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Best Denver Mortgage Lenders of 2024

Review Updated
Dana George
By: Dana George

Our Mortgages Expert

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

There are so many mortgage lenders serving the Denver area. How can you know if you're working with the right one? Here, we lay out five of our favorite mortgage lenders, what we like about them, and what you can expect as you apply for a loan.

Best for: Best for unique mortgages

Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Bottom Line

Unique, innovative lender with creative mortgages and bridge loans. Outstanding customer service ratings.

Min. Credit Score

  • 620

Min. Down Payment

  • 0%

Key Features

Offers a wide range of mortgage options, including a mortgage designed for people who work in the cannabis industry.

Loan Types

  • Conventional
  • FHA
  • VA
  • USDA
  • Jumbo

Fixed Rate Terms

  • 10 - 30 years

Adjustable Rate Terms

  • 10 - 30 years

Best for: Best for its online digital platform:

Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Bottom Line

Guaranteed Rate does a great job with ease of usability, offering comprehensive loan information during your research phase, plus the option to securely upload and digitally sign loan documents when you're ready to apply. The lender publishes its rates for their different loans online, making it easy to compare options.

Min. Credit Score 580 FHA 600 VA and FHA 620 Conventional

  • 550-680

Min. Down Payment

  • 3%

Key Features

  • Customer-friendly website
  • Technology to ease the process
  • Neighborhood data

Loan Types

  • Conventional
  • FHA
  • VA
  • USDA
  • Jumbo
  • Interest Only

Fixed Rate Terms

  • 30y, 15y

Adjustable Rate Terms

  • 5/1, 7/1 10/1

Best for: Best for variety of loan options

Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Bottom Line

PennyMac specializes in government mortgages like VA and FHA loans. PennyMac offers rate transparency, online only help, flexible loan terms, and a rate guaranteed to beat competitors. PennyMac is a great place for people to start looking for a mortgage.

Min. Credit Score 500 FHA 620 other mortgage products

  • 500-620

Min. Down Payment

  • 3%

Key Features

  • 100% online application
  • Instant rate estimates
  • Flexible terms
  • No lender fee

Loan Types

  • Conventional
  • FHA
  • VA
  • USDA
  • Jumbo

Fixed Rate Terms

  • 30y, 20y, 15y (some customized terms are available)

Adjustable Rate Terms

  • 10/6, 7/6, 5/6
Check Rates for Veterans United

On Veterans United's Secure Website.


Best for: Best for members of the military and their familie

Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Bottom Line

The fact that it is the largest VA home lender speaks volumes. Veterans United specializes in VA loans for military members, and offers 24/7 customer service over the phone as well as free credit counseling service. But Veterans United also offers an array of terms and loan products, in addition to competitive rates.

Min. Credit Score

  • 620

Min. Down Payment

  • 0%-5.0%

Key Features

  • Online approval process
  • No required down payment

Loan Types

  • VA

Fixed Rate Terms

  • 30y, 25y, 20y

Adjustable Rate Terms

  • N/A
LenderFi

Best for: Best for no lender fees:

Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
= Good
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Bottom Line

A great pick to consider for an online-only application experience. We also appreciate LenderFi's approach to cutting rates and fees.

Min. Credit Score

  • 620

Min. Down Payment 0% (FHA and VA loans) 3.5% (FHA)

  • 0% - 3.5%

Key Features

  • No Lender Fees
  • Search Rates 24/7 with No Personal Info
  • Instant Online Approval
  • Less Paperwork

Loan Types

  • Conventional
  • FHA
  • VA
  • Jumbo

Fixed Rate Terms

  • 30y, 25y, 20y, 15y, 10y

Adjustable Rate Terms

  • 10/1, 7/1, 5/1

Mortgage Maestro Group

This Denver mortgage company receives praise from customers. In addition to traditional mortgages, Mortgage Maestro Group offers Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) loans with down payment assistance, and special loans for cannabis industry employees.

Guaranteed Rate

Guaranteed Rate's robust online digital platform makes it easy to buy or refinance a loan from the comfort of home. The lender also offers a library of online tools to help educate and empower home buyers. Plus, Guaranteed Rate can close most loans in as little as 10 days, helping make it one of the best mortgage lenders in Denver.

PennyMac

As the second-largest lender in the U.S., PennyMac has the process down pat. From application to closing, home buyers are guided through the process. With tons of happy customers vouching for it, PennyMac is a safe bet for any Denver buyer.

