Originally named Guardian Mortgage, Guild Mortgage was founded in 1960 in San Diego, California by a man named Martin Gleich, and the company has been growing ever since. It made a commitment to be an expert in government-backed loans that help first-time homebuyers secure mortgages quickly and easily, and has become well known for its vast selection of mortgage offerings, most of which are geared toward first-time homebuyers.
Today, Guild Mortgage is America’s 19th largest mortgage lender and specializes in residential home loans. It has over 250 branches and satellites serving customers across the United States. It offers a full line-up of mortgage products, from conventional loans to government-backed loan programs. While the company’s mortgages are great for first-time homebuyers who need down payment support, most anyone looking for a home loan can benefit from the long list of mortgage products on offer.
Guild Mortgage at a glance
| Lender | Minimum and Maximum Loan Amount | APR Range | Terms | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guild Mortgage | NA to $3 million — varies by loan product | Call or apply online for current rates | 15 years or 30 years | Vast selection of mortgage options |
What we like about it
There’s a lot to like about Guild Mortgage, starting with its wide variety of mortgage products. While there are attractive offers for first time homebuyers who need assistance with a down payment, there are also plenty of options for conventional mortgages and refinancing as well, making this a well-rounded lender that’s able to serve a wide range of customers.
For first time homebuyers, Guild will offer an FHA loan to applicants with a credit score as low as 580, and those looking for conventional mortgages can qualify with credit scores as low as 600. Further, its jumbo loans are able to accommodate purchases up to $3 million with a down payment as low at 5%.
One of the best features of Guild is that you can apply for and submit all of your mortgage documents online. This is an attractive feature for busy individuals who may not have the time or interest in visiting a lender throughout the mortgage process. Guild Mortgage takes pride in offering exceptional customer service and innovation that takes some of the hassle and stress out of the home lending process.
Things to consider
One thing to consider when reviewing Guild as a potential home mortgage lender is that it does not disclose its fees online. If you like to do your research online and compare lenders prior to deciding which one to go with, you’ll have to inquire further to get to the bottom of Guild’s terms and conditions and how they will apply to you.
Another important consideration is that, while Guild offers a wide range of mortgage products, some of its special offerings are limited by home type or other factors that you may not be aware of beforehand. It’s important to make sure you understand the limitations of each mortgage product before choosing which one is right for you. However, loan officers are standing by to help with that.
What you need to know about Guild Mortgage
If you’re interested in applying for a mortgage through Guild Mortgage, you have several options to get started. You can visit one of its branches if there’s one in your area, call and speak with a representative or start the process online. You can find the list of documents that you’ll need for your Guild Mortgage loan right on the website.
Guild does not offer its mortgage rates online, so you’ll need to give them a call to inquire about the current rates and to get an idea of what your monthly payment could look like. You can choose from the standard 15-year term or 30-year term as well as government-backed loans like a FHA loan or VA loan. With such a large selection of mortgage products to choose from, each one has its own set of credit requirements and restrictions, so it’s best to speak with a loan officer regarding which product is right for you.
Guild Mortgage fees and penalties
You will need to get in contact with a loan officer either at one of Guild’s branches or over the phone to discuss the fees that will apply to you. However, the company has mentioned that lender fees for underwriting, administration, document preparation and processing are included in closing costs. You can get an estimate of your total closing costs here.
Guild Mortgage collateral and criteria
Qualifying for a Guild mortgage depends on a few different factors, as the lender has minimum scores that vary by product. For example, homebuyers with a credit score as low as 580 can qualify for an FHA loan. Homebuyers with credit scores as low as 600 can qualify for USDA loans and scores as low as 620 can qualify for the 3-2-1 program (3% down).
Guild also offers VA and USDA loans with no down payment and FHA loans with a standard 3.5% down. There are also conventional loans available to choose from with as little as a 3% down payment, as opposed to the standard 20% and jumbo loans (up to $3 million) are available with as little down as 5%.
The bottom line
Guild Mortgage started as a small institution back in 1960 and has grown to serve customers all over the country. While its growth has been rapid, its services are still only offered in limited areas — there are only 25 out of 50 states that have physical branches. However, it originates loans in 48 out of 50 states (New Jersey and New York aren’t serviced by this lender) and all those who live in the service area can apply online, which is convenient — even for those who have access to a local branch.
Guild is a great mortgage lenderfor those who want a broad range of mortgage products to choose from. The company has an extended mortgage product offering, which can make it simple to get the right mortgage that fits your lifestyle and financial situation. Guild is known for its superior customer service, which comes as a comfort for those going through the sometimes stressful mortgage process.
