Guaranteed Rate

Overall Score 4.6 out of 5

Overall Score 4.6 out of 5

Personalized Score out of 5

Summary

Since 2000, Guaranteed Rate has been providing quality loan products and customer service to homeowners across the country. Their efficient application process, helpful team of licensed professionals, and wide variety of loan options make them a great option for those looking to refinance.

Review Highlights:

  • Quick online application process makes it easy to pre-qualify
  • Helpful licensed professionals available to guide homeowners through the refinance process
  • Seamless website filled with useful refinance resources and mortgage calculators

Ratings Highlights

Overall
Guaranteed Rate is a great choice for refinancing. Their application is intuitive and quick, and their support team makes it easy for homeowners to get the guidance they need to find a loan that works for them. With their fantastic variety of loan options, fair pricing, and helpful customer service, we recommend that any homeowner looking to refinance take this company into consideration.
Loan Variety
Loans Offered Include: Fixed, ARM, conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo
Guaranteed Rate does a great job when it comes to loan variety. Whether you're interested in a streamlined or conventional loan, they're likey to have something that will work for your situation. Be aware that each loan type has its own qualification requirements.
Fees
Regarding fees, we appreciate the rate examples Guaranteed Rate provides on their website. They make it easy for potential customers to see how much they can expect to pay. Overall, we've found that their rates and fees tend to be average for the market.
Customer Service
Guaranteed Rate makes customer service one of their top concerns -- with their "proactive mortgage model," they ensure that all of their loan officers are highly-skilled professionals backed by a team of experts. This system streamlines their loan processing and allows for a smooth experience for every customer. They have offices in all 50 states, as well as email and phone line options for homeowners to use to ask questions.
Company Reputation
Guaranteed Rate has a fairly positive reputation online. Their customer service is first rate, with many customers noting that their application process is easier and faster when compared to the competiton. As with any mortgage lender, the company does also receive its share of criticism online, but most customers are satisfied.
Ease of Application Process
With applications available both online and over the phone, Guaranteed Rate makes it easy to apply for a refinance loan. Their online application takes just a few minutes to fill out, and their preapproval process can be completed in as little as 15 minutes. Customers looking for extra assistance can call and apply with the help of a licensed professional.
For Lower Credit Scores
Minimum Credit Score: 580-620
Guaranteed Rate's minimum credit score requirements depend on the loan type in question -- typically, streamlined loans have lower credit score standards, making them a more viable option for many homeowners with lower credit scores. Given that the company offers a fairly wide variety of loan types, we recommend checking their site and sending in an application to see where you stand.
For Higher Credit Scores
Homeowners with higher credit scores will enjoy the loan variety and efficient application process that Guaranteed Rate has to offer. Their focus on customer service is another benefit this group is likely to appreciate.

Company Background

Guaranteed Rate was founded over two decades ago with the simple goal of putting the customer first. Based in Chicago, Illinois, they are a mortgage and refinance lender with offices in all 50 states. To ensure high-quality service, the company employs a distinct "proactive mortgage pod" model that allows for a more supportive and efficent loan processing experience for both employees and homeowners.