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Guild Mortgage Review 2022
Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
Guild Mortgage is an independent mortgage lender based in San Diego and founded in 1960. The company has retail branches in 31 states, but plans to expand to all 50 states in the long term. Mortgage loans are available in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
Who is this lender for?
- First-time homebuyers
- People wanting a low or no down payment
- Military servicemembers and veterans seeking a VA loan
- Families buying in rural areas
- People fixing up their homes
- Seniors wanting to tap their home equity in retirement
- Families needing to buy a new home before selling their old one
9/10 LendingTree’s mortgage lender rating
LendingTree’s mortgage lender rating is based on a 10-point scoring system that factors in several features, including digital application and closing processes, available loan products and online and in-person accessibility. LendingTree’s editorial team calculates each rating.
= 1 pt = 0 pts
- Application online: Yes
- Product info online: Yes
- Rates listed online: No
- Helpful articles about mortgages and homebuying: Yes
- Standard product offerings: Yes
- Special programs: Yes
- Info about how to qualify for products offered online: Yes
- E-closing availability: Yes
- Licensed in at least 35 states: Yes
- After-hours and weekend access to loan officers: Yes
Guild Mortgage pros and cons
Pros
Zero down payment options. Guild Mortgage offers VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment, but also has a special FHA loan program with a zero down payment feature.
Long rate-lock option. You can lock your interest rate for as long as 90 days through Guild Mortgage’s “Lock and Shop” program. This includes a one-time option to float your rate down if rates fall.
E-closing options available. You may be able to close on your loan electronically using Guild Mortgage’s eClose option, though this isn’t available on all loans or in all states.
Cons
Rates not posted online. Guild Mortgage doesn’t post current mortgage rates online, making it more difficult if you’re in the early stages of shopping for a loan.
Loan officers not in all states. While mortgages are available in nearly all areas, Guild Mortgage only has retail operations in 31 states (primarily on the West Coast).
No home equity loans available. If you want to tap your home equity through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), you won’t be able to do so with Guild.
Guild Mortgage borrowing requirements
| Minimum credit score | 540 for FHA loans and USDA loans 620 for conventional loans |
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Guild Mortgage mortgage rates and fees
Guild Mortgage doesn’t publish current mortgage rates online, nor does it disclose its lender fees. You’ll need to speak with a loan officer to find out what you might qualify for. Guild Mortgage estimates that closing costs will range between 2% and 5% of the purchase price, and offers a cash-to-close calculator to give you a better sense of what you might pay at the closing table.
Guild Mortgage mortgage products
Purchase and refinance
Guild Mortgage offers conventional loans with a down payment as low as 3% for borrowers with a 620 credit score or higher. Conventional loans are available with fixed or adjustable rates.
Government loan programs include FHA loans, VA loans and USDA loans. Traditional FHA loans are available with a credit score as low as 540 and down payment as low as 3.5%, though federal rules require a 10% down payment with a credit score below 580.
VA loans have no set minimum credit score and zero down payment for qualified borrowers. USDA loans also don’t require a down payment for families that meet income requirements and are buying in rural areas. A 540 credit score is required for USDA loans.
Guild Mortgage also offers renovation loans and manufactured home loans.
Special programs
Guild Mortgage’s FHA Zero Down program allows people with credit scores of 640 or higher to buy a home with no down payment, either as a first-time homebuyer or repeat buyer. An FHA loan covers the standard 96.5% of the home value, while a second mortgage covers the down payment and closing costs. The second mortgage may be forgivable.
Bridge loans are also available to cover the down payment on a new home for borrowers who need to wait to sell their old home. Loan amounts must be between $40,000 and $300,000, and this loan must be repaid within six months.
Reverse mortgages are available through Guild Mortgage for seniors with a paid-off home or significant equity.
How does Guild Mortgage compare to other lenders?
| Guild Mortgage | BMO Harris Bank | Alliant Credit Union | |
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| Lender review | BMO Harris Bank | Alliant Credit Union |