Optimum First Mortgage Mortgage Review 2021
Please note: In response to the coronavirus pandemic, lenders are changing their requirements continuously. Although we strive for accuracy at the time of publication, please be sure to check with the lender for updated details on down payments, credit scores, etc.
At a glance
NMLS: 240415
State License: MC-6741
3.6
Bankrate Score
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Find my best matchesLoans offered
Fixed-rate, adjustable-rate (ARM), FHA, VA, HARP 2.0, biweekly mortgages, reverse mortgages, stated-income mortgages; refinancingNationwide availability
Available in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and WashingtonMin. credit score required
620 for conventional loansPros and cons
Pros
- Wide range of mortgage product choices
- Online loan applications with help from mortgage loan officers
- No layering on top of loan program requirements
- Strong applicant approval
Cons
- Not available in all states
Optimum First Mortgage overview
Optimum First Mortgage is a highly-rated mortgage lender, doing business in 14 states, that has originated more than 20,000 loans. The lender boasts a "Lifetime Rate Protection Guarantee," which allows borrowers to refinance eligible existing loans with the lender, with zero closing costs, if interest rates become lower over the course of their loan term. According to the lender, the majority of its mortgages are funded within 20 days. Established in 2008, Optimum First Mortgage is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California. It has two other branch offices in Maricopa, Arizona, and San Antonio, Texas.
Loan types
- Fixed-rate
- Adjustable-rate (ARM)
- FHA
- VA
- HARP 2.0
- Biweekly mortgages
- Reverse mortgages
- Stated-income mortgages
- Refinancing
Lender fees
Optimum First Mortgage does not provide lender fee information on its website.
Minimum borrower requirements
Optimum First Mortgage adheres to the conforming loan requirements for mortgages approved by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as those backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
For conventional loans, key requirements include good credit (typically a FICO score of 620 or higher). Depending on the loan, a minimum down payment of 3 percent is required.
Government requirements for FHA and VA loans are detailed here:
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Optimum First Mortgage consumer reviews
5.0
441 reviews
Customer service rating
99% of reviews would recommend this lender
0 of 0 rates honored
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The consumer reviews posted on Bankrate.com ("Bankrate") are individual, subjective opinions of reviewers, and not of Bankrate. Bankrate does not endorse any of the opinions expressed by reviewers or any responses to reviews.
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.
Smooth transaction
Ed S. | Murrieta, CA | 1/21/2020
In both of our previous transactions it was a smooth process, and the timeline provided us via email kept us informed every step of the way...giving us a feeling of more control over the transaction. If there were ever any unknowns or hiccups, they were disclosed to us promptly and we were provided ...
Tops in Customer Service - Optimum First Mortgage
Bill Kurata | Santa Rosa | 1/21/2020
Refinanced twice through this group after countless other Mortgage firms and this was simple, quick and a great staff. They cared about you and getting the right rate at the right price. Britney Velasquez was on top of our loan, communicating through each phase.
Great Experience
Nate | Idaho | 1/28/2020
I've refinanced twice through Optimum First and it has been a very smooth process each time. Thomas Doney was great to work with. Very communicative and efficient. Was a relatively easy process each time compared to other institutions I've dealt with in the past. I would highly recommend getting a m...
Great Refinance Rates and Experience
Carol | CA | 1/28/2020
We have used Optimum First Mortgage several times and worked with Cody Deni each time. He has helped us get a great rate at a low cost. We just closed a refi in 20 days and received a great rate on a 30 year loan. Cody is awesome to work with and I would highly recommend everyone to give him a ca...
Excellent Rate, Value, and Experiance
Scott | Chicago, IL | 2/2/2020
Peter DiFerdinand and Optimum First was a pleasure to work with. After this experience, there is no reason to look elsewhere. See the title of my review - what more could you want!
Fantastic Experience!
Kelly Robinson | Daly City | 2/6/2020
After struggling for months with major banks for what they described as a unique case; a cash out refi for buyout, Thomas came to rescue and got me approved and refinanced in no time! Thomas provided constant updates with excellent communication, walked me through the process and seamlessly executed...
Great Experience and Professionalism
Ray Morales | redlands | 2/12/2020
I had the pleasure of refinancing my house twice with Thomas Doney and it was a great experience. After years trying to refinance my house Thomas made it easy and a smooth transition. I would recommend anyone to the gentleman.
Quick and easy, the way it should be
Ryan | Bay Area, California | 2/25/2020
Shopped around not for a good rate (everyone had that last month) rather for a good loan agent. My wife and I have had some real PIA agents in the past that always acted like they were doing us a favor. Calvin Lee made the process as easy as it should be. Clear communication and accommodating to ...
Optimum First
Kellie W | Orange County Ca | 3/11/2020
Optimum First is a pleasure to work with! I have used them three times and Thomas Doney was my rep all three times and was absolutely amazing! He is very professional and quick to respond to any questions. I highly recommend using Optimum and requesting Thomas! I would give home 5 stars!
Very happy customer
Taryn Orellana | Temecula | 3/18/2020
We worked with Peter DiFerdinand and he was exceptional. Always kept us informed of the process of our loan package. We have worked with him a few times before for our mortgage needs and also referred family to him. He is very professional and a great pleasure to work with! Thank you Peter!