Wells Fargo Mortgage Loan Review

(January 2025)

In This Article

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: Our Verdict

Wells Fargo is a well-known financial institution that offers a variety of mortgage loan options. They have a long history of providing financial services and a strong market presence.

Wells Fargo provides competitive mortgage rates on a wide range of mortgage products, including conventional loans for manufactured homes and ITIN loans. The bank provides sample rates that are easy to view and lower than those of its competitors. You can get custom quotes online if you provide your contact information.

However, it doesn’t offer home equity loans and mainly lends to you if you’re a Wells Fargo bank and wealth management customer or a borrower in minority communities. These are areas of focus the bank focusses on releasing new mortgages mainly to.

It is interesting to know Wells Fargo Home Mortgage offers home loans for various needs, with a 30-90-day application to closing time and preapproval time varying depending on factors. If you’re a highly qualified borrower, you can receive a priority buyer preapproval letter immediately.

Note that Wells Fargo is a good choice if you want to apply for a mortgage online, and still have the option of visiting in person as they’re available nationwide.

Pros

  • Brand recognition: Wells Fargo, a renowned financial institution, with its reputation, can offer you peace of mind due to its established brand reputation.
  • National presence: Wells Fargo has a nationwide network of branches and numerous in-person mortgage centers where you can apply in person or seek support and assistance during the loan process.
  • Low down payment options: As low as 3% down payment if you’re a qualified borrower. This is of enormous assistance if you’re a low-income borrower.
  • Loyalty programs: Wells Fargo offers a variety of loyalty programs for mortgage loan rewards and discounts. As an existing customer, you’re eligible for discounts.
  • Online tools and resources: Wells Fargo offers online tools and resources for pre-qualification, application tracking, and mortgage account management. Their mortgage rates are displayed online for easy calculations. With its online mortgage applications, you can complete in 30 minutes your mortgage application and a saved in-progress application if you need to walk away.
  • Wide range of loan options: Wells Fargo provides a wide range of mortgage products, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, to cater to your various mortgage situations and needs. The interesting fact is that there’s a loan option for you without Social Security numbers.
  • Competitive interest rates: Wells Fargo offers competitive mortgage rates, allowing you to save money over the loan life with lower rates than other lenders.

Cons

  • Fees and costs: Wells Fargo charges various fees, including origination fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs. You must review these fees and compare them to other lenders. Other charges include late payment fees, private mortgage insurance for low down payments, and early payoff penalties for some loan options.
  • Reputation issues: Wells Fargo’s reputation has been damaged by previous scandals and controversies, such as fake accounts and mortgage abuses, coupled with some regulatory scrutiny, which have led to allegations of fraudulent practices and unfair lending practices.
  • Limited loan options: Wells Fargo no longer offers home improvement loans, home equity loans, lines of credit, renovation loans, VA cash-out refinance loans, and USDA loans.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: Who Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Is Best For

Wells Fargo Mortgage Loan is best for:

  • Primary homebuyers: This includes first-time buyers, low-to-moderate income borrowers with FHA/VA loan options, or those seeking fixed- or adjustable-rate loans.
  • Homeowners with good credit: Wells Fargo offers competitive rates and loan options to you with a good credit score and steady income, as well as high-credit score borrowers seeking competitive interest rates and terms.
  • Customers with existing Wells Fargo accounts: You may be eligible for a special offer and discounts on mortgage loans if you’re a Wells Fargo customer seeking refinancing or home equity loans.
  • People who want a wide range of loan options: They provide a diverse range of mortgage products to suit various financial situations and requirements, allowing you to explore multiple loan options.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: Who Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Isn’t Right For

Wells Fargo Mortgage Loan may not be suitable for:

  • Borrowers with bad credit: Wells Fargo may not offer competitive rates if you’re a borrower with low credit scores or a history of late payments. You may not qualify if you’re a subprime borrower, have high debt-to-income ratios, or have recent foreclosures, bankruptcies, or collections.
  • Borrowers looking for a lender with a strong reputation for customer service: Wells Fargo, despite its positive reputation, has previously been criticized for customer service issues, suggesting that those prioritizing customer service should research other lenders with a stronger track record.
  • Borrowers that are wary of fees and costs: Wells Fargo charges various fees for mortgage loans, making it a sensitive lender. If you want to minimize costs, consider exploring other options. Also, be sure to review Wells Fargo’s mortgage loan documents for hidden fees, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: What Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Offers

Wells Fargo provides a diverse range of mortgage loan options to suit your various financial situations and needs. Here are some of the key products they offer:

