Zillow Home Loans 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: 10287
4.5
Bankrate Score
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Find my best matchesLoans offered
Conventional, FHA, VA, fixed-rate; refinancing options include rate-and-term, cash-out and VA streamline refinancingNationwide availability
Available in all U.S. states except Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, West Virginia and WyomingMin. credit score required
Minimum credit score requirements not availablePros and cons
Pros
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
- Dedicated loan officer throughout the process
- Online resources including calculators and checklists
- Opportunities to save for borrowers interested in Zillow Offers (either purchasing or selling) or working with a Zillow Premier Agent
Cons
- Can't apply for a loan in-person
- Can’t apply or check loan status through the Zillow home search app
- Doesn’t advertise rates on its website
- No jumbo loans or USDA loans
Zillow Home Loans overview
Zillow Home Loans is a direct mortgage lender affiliated with Zillow Group. The digital lender makes mortgages in most states, but doesn't generally operate from branch locations. To apply for a loan or refinance, you can call or fill out a form on the lender’s website. With conventional, FHA and VA loans on its roster, Zillow Home Loans has fewer options compared to other lenders, but also boasts competitive interest rates on both purchases and refinances. Often, you can get approved in two business days and close in just over 40, which is a shorter timeframe than the average application-to-closing timeline today (as of this review). Zillow Home Loans was renamed in 2019 following Zillow Group’s acquisition of Mortgage Lenders of America the previous year. The lender now has more than 300 employees, including dedicated, experienced loan officers who assist borrowers throughout the home loan process. It is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.
Loan types
- Conventional
- FHA
- VA
- Fixed-rate
- Refinancing
Lender fees
Zillow Home Loans charges an $850 origination fee, and no application fee. Keep in mind there are typically other expenses associated with getting a mortgage, such as an appraisal or credit check fee, that are included in your closing costs. These are charged by third parties involved in the transaction, not the lender.
Zillow Home Loans does offer opportunities for you to save, however. If you’re interested in Zillow Offers — be it buying a Zillow-owned home or selling your home through the program — you could receive a $1,500 credit from the lender, according to a spokesperson. In addition, if you’re in an eligible market and working with a Zillow Premier Agent, you could save up to 1 percent on the transaction, up to $7,000.
Minimum borrower requirements
In general, conventional loans require at least 3 percent down. If you’re borrowing a conventional loan and your down payment is less than 20 percent, you’ll need to pay for private mortgage insurance, which adds to your monthly mortgage payment. FHA loans require at least 3.5 percent down plus FHA mortgage insurance. VA loans, for military members and veterans, don’t have down payment or mortgage insurance requirements, but do have a funding fee.
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Zillow Home Loans consumer reviews
4.9
76 reviews
Customer service rating
97% 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.
Great experience
Brian Karriker | NC | 1/14/2021
Great experience.
Fred Chilton = THE BEST
Cindy A. | Whittier, CA | 1/14/2021
My husband and I refinanced our loan in November and got to work with Fred Chilton on this transaction. From the very first call, you could tell that Fred was different from others. I spoke to other lenders and their Loan Officers sound like used car salespeople, I'm in sales my self and I HATE that...
Amazing Experience
anonymous | VA, USA | 1/14/2021
We worked with Fred Chilton and Susan Li for our refi. They were an amazing team to work with. The entire process, from the first phone call to signing the documents took less than 25 days. Fred and Susan were very patient with us when we asked questions and always got back with an answer in matter ...
"Jake" Waldon Rocks!
Jim Schrader | Missouri | 1/14/2021
Start to finish— everything was smooth as silk. And Jake's easy, relaxed confidence helped make us feel comfortable— at an otherwise very stressful time!
Absolutely incredible!!!
Cheri | Missouri | 1/14/2021
As a former Real Estate agent, I've worked with a huge variety of lenders. Casey is by-far, hands down the most knowledgeable and professional I've ever dealt with. She recently assisted us with my daughters home refinance. Each and every aspect of this process was handled in a precise and timely ma...
Excellent Experience with Arch
Derek From Texas | Rockwall | 1/14/2021
Had a great experience with Arch Wheeler from Zillow. I got a great rate and closed in a few weeks. Arch really got me through the process. Recommend his business!
Outstanding process, feedback and professional
TPJ | FL | 1/14/2021
I was just fishing to see what loan rates were and Paul reached out. From the very first conversation, he was knowledgeable and ready to help. He provided all the needed information and insight for me to make clear decisions and understand the process completely. He put in extra time and effort to g...
Ashor Beno
SandyRainey | ID | 1/14/2021
Then entire process went smoothly. Ashor was very helpful and responsive in a timely manner when I needed his assistance.
Awesome Experience
John Talbert | Paducah, jt | 1/14/2021
Never been an easier or more pleasant experience for refinancing my home. Agent for Zillow, Jennifer Meredith, was exceptional. She “right out of the gate” day one took the time to listen, and understand what we were looking for and ultimately needed. She gave it to us straight away, made som...
Great experience, highly recommended!
Tomm | Phoenix, Az | 1/14/2021
Ben White, and Susan Lim are great at what they do. This refinance was so quick and painless, I still can’t believe it. Good rate, quick process, no stress. We would turn to them for any future home loan needs.