Uncategorized May 5, 2025

Best Mortgage Lenders in San Francisco (2025 Guide for Homebuyers)

Buying a home in San Francisco is exciting! But finding a mortgage loan can feel hard. SF home prices are high. So, you might need a special type of loan, like a jumbo loan. Therefore, choosing the right San Francisco mortgage lender is very important.

 

This guide lists some good mortgage companies for SF homebuyers in 2025. Also, we picked them based on things like good customer service, different loan choices, fair rates, and easy websites.

 

However, remember this important point: Loan rates and programs change often. So, this list is just a start. Therefore, always get official Loan Estimates from a few lenders to compare. And also, talk with a financial advisor or mortgage expert for help specific to you.

 

Good Mortgage Lenders for SF Homebuyers in 2025

So, here are some respected lenders to check out in 2025. Furthermore, they include big banks, online companies, and others.

 

Big Banks with SF Offices

Wells Fargo

    • About: Wells Fargo is a very large bank. And it has many branches in SF. In addition, they offer lots of loan types.
    • Loans: For example, Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, and more.
    • Good Parts: First, they have many local offices for help. Also, it’s a known company. Plus, they have a good website to track your loan. Finally, maybe discounts if you bank there.
    • Best for: People who want a famous bank with local branches. Also, good if you need many loan choices.

 

Bank of America

    • About: This is another big bank with lots of SF branches. Also, they offer good rates and different loan programs.
    • Loans: For instance, Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA. They also have grant programs that might help with costs (so, check if you qualify).
    • Good Parts: First, local offices are easy to find. Plus, member rewards might lower costs. And they have good online tools.
    • Best for: Current BofA customers. Or buyers looking for grant help. Also, good if you like having local branches.

 

Chase Bank

    • About: Chase is a big bank with SF branches too. And they offer many loan types and easy-to-use online tools.
    • Loans: Like Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA. Also, loans that need only a small down payment.
    • Good Parts: First, they have a good website and app. Also, there are possible discounts for Chase customers. Plus, they offer lots of loan options.
    • Best for: Chase bank users. Or buyers who want good online tools and local offices too.

 

Online Mortgage Companies

SoFi

    • About: SoFi is an online finance company. And it often serves working professionals.
    • Loans: They offer loans like Conventional and Jumbo. Sometimes, with no setup fees (origination fees).
    • Good Parts: First, the online loan process is easy. Also, there are possible benefits for members. Plus, they often have good rates.
    • Best for: People comfortable doing everything online. Also, good for those with strong finances.

 

Guaranteed Rate

    • About: This is a large mortgage company known for easy online tools. However, they also have some offices.
    • Loans: For example, Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA loans.
    • Good Parts: They focus on being fast and easy online. Also, their website is good. Plus, they have many loan types.
    • Best for: Homebuyers who want a quick, tech-friendly loan process most.

 

Redfin Mortgage

    • About: This is the loan part of the Redfin real estate company. So, they try to link buying a home and getting a loan.
    • Loans: Including Conventional, Jumbo, FHA loans.
    • Good Parts: It may be easier if using a Redfin agent. Also, they focus on speed and online use. And they often advertise good rates.
    • Best for: People using Redfin to find a home. Or buyers who like fast online service.

 

Movement Mortgage

    • About: Movement is a lender known for trying to close loans quickly. Plus, they also have some offices.
    • Loans: Such as Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, USDA loans.
    • Good Parts: Their main focus is speed. They also aim for good customer service.
    • Best for: Buyers who need to close fast. Also, good for those who want good service.

 

Lenders Known for Service

Caliber Home Loans

    • About: Caliber is a national lender known for good customer service. Also, they offer both online tools and help from real people.
    • Loans: Including Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA. They are also good for home repair loans (renovation loans).
    • Good Parts: Often, they get high marks for service. Plus, they offer online and personal help. And they have many loan types.
    • Best for: Buyers who want personal help and support.

 

Other Options

LendingTree

    • About: First, remember this is not a direct lender. Instead, it’s a website. Here, you can compare offers from many lenders.
    • Loans: It depends on the lenders using the site.
    • Good Parts: It lets you easily compare rates from different places.
    • Best for: People who want to shop around easily. But be ready for many lenders to contact you.

 

Pacific Private Money

    • About: Next, note this is a private lender, not a bank. So, it’s different. Specifically, they give short-term loans based on property value. These loans are often for people who can’t get regular bank loans.
    • Loans: For example, short-term “bridge” loans or loans for fixing up houses.
    • Good Parts: It can be faster than banks. Also, it cares less about credit scores. Plus, it can work for special situations.
    • Best for: Investors. Or people needing short-term cash fast. Also, for those denied by banks. However, rates and fees are usually much higher. So, be very careful and understand everything first.

 

How to Pick the Best SF Lender for You

How do you choose? Well, think about these things:

  • First, Interest Rates & APR: Compare the APR (Annual Percentage Rate). Because the APR includes fees, it’s a better comparison number. Also, remember, rates change daily.
  • Second, Fees: Look at all the fees. For instance, setup fees (origination), points, appraisal costs. The Loan Estimate paper lists these clearly.
  • Third, Loan Types: Do they offer the loan you need? (Like Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA?)
  • Fourth, Customer Service: Read reviews online. Also, do you want help online, by phone, or face-to-face?
  • Fifth, Closing Time: How fast can they finish the loan? Because this matters in SF’s fast market.
  • Sixth, Online Tools: Is their website or app easy to use?
  • Seventh, Local Knowledge: Do they understand SF’s market? (For example, TIC loans or condo rules?)

Pro Tip: Get pre-approved by 2 or 3 lenders. Then, compare their official Loan Estimates. Because this paper makes it easy to compare costs. Also, check out local San Francisco credit unions. Or talk to mortgage brokers (they work with many lenders).

 

Conclusion: Find Your Best Fit

Overall, choosing the right mortgage lender for your San Francisco home takes some homework. What’s most important to you? For example, is it the lowest rate? Or the fastest closing? Maybe the easiest website? Or perhaps friendly help?

 

Therefore, compare offers carefully using the Loan Estimate paper. Also, read reviews. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Furthermore, talking with an experienced San Francisco real estate agent or an independent mortgage broker can also give you great advice. Good luck!

 

(Disclaimer): This guide gives general information only. So, it is not financial or legal advice. Rules and rates can change. Therefore, always talk to a qualified financial advisor or mortgage professional about your own situation.