What Are the Main Types of Mortgage Lenders? (2024)

The main types of mortgage lenders are banks, credit unions, and online banks, but there are many more types of mortgage lenders. Rates and terms can vary significantly by individual lender. Shopping for a mortgage loan can feel confusing and a little intimidating. Understanding the differences between these main types of mortgage lenders can help you narrow your choices to find the best fit for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Different types of mortgage lenders include banks, credit unions, and online banks.
  • Each mortgage lender will have its own terms, interest rates, and fees.
  • Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each mortgage lender to determine the right fit for you.
  • The right type of mortgage lender for you will depend in part on your personal circ*mstances.

What Is a Mortgage Lender?

A mortgage lender is a bank, credit union, or other financial institution that provides financing for home purchases and refinances. Sometimes, they may also offer second mortgages, such as home equity loans or home equity lines of credit.

Mortgage lenders have specific borrowing guidelines to verify your creditworthiness and ability to repay a loan. They set the terms, interest rate, repayment schedule, and other key aspects of your mortgage, and these factors can vary from lender to lender.

Types of Mortgage Lenders

There are several different types of mortgage lenders. Understanding how they work and their pros and cons can help you better evaluate your options and choose the right type of mortgage lender for you.

Type of LenderKey Features
Mortgage BrokerHelps you find a lender; doesn't provide loans directly
Mortgage BankerBorrows money from warehouse lenders to issue loans; sells loans on the secondary market
Retail LenderProvides loans directly to consumers; may also offer other banking products and services
Direct LenderProvides loans directly to consumers; typically doesn't offer other financial products and services
Portfolio LenderSets its own terms and eligibility criteria; may offer more flexibility compared to other types of lenders
Wholesale LenderFunds and services loans through third-party lenders; doesn't work directly with consumers
Correspondent LenderOriginates and funds mortgage loans and then sells them to investors; may continue to service loans after selling them
Warehouse LenderProvides short-term financing to other mortgage lenders to fund loans; does not work directly with consumers
Hard Money LenderNon-traditional lender; may offer more flexibility than portfolio lenders, but with higher costs and shorter repayment terms

Mortgage Brokers

Mortgage brokers work with a host of different lenders to help you find a loan. You may consider a mortgage broker if you want assistance shopping around for a loan, but you'll still want to do your own research to ensure you're getting the best deal possible.

Advantages of Mortgage BrokersDisadvantages of Mortgage Brokers
Can save you time shopping aroundMay charge a broker fee
May offer access to lenders you can't work with directlySome lenders won't work with brokers
Can help you reduce feesOften no guarantee of estimates

Mortgage Bankers

Mortgage bankers borrow money at short-term rates from warehouse lenders to fund the mortgages they issue to consumers.

Shortly after a loan closes, the mortgage banker may sell it on the secondary market to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or to private investors to repay the short-term note. Most mortgage lenders in the U.S., including retail and direct lenders, are mortgage bankers.

Advantages of Mortgage BankersDisadvantages of Mortgage Bankers
Widely availableLess flexible with eligibility requirements
Offer standard and specialized loan optionsMay offer less flexibility with loan options and terms
May offer other financial products and services

Retail Lenders

Retail lenders provide mortgages directly to consumers, not institutions. Retail lenders include banks, credit unions, and mortgage bankers. Consider a retail lender if you want to work with a lender that also offers other products, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, personal loans, and auto loans.

Advantages of Retail LendersDisadvantages of Retail Lenders
Offer a wide range of financial products and servicesMay have stricter eligibility requirements compared to direct lenders
Don't require an intermediary, such as a brokerSome may offer fewer home loan options
Some offer a wide range of home loan productsWon't help you shop around

Direct Lenders

Direct lenders originate their own loans. These lenders either use their own funds or borrow them from elsewhere. But unlike retail lenders, direct lenders typically don't offer other financial products and services. They specialize in home loans only.

As a result, some direct lenders may have less stringent eligibility requirements, making them worth considering if you're worried about qualifying for a loan.

Advantages of Direct LendersDisadvantages of Direct Lenders
May have less stringent requirements compared to retail lendersDon't offer other financial products and services
May offer more home loan optionsMay be less flexible than portfolio and hard money lenders
May offer faster fundingMay be smaller and harder to find than retail lenders

Portfolio Lenders

A portfolio lender funds loans with its own money and, therefore, isn’t beholden to the demands and interests of outside investors. Portfolio lenders set their own borrowing guidelines and terms, which may appeal to borrowers who are looking for something outside of what traditional lenders offer.

For example, someone who needs a jumbo loan or is buying an investment property might find more flexibility in working with a portfolio lender.

Advantages of Portfolio LendersDisadvantages of Portfolio Lenders
Offer more relaxed eligibility requirementsMay charge higher interest rates
Can provide non-traditional loan optionsMay require higher down payments
May be a better fit for investment propertiesMore likely to charge prepayment fees

Wholesale Lenders

Wholesale lenders are financial institutions that offer loans through third parties, such as mortgage brokers, other banks, or credit unions. Wholesale lenders don’t work directly with consumers, but originate, fund, and sometimes service loans. Many mortgage banks operate both retail and wholesale divisions.