  • FHA loans: These are government-insured loans with flexible qualifying criteria and lower down payment requirements. If you’re a borrower with low to moderate income, you get to benefit from this loan Wells Fargo offers. FHA purchase loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), with as little as 3.5% down.
  • VA loans: If you’re an eligible veteran or military service member, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans are available, often with no down payment required or private mortgage insurance.
  • Jumbo loans: Wells Fargo provides jumbo loans for high-value properties, suitable if they have strong credit and require high loan amounts, including primary, second homes, vacation, and investment properties.
  • USDA loans: These are offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to low- or middle-income rural buyers, providing them with low interest rates and no down payment requirements for financing a house.
  • Wells Fargo’s Dream. Plan. Home. Closing cost program: This offers you up to $5,000 credit for closing costs. To be eligible, it requires your income to be not below 80% of the areas median and you must be living in a qualifying county.
  • Conventional loans: Wells Fargo offers conventional loans, which are the most common with fixed and adjustable rates, with terms ranging from 10 to 30 years. Conventional purchase mortgages have 15-, 20-, and 30-year fixed rates and require a 3% down payment.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Details

Here are some additional details about Wells Fargo mortgage loans:

  • Loan options: These include fixed-rate loans (10-30 years), adjustable-rate loans (5-10 years), FHA loans (15-30 years), VA loans (15-30 years), jumbo loans (15-30 years), and conventional loans (10-30 years).
  • Loan limits: Wells Fargo’s loan limits may vary depending on the type of loan and location. But, generally, it could range from $484,350 to over $1 million, with Jumbo loans offering maximum loan amounts of up to $3 million or more.
  • Fees: Closing costs for Wells Fargo can range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Lender fees vary by loan product and location, including an origination fee and discount points. Loan estimates can be evaluated after applying and before commitment. PMI, late payment fee, and early payoff penalty may vary based on the loan amount.
  • Credit score requirements: Wells Fargo’s minimum credit score requirements vary by loan type, with ideal scores ranging from 720 to 850. Low-income loans may require higher scores.
  • Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Wells Fargo does not provide a maximum DTI ratio for its loans. A general rule is to keep monthly debt payments below 43% of gross monthly income. Some loan programs allow a DTI as high as 50%, depending on other aspects of your finances. But it’s safe to say your maximum DTI should be 36%, and an ideal one is 28%. A higher DTI may be acceptable if you have a higher down payment.
  • Down payment requirements: Wells Fargo mortgages have a minimum down payment of 3% (FHA/VA) and an ideal down payment of 20%. The down payment requirements vary depending on the loan type, property type, location, income, occupancy type, and education requirements. Smaller down payments may necessitate higher mortgage insurance premiums, resulting in increased monthly payments.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: Where Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Stand Out

The Wells Fargo Mortgage Loan stands out in several areas:

  • National presence and large network: Wells Fargo’s extensive network of branches and online resources offers you a convenient loan application and management process. Its national presence allows for local support and assistance throughout the loan process.
  • Wide range of loan products: Wells Fargo offers a wide range of loan options, including FHA, VA, and Jumbo, to meet your various financial situations and needs. They also offer a diverse selection of mortgage products, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
  • Competitive rates: Wells Fargo offers competitive mortgage and interest rates, allowing you to save money on your monthly payments.
  • Flexible loan terms: Well Fargo provides flexible loan terms, including 10-30 year fixed-rate and 5-10 year adjustable-rate loans.

Where Bank of America Mortgage Loan Falls Short

You still need to exercise caution before settling down for a Bank of America mortgage loan. Consider its:

Complex fee structure

Bank of America’s mortgage loans come with various fees, including origination fees, appraisal fees, and closing costs. These fees can add up quickly and can sometimes be difficult to fully understand, leading to potential surprises.

Strict eligibility requirements

The bank has stringent credit score and income requirements, which can make it challenging if you have a less-than-stellar credit score or irregular income streams to qualify for a mortgage..

Lack of transparency in rates

While the bank advertises competitive rates, the actual rates it offers vary significantly based on your circumstances. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for you to compare rates and understand the true cost of your mortgage.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: Where Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Fall Short

Wells Fargo Mortgage Loan falls short in some areas, including:

  • Fees and costs: Wells Fargo charges origination, appraisal, and closing fees, which can increase the mortgage’s overall cost and may be higher than some competitors.
  • Reputation: Wells Fargo’s reputation is tarnished by scandals like a fake account scandal and predatory lending practices. This could potentially cause you to be hesitant to engage with the bank.

