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Zillow Home Loans 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.
You may recognize Zillow as a Seattle-based real estate and rental home marketplace for buying and selling homes, but it also offers home loans. The company acquired Mortgage Lenders of America in 2018 and relaunched it under a new name, Zillow Home Loans, LLC. Its mission: To offer an easier streamlined mortgage experience to customers who also use Zillow to shop for a home.
Who is this lender for?
Zillow Home Loans is a good fit if:
- You want to shop for your home and mortgage through one company’s marketplace
- You’re selling and buying a new home through the Zillow Offers program
- You want a simpler and shortened real estate transaction to buy or sell a home
7.5/10 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 based on a review of information available on the lender’s website. Lenders receive a half-point on the “standard product offerings” criterion if they offer at least two of the four standard loan programs. (Conventional/FHA/VA/USDA). In some cases, additional information was provided by a lender representative
= 1 pt = 0 pts
- Application online
- Product info online
- Rates listed online
- Helpful articles about mortgages/homebuying
- Standard product offerings
- Special programs
- Info about how to qualify for products offered online
- E-closing availability
- Licensed in at least 35 states
- After-hours/weekend access to loan officers
Zillow Home Loans pros and cons
Pros
You can choose from conventional and government-backed loan programs to purchase or refinance your home
You can qualify for a new home before your current home is sold
You may find it easier to buy and home using the Zillow Offers platform
Cons
You’ll need a higher credit score for conventional financing than most lenders require
You won’t find rates or fee information on the website
You’ll need to contact a loan officer to apply for the mortgage — the website doesn’t feature an online application option
Zillow Home Loans borrowing requirements
| Minimum credit score | 580 FHA 680 Conventional 620 VA |
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Zillow Home Loans rates and fees
Zillow Home Loan lists rates on its website, although the interest rate page is hard to find. There is no breakdown on whether there are discount points associated with the quoted rates.
The website features a helpful article about closing costs with a breakout of the estimated range for different types of fees. However, it doesn’t specifically list Zillow Home Loan fees.
Zillow Home Loans products
PURCHASE AND REFINANCE
Zillow Home Loans offers conventional 3% down purchase loans through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. However, the suggested 680 credit score on the website is higher than the standard 620 conventional minimum requirements. Zillow Home Loans also offers loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Military borrowers may be eligible for no-down-payment mortgages guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Loan terms include 15-, 20- and 30-year fixed-rate options for conventional loans, and 15- and 30-year options for FHA and VA loans. No adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) options were found on the lender’s website.
First-time homebuyer programs offered by Zillow Home Loans include conventional loans that require a 3% down payment and a 680 credit score, and an FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment requirement and a credit score as low as 580. Military homebuyers usually need a credit score of 620 for a VA loan.
Special mortgage programs
No special mortgage programs were found on the lender’s website. However, homeowners looking to sell their homes may benefit from Zillow Offers, a platform that makes Zillow the buyer of your home so you can avoid open houses, home staging and other inconveniences tied to the traditional home selling process.
You can also prequalify for a new home with Zillow Home Loans once your Zillow Offer purchase is completed and pick a closing date that fits your work and family schedule.
How does Zillow Homes Loans compare to others?
| Zillow Home Loans | Fairway Independent Mortgage | AmeriSave Mortgage | |
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| Lender Review | Fairway Independent Mortgage | AmeriSave Mortgage |