You may consider a wholesale lender if there aren't many retail lenders in your area, or if you want more flexible requirements.

Advantages of Wholesale LendersDisadvantages of Wholesale Lenders
Could offer more competitive ratesNo direct contact with borrowers
Potentially more loan optionsPotentially higher fees
Can be helpful if there are few lenders in your areaYou'll typically need to work with a broker

Correspondent Lenders

A correspondent lender is a lender that originates and funds a mortgage loan and then sells it to investors, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or a government agency. That said, the correspondent lender may continue to service your loan.

Most mortgage lenders are correspondent lenders.

Advantages of Correspondent LendersDisadvantages of Correspondent Lenders
Works directly with borrowersCan have strict underwriting criteria
May not require you to work with a third partyMay switch your servicing to another financial institution
May offer more loan optionsMay charge higher fees

Warehouse Lenders

Warehouse lenders help mortgage bankers fund their own loans by offering short-term funding. Warehouse lines of credit are usually repaid as soon as a loan is sold on the secondary market. Like wholesale lenders, warehouse lenders don’t interact directly with consumers, so it's not an option you can choose.

Advantages of Warehouse LendersDisadvantages of Warehouse Lenders
You'll work directly with your lender rather than an intermediaryOptions are limited to retail lenders
No third-party relationships until after closingYour loan will be sold after funding
May have stricter requirements

Hard Money Lenders

Hard money lenders are often the last resort if you can’t qualify with a portfolio lender or if you renovate homes to resell quickly. These lenders are usually private companies or individuals with significant cash reserves. Hard money loans generally must be repaid in a few years, so they appeal to fix-and-flip investors who buy, repair, and quickly sell homes for profit.

While hard money lenders tend to be flexible and close loans quickly, they charge hefty loan origination fees and interest rates, and they require a substantial down payment.

Advantages of Hard Money LendersDisadvantages of Hard Money Lenders
Relaxed eligibility requirementsHigh interest rates and fees
Willing to work with real estate investorsShort repayment terms
Can offer fast closingHigh down payment requirements

How to Choose the Right Mortgage Lender for You

With so many options, it's important for you to take time to understand your financial situation, needs, and objectives, and to research all of your options. In particular, here are some factors to consider.

  • Loan options: Learn about the different types of mortgage loans to determine which one is right for you. Then, focus on lenders that offer the loan program you're considering.
  • Eligibility requirements: Look at your credit score, income, and other eligibility factors that could impact your ability to get approved. If you're having a hard time getting approved with a retail or direct lender, you may consider a portfolio lender or even a hard money lender.
  • Rates and terms: Once you've decided on a type of mortgage lender, shop around and compare interest rates, closing costs, and repayment terms to determine which lender offers the best deal.
  • Convenience: If your bank or credit union offers mortgage loans, it could be worth it to keep all of your finances under one proverbial roof. However, consider this only if the loan terms and costs are competitive.
  • Reputation: Research online reviews of each lender you're considering to get an idea of what your experience might look like.

While some lenders may offer less stringent requirements, it's important to carefully consider the costs associated with those loans. In some cases, it may make sense to work on improving your creditworthiness instead of choosing an expensive loan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Three Main Types of Mortgages?

Some of the main types of mortgage loans include conventional loans, government-backed loans, and jumbo loans.

  • Conventional loans: These are loans that aren't backed by a government agency.
  • Government-backed loans: These loans are offered through government programs. Examples include Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans, and VA loans (backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
  • Jumbo loans: Jumbo mortgages are larger than the conforming loan limits set for conventional or government-backed loans.

What Are the Types of Lenders?

There are several different types of mortgage lenders, including:

  • Mortgage brokers
  • Mortgage bankers
  • Retail lenders
  • Direct lenders
  • Portfolio lenders
  • Wholesale lenders
  • Correspondent lenders
  • Warehouse lenders
  • Hard money lenders

What Is the Most Popular Type of Mortgage Loan?

Conventional loans are the most common type of mortgage loan, making up 73% of all originations in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What Is the Easiest Type of Mortgage to Get?

Among traditional loan options, government-backed loans tend to be easier to obtain than conventional loans. However, if you don't qualify for a conventional loan, you may consider a loan with a portfolio lender or even a hard money lender.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right lender and loan can feel daunting. Researching and educating yourself before you start the process will give you more confidence to approach lenders and brokers.

You might have to go through the pre-approval process with a few lenders to compare mortgage rates, terms, and products. Have your documentation organized and be frank about any challenges you have with credit, income, or savings so lenders and brokers offer you products that are the best match.

Article Sources

Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy.

