan officer and go to their personal website.
  4. Hit Apply Now to register for a new account. Then, confirm the account from your email and log in to your account.
  5. Fill out the application by entering the property information, loan information, your Social Security number, personal information, current address, coborrower information if any, employment and income history and your assets and liabilities.
  6. Answer the disclosure and demographic questions, review the information and submit.
  7. Upload any requested documents and wait for your designated loan officer to contact you about the next steps.

Alternatively, call PrimeLending directly on 800-317-7463 to speak with a loan officer directly and get prequalified over the phone.

What types of mortgages can I get through PrimeLending?

  • Conventional
  • FHA
  • VA
  • USDA
  • Jumbo
This company accepts mortgage refinance applications.

Other mortgage products PrimeLending offers

PrimeLending also offers these specialized types of mortgages:

    • Low down payment loans. PrimeLending offers a range of low down payment home loans, including:
      • Conventional 97. This program is available through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and offers good credit homebuyers loans for as little as 3% down.
      • HomeReady. This Fannie Mae-backed program allows down payments as low as 3% plus discounts on interest rates and PMI for eligible borrowers.
      • HomePossible. This Freddie Mac-backed program allows down payments as low as 3% and for single-family homes, coborrowers don’t need to live in the home.
    • State down payment assistance (DPA) programs. PrimeLending can help you find a program from among thousands of state-specific DPA programs, including the NeighborhoodEdge program.
    • Neighborhood Edge Closing Cost Assistance. This program offers up to $2,000 in closing cost assistance for FHA, VA and USDA loans. The property must be in a low-to-moderate census tract area.
    • New construction loans. With this loan option, you can combine the cost of construction and a permanent mortgage into a single loan with one set of closing costs.
    • 15 types of renovation loans. PrimeLending offers 15 different types of renovation loans for different uses, including the FHA203(k).
    • FHA 203(k). A renovation loan with requirements similar to FHA loans. Choose from 203(k) Full/Standard or 203(k) Limited for projects of $35,000 and under.
    • Medical professional loans. Medical loans offer special benefits to doctors and other medical professionals, including higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and no PMI options.
    • Multi-unit, manufactured home and condo loans. PrimeLending’s conventional loans can be used for multi-family properties, manufactured homes and condominiums.
    • Mortgage refinancing. Conventional and government-insured refinance loan options to replace an existing mortgage. PrimeLending also offers cash-out refinancing, so you can borrow more than what you currently owe.

Alternatives to PrimeLending mortgage

PrimeLending offers a plethora of mortgage options compared to other lenders, including specialized loans covering everything from low-income borrowers to renovators to medical professionals. But the company doesn’t offer home equity loans or HELOCs. So if you’re a current homeowner looking to tap into your home’s equity, you’ll need to look at alternatives to PrimeLending.
One option is to go with an established lender like US Bank, which offers both home equity loans and HELOCs with flexible options and no closing costs. But borrowers who don’t live near a branch location are limited to only HELOCs.
Borrowers who prefer a fully digital experience might consider Figure. This startup offers HELOCs with flexible loans and terms, a speedy application process and quick funding. But it’s not yet available in every state, and its origination fees can sometimes be higher than other lenders.
Perhaps the easiest way to find the exact mortgage product you’re looking for is through an online mortgage marketplace like LendingTree. After providing details about the type of product you’re seeking, LendingTree provides you with several competing offers to compare. You simply choose the loan that works best for you.
Also, compare lenders by loan product, state availability and credit score. Select See rates to provide the company with basic property and financial information for personalized rates.

Disclaimer: The partners on Finder's mortgage comparison tables are sorted in alphabetical order.

Name Product Loan products offered State availability Min. credit score
AmeriSave
Not rated yet
AmeriSave
Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, Refinance
Not available in: NY
620
Great customer reviews and customized rate quotes in three minutes with no SSN needed.
CrossCountry Mortgage
Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA, HELOC, Reverse, Refinance
Available in all states
620
Rocket Mortgage
Not rated yet
Rocket Mortgage
Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, Refinance
Available in all states
620
Apply online for free and lock in your rate for 90 days.
Veterans United
Not rated yet
Veterans United
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Refinance
Available in all states
620
Veterans United stands out from other lenders for its focus on serving the military community.
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PrimeLending reviews and complaints

As of August 2022, PrimeLending has an exceptional 4.99 out 5 rating on Zillow from over 21,000 reviewers. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with customers reporting being thrilled with the service, communication and availability of their loan officers throughout the application process. Most customers reported that fees and rates were “as expected” or “lower than expected.”
PrimeLending has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since 2015. It has an A+ business rating, a 1.2 out of 5 customer rating from 25 customers as of August 2022 and 45 complaints closed in the past three years. While the vast majority of customers online report positive experiences with PrimeLending, some have mentioned poor communication and higher-than-expected mortgage payments after closing.

PrimeLending pros and cons

PrimeLending might be a good choice for your mortgage and refinancing needs but weigh the pros and cons first.

Pros

  • Simplified lending process. PrimeLending claims that its home loans “are much simpler to apply and qualify for, with less paperwork, and you’ll have fewer rules and regulations to meet.”
  • No lender fees. Unlike most mortgage lenders, PrimeLending doesn’t charge application or origination fees, which can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
  • Offers rate locks and float-down options. Lets you lock in your rate for free for 90 days, even if rates go up. The float-down option lets you lock your rate and get a lower one if rates drop.
  • Down payment assistance. PrimeLending offers a robust selection of down payment assistance programs for first-time and low-income homebuyers.

Cons

  • No home equity loans. PrimeLending doesn’t offer any loans that let you borrow money by tapping into your home’s equity.
  • Interest rates not listed. PrimeLending doesn’t advertise its current interest rates on its website. You’ll need to fill out an application or contact a loan officer for more information.
  • Loans are sold. PrimeLending sells its home loans on the secondary market after closing. A new servicer will handle payments after you work with PrimeLending.

What is PrimeLending?

PrimeLending was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. It operates under the parent company PlainsCapital Company. The company has a team of about 2,500 employees that offers home loans across the United States and in the District of Columbia.
In 2019, PrimeLending won the STRATMOR Group’s MortgageSAT Best-in-Class Lender Award in the Online Tools category.

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