Keller Mortgage loan at a glance
- Conventional loans: Yes
- FHA loans: Yes
- VA loans: Yes
- Refinancing: Yes
- Jumbo loans: Yes
- Adjustable rates: Unclear
- Fixed rates: Unclear
Keller Mortgage began as an offshoot of the Keller Williams real estate brokerage and is an online-only lender specializing in a variety of home loans. It lends in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Pros
- Offers a good variety of home loan types
- Online preapproval process with competitive offers via Offer Ready program
- Lock and Shop program lets you lock your rate for up to 120 days
Cons
- Loan rates, terms and fees aren’t clear
- Process isn’t entirely online
5 things to know about a Keller Mortgage loan
Here are some things to consider before applying for a home loan with Keller Mortgage.
1. A variety of home loans available
Keller Mortgage offers quite a few mortgage options, including conventional loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, jumbo loans and VA loans. Since it’s licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, these loans are accessible to people throughout the country.
Keller Mortgage also offers mortgage refinancing options, including cash-out refinances. The minimum for a home loan is $65,000.
2. Long rate lock potential
Keller also offers a Lock and Shop program, which lets you lock in your mortgage rate for up to 120 days as you shop for your dream home. This is longer than what most other mortgage lenders offer. Most lenders offer a 30- to 90-day mortgage rate lock.
It’s also a major stress reliever if rates on home loans are rising. Plus, Keller gives you the option to reset the rate to the current market rate within 60 days after closing if the market rate is lower than your original one.
3. Homebuying process isn’t totally online
Keller’s application begins online, but you’ll need to work with a mortgage loan officer to complete the homebuying process with Keller Mortgage. This can be good for people who enjoy a more hands-on experience. But it’s less ideal for people who prefer the convenience of digital-only lending.
Once you’ve found your dream home, you’ll also typically work with a real estate agent to make an offer on a house.
4. Competitive preapproval program
Keller Mortgage stands out for its preapproval process. Its Offer Ready program provides an underwritten preapproval certificate, which may help you stand out in a competitive housing market. After receiving all required financial documents, Keller says an underwriter will review the completed application within about 24 hours.
5. Lack of transparency
Keller Mortgage’s website isn’t very upfront about exact mortgage details. If you want specific information about refinancing options, terms or mortgage rates, you’ll need to speak to an agent.
Even then, you may need to provide personal information, such as your contact info, to get the details you need.
Who is a Keller Mortgage loan good for?
If you’re ready to buy a home or refinance an existing loan within the next few months, Keller Mortgage may be a good choice. Its preapproval option and mortgage rate lock help streamline the process and cut down on potential stress.
Keller Mortgage’s low down payment options also make it worth considering, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer.
Down payment amounts start as low as 3% for conventional loans or 3.5% for FHA loans. If you’re eligible for a VA or USDA loan, you may be eligible to get a home loan without putting down any money at all.
Jumbo loans require a 20% down payment in most cases, though some people may be eligible for a reduced amount.
How to apply for a Keller Mortgage mortgage
Applying for a home loan or refinancing through Keller Mortgage is fairly easy.
- You’ll need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify for a home loan.
- In the application process, there are a series of prompts to follow, including creating an account and choosing the type of loan you want.
- Be prepared with your financial documents, such as bank statements, pay stubs and recent tax returns. After you submit an application, a loan officer will contact you to discuss your options.
Not sure if Keller Mortgage is right for you? Consider these alternatives.
Whether your application was denied or you want to shop around for other home loan lenders, remember this: You only have a limited period of time where multiple hard credit inquiries only count as one. In most cases, you’ll have around 14 days, though some scoring models give you a few more weeks.
With that in mind, here are a couple of lender options to consider.
- SoFi: SoFi may be worth considering for a home since it also has a longer mortgage rate lock.
- Better Mortgage: This online-only lender also has a streamlined application process and no origination fees.