Veterans United Home Loans

Veterans United is not a one-trick pony. Though it's designed for veterans, it offers far more than just VA loans. One of the best things about this lender is the way it provides customer advocates from every branch of the military to make sure customers are treated the way they want to be treated. From the time they apply for a mortgage to the day they sit down to close on a home, home buyers know they aren't alone.

LenderFi

California-based mortgage lender LenderFi operates in 45 states, including Colorado. What we especially like about the company is the way it spells out the fees (and other details) associated with a mortgage loan before ever running your credit. And a big draw for LenderFi is that it charges no lender fees, a perk seldom found in mortgage companies.

How do I choose the best mortgage lender for me?

You know you've found the best Denver mortgage lender when you land a loan that is bound to save you money over the years. But a good lender offers more than savings. Here are some other traits to be on the lookout for:

  • A lender that's happy to explain the loan process to you
  • A lender that's transparent, letting you know the total amount you'll pay
  • A lender that answers your questions in a timely manner
  • A lender that offers both a low interest rate and minimal fees

How do I get approved for a home loan in Denver?

Being approved for a Denver mortgage is a stressful time for some. You can minimize the stress by following these steps.

  1. Order a free copy of your credit reports. Each year, you're allowed one free copy from each of the "Big Three" credit reporting agencies -- Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Order all three online through annualcreditreport.com. Once you receive them, go over each carefully, looking for mistakes. If you find a mistake, dispute it with the credit reporting agency in question. Even a tiny mistake can lower your credit score, so get any errors cleared up before it's time to apply.
  2. If your credit score is low, take steps to boost it before applying for a mortgage. It may take a while, but a higher credit score can save you thousands of dollars over the life of a mortgage.
  3. Gather all needed documents in one place. That way, when a lender asks to see your last tax return or W-2s for the last two years, you'll be ready. While you're getting your records together, also make a list of your outstanding debts. The lender will want to know how many financial obligations you have each month.
  4. Shop mortgage lenders. If you're worried that checking around will harm your credit score, you have nothing to worry about. Yes, your credit score will be dinged a bit by a hard credit inquiry, but as long as you do all loan shopping within a two-week period, all inquiries will be lumped together as one hard check.
  5. Provide lenders with any documents requested in a timely manner. The faster you get supporting documents to the lender, the faster they can process your application.
  6. Once you've been approved, compare offers. Look at everything, from the APR (this is the "true" cost of the loan), to the fees each lender charges to find which loan can save the most money.

What credit score do I need for a mortgage in Denver?

Depending on the type of loan, it's possible to be approved for a mortgage with a credit score as low as 580 to 620. The problem with being approved for a mortgage with the lowest possible score is that you'll pay more due to a higher interest rate. If you're able, take the time to build your credit score before applying.

How much is a down payment for a home in Denver?

The amount you'll pay for a down payment depends entirely on the loan type. For example, a VA loan requires 0% down and an FHA loan requires a minimum of 3.5% down. Buyers who put 20% or more down on a mortgage loan are not required to pay monthly mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is a fee you pay to the mortgage company. The lender uses the fee to purchase insurance from a third party. That way, if you default on your loan, the lender can recoup the loss.

What home-buyer programs does Denver offer?

While some home-buyer programs are state-wide, others are offered specifically by the county. Here's a sample of the types of programs available in 2022:

  • Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) -- down payment assistance
  • Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Housing

What else do I need to know about buying a home in Denver?

Denver is a popular city, and as such, housing prices can soar. Try not to get so caught up in a buying frenzy that you're willing to spend more than you should. And think twice before sacrificing your financial security. Before house hunting, run the numbers to learn how much you can afford and stick to your budget.

If the current market is a little too hot for you, it's okay to wait. Waiting it out means more time to gather a larger down payment and to choose the lender that best fits your needs.

Lender Best For Next Steps
Graphic of Mortgage Maestro Group
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best For

Best for unique mortgages

Graphic of Guaranteed Rate Mortgage
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best For

Best for its online digital platform:

Graphic of PennyMac Mortgage
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
4.5/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best For

Best for variety of loan options

Graphic of Veterans United
Veterans United
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best For

Best for members of the military and their familie

Check Rates for Veterans United

On Veterans United's Secure Website.

Graphic of LenderFi
LenderFi
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.0 out of 5 stars.
4.0/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Best For

Best for no lender fees:

FAQs

  • Where you buy in Denver is a personal decision with no one-size-fits-all answer. The answer will likely include an area you can afford, near people and attractions you like having around.

  • According to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors in March, the average price for a single family Denver home was just shy of $740,000.

  • While it's a negotiable expense, it's typically the home seller who pays title insurance in Denver.

Our Mortgages Expert