Optimum First Mortgage Review 2026

Optimum First Mortgage overview

Optimum First Mortgage was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, with branches in Caldwell, Idaho and Scottsdale, Arizona. It currently offers loans in 15 states and has originated more than 30,000 mortgages since its founding. The lender prioritizes speed — including same-day preapprovals — and offers a $1,000 payment if borrowers’ loans don’t close on time. In addition, it provides stated-income loans, which can be a good fit for self-employed borrowers. 

Pros and cons of Optimum First Mortgage

How Bankrate scored Optimum First Mortgage

Affordability: 5 stars

Optimum First Mortgage’s rates tend to be lower than Bankrate averages, and the lender offers a few low-down-payment loan options. 

• Interest rates: As of this review, Optimum First’s mortgage rates were well below the overall market average, based on Bankrate data.
• Down payment: For qualified borrowers, Optimum First offers VA loans with no down payment, FHA loans with a minimum 3.5 percent down and conventional loans with a minimum 5 percent down. Note that many lenders offer conventional loans for 3 percent down.
• Closing costs: Optimum First allows borrowers to roll closing costs into their loans.

Availability: 4.6 stars

Optimum First has a variety of loan products on offer, but it’s only available in 15 states.

• Home loans offered: Optimum First offers conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA and USDA loans for purchase, as well as refinance options.
• Footprint: Optimum First works with borrowers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington.
• Where to find: You can apply for a mortgage with Optimum First Mortgage online or by phone. The company also has three branch locations in California, Arizona and Idaho.

To help you better understand what types of borrowers are interested in this lender, here’s more information about Bankrate users who submitted a form to this lender through our site:

Borrower experience: 4.4 stars

There are multiple ways to get in touch with Optimum First Mortgage, and the lender provides a lengthier 90-day rate lock, though the standard option is a relatively short 21 days. However, you’ll need to submit a lead form in order to learn what rate you qualify for. 

• Preapproval and application process: You can apply for preapproval or a mortgage with Optimum First online or by phone. The lender’s online application portal allows for easy document uploading.
• Transparency: Optimum First will give you a fully-customized rate quote, but you’ll have to submit your contact information first.
• Customer service: You can reach Optimum First’s customer service team at 877-816-7846, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Optimum First Mortgage reputation

Optimum First Mortgage has been in business since 2009, with more than $12 billion in funded loans under its belt. The lender is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating from the organization.

What Bankrate users say about Optimum First Mortgage

Optimum First Mortgage has earned largely positive reviews from Bankrate borrowers. Borrowers especially appreciate the lender’s low rates and quick closings. Many reviews also mention loan officers by name, remarking on their professionalism, knowledge and strong communication skills.

• Methodology

  To determine a mortgage lender’s Bankrate Score, Bankrate rates lenders on a scale of one (1) to five (5) stars — with five (5) the highest rating — based on a variety of factors relating to the lender’s products and services. To assign our ratings, we assessed each mortgage lender across three core areas:

  • Affordability: Annual percentage rate (APR) - 80%; assistance for first-time homebuyers - 10%; down payment - 10%

  • Availability: Loan products - 50%; licensing - 40%; credit score - 10%

  • Borrower experience: Rate transparency - 35%; customer service - 35%; convenience - 20%; rate locks - 10%; reputation (if applicable)

  Learn more about our methodology.