Part of the Series

When to Buy a Home Based on Mortgage Rates

How Mortgages Work

  1. When to Buy a Home Based on Mortgage Rates
  2. Overview
  3. Shopping for Mortgage Rates
  4. Pre-Approvals You Need
  5. Mistakes to Avoid
  6. Locking In the Rate

Rates for Different Loan Types

  1. Points and Your Rate
  2. How Much Do I Need to Put Down on a Mortgage?
  3. Understanding Different Rates
  4. Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate
  5. When Adjustable Rate Rises
  6. Commercial Real Estate Loans

Best Mortgage Rates

  1. Best Mortgage Rates Today
  2. Best Jumbo Mortgage Rates

Saving on Fees

  1. Closing Costs
  2. Avoiding "Junk" Fees
  3. Negotiating Closing Costs
  4. Lowering Refinance Closing Costs

Lender vs. Broker

  1. Types of Lenders

    CURRENT ARTICLE

  2. Applying to Lenders: How Many?
  3. Broker Advantages and Disadvantages
  4. How Loan Offers Make Money

Lender Options

  1. Quicken Loans
  2. Lending Tree
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What Are the Main Types of Mortgage Lenders? (2024)

FAQs

What are the three main types of lenders? ›

The three main types of lenders are:
  • Mortgage brokers (sometimes called "mortgage bankers")
  • Direct lenders (typically banks and credit unions)
  • Secondary Market Lenders (which include Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac)
Apr 10, 2024

What are the three main types of mortgages? ›

The main types of mortgages are conventional loans, government-backed loans, jumbo loans, fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate loans. There are other types of mortgages for specialized purposes, like building or renovating a home or investing in property.

What is the difference between lender A and B lenders? ›

While A lenders look for qualifying credit and income, B lenders focus more on the equity in the home. Often, B lenders will prefer properties in larger urban areas as they consider them more saleable. A lenders cater to customers with good credit scores and reliable income streams.

What are the 4 types of qualified mortgages? ›

There are four types of QMs – General, Temporary, Small Creditor, and Balloon-Payment. Of the four types of QMs, two types – General and Temporary QMs – can be originated by all creditors. The other two types – Small Creditor and Balloon-Payment QMs – can only be originated by small creditors.

What are the 3 C's of mortgage lending? ›

These three essential factors — Credit, Capacity, and Collateral — play a pivotal role in determining your eligibility and terms for a mortgage. Let's delve into each of these C's to unravel the secrets to a successful mortgage application.

Who are the primary lenders? ›

Banks, mortgage brokers, mortgage bankers, and credit unions are all primary lenders and are part of the primary mortgage market.

What is the most common type of mortgage loan? ›

Conventional mortgages are the most common type of mortgage. That said, conventional loans may have different requirements for a borrower's minimum credit score and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio than other loan options.

What are the three types of channels for mortgage lending? ›

Origination Channel is the source through which a mortgage loan is originated, such as retail (direct to consumers), wholesale (through mortgage brokers), or correspondent (lenders fund loans using their own funds).

What is the most commonly used mortgage? ›

Repayment Mortgage

The most common mortgage type, repayment mortgages are the base for the vast majority of other mortgages on the market, regardless of their fancy marketing names and terms.

Is Home Trust an A or B lender? ›

As a B lender, Home Trust offers solutions to borrowers who would otherwise have trouble qualifying for a mortgage due to a poor credit score, limited credit history or insufficient proof of income.

Why use a mortgage lender instead of a bank? ›

Because mortgage lenders make loans directly, they are able to offer more flexible eligibility requirements. Local banks often have fewer mortgage options and much more stringent lending guidelines than mortgage lenders.

Is it better to borrow from a bank or a lending company? ›

Banks typically offer better rates and the added security of working with a well-established lender, but online lenders are often quicker and easier to qualify with. The best option for you depends on your finances and funding needs.

What are the four C's of mortgage lending? ›

Meet the Fantastic Four - the 4 C's: Capacity, Credit, Collateral, and Capital. These titans hold the power to make or break your dream of homeownership. They're the guardians of mortgage approval, keeping a watchful eye on every aspect of your financial life.

What are the two types of mortgages? ›

There are two main types of mortgages: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. Each mortgage comes with its own set of features and benefits for you to consider. Fixed-Rate Mortgage: This mortgage type has an interest rate that stays the same for the life of the loan.

What is the 3% qm rule? ›

Mandatory product feature requirements for all QMs

Points and fees are less than or equal to 3% of the loan amount (for loan amounts less than $100k, higher percentage thresholds are allowed); • No risky features like negative amortization, interest-only, or balloon loans (BUT NOTE: balloon.

What are the 3 forms of financing? ›

The three sources of finance
  • Short-term financing.
  • Medium-term financing. In relation to medium-term sources of finance, a business may take out a bank loan. ...
  • Long-term financing. Longer-term funding offers the cheapest borrowing terms for businesses.

What are the three types of lending institutions? ›

They are commercial banks, thrifts (which include savings and loan associations and savings banks) and credit unions. These three types of institutions have become more like each other in recent decades, and their unique identities have become less distinct.

What are the three most common types of loans? ›

Mortgages. Auto Loans. School or College Loans.

What are the 3's of credit that lenders look for? ›

Students classify those characteristics based on the three C's of credit (capacity, character, and collateral), assess the riskiness of lending to that individual based on these characteristics, and then decide whether or not to approve or deny the loan request.

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