How to Apply for Bank of America Mortgage Loan

Ready to submit your application:

  • Visit the website or a local branch: Start by visiting Bank of America’s website or heading to a local branch. Online applications are convenient, but in-person visits can provide personalized assistance if you have specific questions or concerns.
  • Complete the application: Fill out the mortgage application form with your personal and financial details. Be ready to provide information about your employment, income, assets, debts, and the property you wish to purchase.
  • Submit required documents: Gather and submit the necessary documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and identification. These documents help verify your financial status and support your application.
  • Schedule an appraisal: Once it reviews your application, Bank of America is going to arrange for an appraisal of the property you’re looking to buy. This step ensures the property’s value aligns with the loan amount you’re requesting.
  • Review and sign your loan agreement: After your application is successful, carefully review the loan terms, interest rates, and monthly payments. Ask any questions you have, then sign the loan agreement to finalize your mortgage. Bank of America then proceeds to close the loan and fund your new home.

>>>GET SMARTER: How to Create a C Corp

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: How to Qualify Well Fargo Mortgage Loan

To qualify for a Wells Fargo mortgage loan, you typically need to meet the following criteria:

  • Credit score: Wells Fargo typically requires a credit score of 620 or higher, varying by the loan type.
  • Debt-to-income ratio: Wells Fargo mandates a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 36% and an ideal DTI of 28%.
  • Income and assets: You must have a steady income and sufficient assets to qualify for a mortgage loan. Income requirements include 2+ years of steady employment, income verification through pay stubs, W-2s, and tax returns, as well as additional documentation for self-employed individuals.
  • Down payment: These requirements vary by loan type, with conventional loans typically requiring a minimum of 20% or less and FHA loans having lower requirements, with an ideal 20% down payment.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: How to Apply for Well Fargo Mortgage Loan

To apply for a Wells Fargo mortgage loan, follow these steps:

  • Gather required documentation, which may include proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), identification (driver’s license, passport), proof of residence (utility bills, rental agreement), and a credit report.
  • Pre-qualify online: To get a preliminary estimate of your eligibility, use Wells Fargo’s online pre-qualification tool.
  • Visit the Wells Fargo website or visit a branch to start the application process.
  • Provide personal and financial information, such as your name, address, and income.
  • Complete the loan application form provided by Wells Fargo. This may involve providing detailed information about your financial situation, property details, and desired loan terms.
  • Submit your gathered documentation, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements, to verify your income and assets.
  • Review your loan options and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: Alternatives Well Fargo Mortgage Loan

PNC Bank mortgages

PNC Bank offers a variety of mortgage products, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, and refinance options. Its key features include online tools for pre-qualification, local support, and a variety of products. For you to get the best deal, compare interest rates, fees, eligibility requirements, and customer service. You must shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders to ensure the best deal.

Bank of America mortgages

Bank of America provides a variety of mortgage products to cater to your different financial situations. These include conventional mortgages, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, Jumbo loans, and refinance mortgages. Key features include online tools for pre-qualification, nationwide branches, and a variety of products.

Rocket Mortgage

Rocket Mortgage is a popular online mortgage lender known for its user-friendly platform and competitive rates, offering a convenient application and trackable loan progress. Rocket Mortgage provides 24/7 support through online and phone channels. Benefits include convenience, speed, competitive rates, and minimal documentation. However, there are limitations, such as limited local support and reliance on technology. Despite these, Rocket Mortgage is a fantastic option for you if you value convenience, speed, and competitive rates.

Well Fargo Mortgage Loan Review: Customer Reviews

Well Fargo has a positive rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars with 335 reviews on Trustpilot.

A lot of complaints were about poor customer support.

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips for applying for a Wells Fargo Mortgage Loan:

  • Research your options: Before applying for a loan, compare rates and fees from several lenders to be sure you are getting the best deal.
  • Organize your documentation: Before applying, gather all of the required documentation, such as pay stubs and tax returns, to ensure a smooth application process.
  • Be accurate: To prevent delays or denials, ensure to provide accurate information on your application.

Recap

Wells Fargo is a renowned financial institution that can offer you a variety of mortgage loan options, including conventional and ITIN loans. They offer competitive rates and custom quotes online. However, they don’t offer home equity loans, and they primarily lend to Wells Fargo Bank and wealth management customers or minority communities. Online and in-person mortgage applications are available nationwide.

Become a

S'witty Kiwi Credit Insider!

Get the latest credit tips and hacks in your inbox!