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Optimum First Mortgage doesn’t operate everywhere, but in the states where it does offer loans, the lender provides the standard slate of loan options, plus flexible mortgage terms and solutions for self-employed borrowers. You’ll have to connect with a loan officer directly to get preapproved, however, rather than complete a simpler online preapproval process.
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Loans offered
Conventional, FHA, VA, refinancing
Min. credit score required
620 for conventional loans
Nationwide availability
17 states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas
Min. down payment
3% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans, none for VA loans
NMLS: 240415
State License: 01525044
4.1
Bankrate Score
Loans offered
Conventional, FHA, VA, refinancing
Nationwide Availability
17 states, including California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas
Min. credit score required
620 for conventional loans
Optimum First Mortgage offers loans in 17 states and has originated more than 21,000 mortgages since its founding. If you’re eligible, you can receive a same-day preapproval, and the lender guarantees on-time closings in as little as 10 days. In addition to offering above-average closing speeds, the lender sets itself apart with some unique loan offerings. Its fixed-rate loans come in a variety of terms: eight-, 10-, 12-, 15-, 20-, 22-, 27- and 30-year options. Optimum First might also be a good option for self-employed borrowers, as the lender offers stated-income loans. It is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, with branches in Caldwell, Idaho, and Scottsdale, Arizona.
Lifetime Rate Protection Guarantee eliminates closing costs if you refinance at a later date
Wide range of loan terms available
Issues credits to offset lender fees in most cases
Only available in 17 states
Optimum First Mortgage doesn’t operate everywhere, but in the states where it does offer loans, the lender provides the standard slate of loan options, plus flexible mortgage terms and solutions for self-employed borrowers. You’ll have to connect with a loan officer directly to get preapproved, however, rather than complete a simpler online preapproval process.
Optimum First Mortgage doesn’t display mortgage rates on its website; however, you can request a quote by filling out a form online with a few details including loan amount, property value, loan type and credit history. The lender aims to help you avoid fees by issuing credits, which either offset or completely reimburse your costs.
Optimum First Mortgage provides mortgages to borrowers in 17 states. If you’re located in one of the lender’s service areas, you’ll have access to a range of options, including conventional and some government-backed loans, along with flexible loan terms.
Optimum First Mortgage has been in business since 2009, with more than $10 billion in funded loans under its belt. The lender is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating from the organization. The lender’s website includes calculators to help you estimate monthly payments, determine whether you should pay points and understand potential tax benefits and other questions about buying a home. There’s no simple preapproval or prequalification option online, but you can easily request to connect with a loan officer to get one. The lender’s online application portal allows for easy document uploading, but there’s no option for e-signing at closing. (It’s done with a traditional, in-person notary.)
You can apply for a mortgage with Optimum First Mortgage in person at a branch location, online or by phone at 877-816-7846. You can contact the lender Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. Here are some tips to prepare for the process:
Optimum First Mortgage offers rate-and-term refinancing options.
Optimum First’s Lifetime Rate Protection Guarantee program lets borrowers refinance starting six months after they close on the original mortgage. This option could be quicker and cheaper than refinancing with another lender — but as with any mortgage, be sure to compare offers before pulling the trigger.
Optimum First also has a Close On Time Guarantee – it offers to pay $1,000 if it blows a deadline. However, the guarantee comes with some fine print.
NMLS: 240415
State License: 01525044
5.0
831 ratings
This lender has 136 recent reviews.
99% of customers would recommend this lender.
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To help serve you with relevant information, the consumer reviews shown below are limited to only those that this advertiser has received during the past 12 months.
Rates and terms of loan honored?
Closed mortgage with this lender?
Closed on time?
Would you recommend this lender?
Rates and terms of loan honored?
Closed mortgage with this lender?
Closed on time?
Would you recommend this lender?