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Loan Depot In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: loanDepot mortgage provides fixed, adjustable, VA, and FHA loans as well as refinancing across all 50 states.
Loan Depot In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: loanDepot mortgage provides fixed, adjustable, VA, and FHA loans as well as refinancing across all 50 states.
Loan Depot In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: loanDepot mortgage provides fixed, adjustable, VA, and FHA loans as well as refinancing across all 50 states.
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Overview

As one of the largest mortgage lenders in the United States, loanDepot provides retail mortgage loans and refinancing with fixed and adjustable rates across all 50 states. Prospective borrowers can visit one of the 200+ offices across the nation or handle the entire lending process online through the company’s website.

loanDepot promotes its smooth lending process and knowledgeable customer support. They offer flexible eligibility requirements, particularly on FHA. Even those with credit of 580 or higher and downpayment of 3.5% could still qualify for a mortgage. What customers get in convenience, they lose in fees, as loanDepot mortgages tend to charge higher rates.

Types of Loans/Products

LoanDepot offers a range of mortgage products to fit your needs and budget. They offer flexible repayment options on conventional fixed and adjustable rate mortgages, potentially up to 40 years in some cases.

loanDepot mortgage is also authorized to provide VA loans for veterans as well as FHA loans with as little as 3.5% required in downpayment. In addition, loanDepot offers refinancing options for current homeowners as well as home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).

Loan Requirements

Credit required: 580+

Down payments: 3.5% for FHA loans, 10%-20% for conventional loans

Loan terms: 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 year

Origination fees: 1%-5% origination fees

Who is eligible: 18+ years, US citizen or permanent resident

Eligibility Process

The loanDepot website allows customers to handle the entire application process online. Before applying, you can get an estimate of your mortgage rate with the online mortgage calculator.

loanDepot mortgage loans has certain requirements for all applicants. All borrowers must be 18 years or older, except in Alabama or Nebraska which sets the age requirement to 19. In addition, applicants must be a US citizen or documented US permanent resident, have a verifiable income, have a verifiable bank account, and have a valid e-mail address. If you are self-employed, you may need to submit additional verification documents and proof of income.

In order to apply, you’ll need to provide your name, email address, date of birth, address, and email address. If you decide to accept a loan, you’ll also need to provide additional information such as your Social Security number, bank account details, and employment information.

Fees & Rates

loanDepot mortgage fees and rates depend on several factors. loanDepot will consider your credit profile such as credit bureau reports, payment history, outstanding debt, and credit scores.

Their traditional fixed and adjustable rate mortgages typically require a down payment of 10% to 20%. In some cases, you could put as little as 3.5% down for their FHA program. But, keep in mind that putting less money down may require you to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) each month.

In general, loanDepot mortgage rates typically run above Bankrate’s averages. They can charge origination fees, although they promise to waive fees for returning customers looking to refinance. Those who qualify could also receive up to $4,500 back at closing if you work with an affiliated real estate agent and meet their qualifying criteria.

Repayment Terms

With loanDepot mortgages, you can choose from both fixed and adjustable rate loans. Repayment terms include 10 year, 15 year, 20 year, 30 year, and 40 year terms. Prior to applying, prospective borrowers can get an idea of what to expect in monthly payments and rates by using the online mortgage calculator.

Customer Support

If you need to reach support, you can do so by email at customercare@loandepot.com or by phone at (888) 983-3240. Support is available Monday through Friday from 08:00 am - 10:00 pm (EST) and on Saturdays from 11:00 am - 06:00 pm (EST). Their website features plenty of free resources online including a mortgage calculator, home purchase guides, and helpful articles.

In business for over 14 years, loanDepot offers online services as well as in-person lending support across the country. loanDepot also received an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.

So what do customers have to say about their experience with loanDepot? On Trustpilot, loanDepot earned an impressive overall rating of 4.26 out of 5 stars out of thousands of reviews. Customers love the “reliability, efficiency, and genuine customer care.” Others report a positive experience and a smooth lending process.

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Pros
  • Basic mortgage information is available without a signup
  • Viewing additional loan types is easy thanks to the simple layout
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Cons
  • Difficult to find mortgage offers without various adjustments
  • Income statements are required for some loan information
FAQs About Reverse Mortgages
Have some questions about how reverse mortgages work? These helpful FAQs can clarify some of your confusion and guide you to make the right decision.
What happens if the loan exceeds the home’s value?
A reverse mortgage is a nonrecourse loan, meaning it does not allow the lender to pursue anything other than the collateral. Even if the housing market plummets or your loan balance grows unexpectedly, you’re protected. If the loan ever surpasses your property’s worth, the extra amount is forgiven.
Can I leave my home to my heirs?
Yes, you can leave your home to your heirs with a reverse mortgage. However, keep in mind that they will be responsible for settling any remaining debt, either by paying it off, selling the home, or turning it over to the bank.
Are reverse mortgage funds taxable?
No — typically the money that you receive from a reverse mortgage is not taxable. Nor, will it impact your Social Security or Medicare benefits.
What if I want to refinance or pay off my reverse mortgage?
If you have enough cash on hand to pay off the loan, you can go ahead and do so. If you don’t have the cash, you can also turn to a different form of financing to pay off the reverse mortgage balance. This could include a cash-out refinance, home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), or even a personal loan.
Can I use a reverse mortgage for a second home?
Yes, in most cases you can use the funding you receive from your reverse mortgage as you see fit, including a second home.
Is a Reverse Mortgage Right for You?
A reverse mortgage offers a powerful financial tool for senior homeowners, offering a way to access your home equity without selling. It can help supplement retirement income, pay for medical bills, or fund home improvements. However, it’s important to understand that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. With various payment options, types of reverse mortgages, and associated costs, consider your long-term financial goals before committing.

Before moving forward, take the time to explore all options, understand the fine print, and consult with a trusted lender. Use the comparison tools to find a lender that meets your needs and budget. That way, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial future.
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