Best Mortgage Lenders in New Jersey 2026: Top 10 Ranked
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the US (2.23%) and a median home price of $510,000. Northern NJ (Bergen, Hudson) averages $650K+ due to NYC proximity. We ranked 10 NJ mortgage lenders by rates, fees, jumbo options, and NJHMFA first-time buyer programs. Rates from 6.09%. Compare in 60 seconds.
New Jersey Mortgage Quick Facts (August 2026)
Top 10 New Jersey Mortgage Lenders Compared
| # | Lender | Rate | Fees | Min Credit | Close Time | Best For | NJ Presence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rocket Mortgage | 6.09% | $1,200 | 620 | 21 days | Best overall — fastest close, fully digital | All 21 NJ counties |
| 2 | Wells Fargo | 6.15% | $1,000 | 620 | 30 days | Best for jumbo loans up to $3M | 100+ NJ branches |
| 3 | TD Bank | 6.18% | $1,000 | 620 | 30 days | Strong NJ presence, good service | 150+ NJ branches |
| 4 | Better.com | 6.12% | $0 | 620 | 23 days | Lowest cost — $0 lender fees | Online only |
| 5 | NJHMFA Lenders (Valley) | 6.25% | $900 | 640 | 35 days | Best for first-time buyers (NJHMFA DPA $10K) | NJHMFA-approved |
| 6 | Veterans United | 5.25% | $0 | 620 | 30 days | Best for VA loans ($0 down) | Online + NJ offices |
| 7 | loanDepot | 6.20% | $1,000 | 620 | 25 days | Wide loan variety, strong refinance | 20+ NJ loan officers |
| 8 | Chase Bank | 6.22% | $1,200 | 620 | 30 days | Good jumbo rates for NYC metro buyers | 120+ NJ branches |
| 9 | Guaranteed Rate | 6.15% | $800 | 580 | 25 days | Best for FHA (580 credit accepted) | 15+ NJ loan officers |
| 10 | Valley Bank | 6.20% | $950 | 620 | 30 days | Best local NJ bank, NJHMFA-approved | HQ in NJ, 40+ branches |
Rates as of August 3, 2026. 30-year fixed. Actual rates vary by credit score, LTV, and county.
Get Quotes from 5+ New Jersey Lenders in 60 Seconds
One form, multiple NJ lender quotes. No credit impact for initial comparison. Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and NJHMFA options.
Get My NJ Lender Quotes →NJHMFA First-Time Buyer Programs in New Jersey
NJHMFA (New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency) offers down payment assistance and below-market rates for first-time homebuyers.
First-Time Homebuyer Program
3.5% down with DPA up to $10,000 as a 0% interest second mortgage (deferred 30 years). Forgiven after 5 years.
- • Max purchase price: $806,500 (most areas)
- • Income limit: $81,000-$166,000 (varies by county)
- • Must be first-time buyer (or not owned in 3 years)
- • 640+ credit score required
HomePlus Mortgage
Below-market interest rates with reduced mortgage insurance. Can be combined with DPA.
- • 3% down conventional or 3.5% FHA
- • 640+ credit score
- • Reduced MI rates
- • Available statewide
New Jersey Property Tax Alert — Highest in the US
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the US at 2.23% average. This is the biggest cost factor for NJ homebuyers.
| County | Avg Tax Rate | Annual Tax on $510K Home | Monthly Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen | 2.31% | $11,781 | $982/mo |
| Essex (Newark) | 2.24% | $11,424 | $952/mo |
| Hudson (Jersey City) | 1.87% | $9,537 | $795/mo |
| Morris | 2.15% | $10,965 | $914/mo |
| Monmouth | 2.10% | $10,710 | $893/mo |
Tip: File a tax appeal — 20-35% succeed in NJ, saving $1,000-$3,000/year. ANCHOR program provides property tax relief for eligible residents.
Northern NJ Jumbo Loans (Above $1.2M)
Northern NJ (Bergen, Hudson, Essex) has median home prices exceeding $650K due to NYC proximity. Many homes exceed the $1.2M conforming limit.
| Lender | Max Jumbo | Rate | Min Down | Min Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo | $3,000,000 | 6.40% | 15% | 680 |
| Bank of America | $2,500,000 | 6.45% | 20% | 700 |
| Chase Bank | $2,000,000 | 6.50% | 20% | 700 |
| Rocket Mortgage | $2,000,000 | 6.55% | 15% | 680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best mortgage lenders in New Jersey?
Rocket Mortgage (6.09%, best overall), Wells Fargo (best jumbo to $3M), TD Bank (strong NJ presence, 150+ branches), NJHMFA lenders (first-time buyer DPA up to $10K), Veterans United (VA $0 down), Valley Bank (best local NJ bank).
What is the New Jersey conforming loan limit in 2026?
Standard: $806,500. North NJ (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Union, Passaic): $1,209,750. FHA: up to $1,149,825. VA: $1,209,750 (full entitlement). Above = jumbo loan.
Does New Jersey have first-time home buyer programs?
Yes — NJHMFA offers First-Time Homebuyer Program (DPA up to $10K at 0% interest, forgiven after 5 years), HomePlus (below-market rates with reduced MI), and Police/Firefighter program. Income limits $81K-$166K by county.
How much down payment do I need to buy a house in New Jersey?
Conventional: 3% down. FHA: 3.5% down. VA: 0% down. NJHMFA: 3.5% + DPA up to $10K. On $510K median NJ home: 20% = $102,000, 3.5% FHA = $17,850, NJHMFA = potentially $0 out of pocket.
What are property taxes like in New Jersey?
NJ has the HIGHEST property taxes in the US at 2.23% avg. Bergen: 2.31%. Essex: 2.24%. Hudson: 1.87%. On a $510K home: $9,537-$11,781/year ($795-$982/month). File tax appeals — 20-35% succeed. ANCHOR program provides relief.
Find Your Best New Jersey Mortgage Lender
Compare quotes from 5+ NJ lenders. Conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and NJHMFA programs. No credit impact for initial quotes.
Get My NJ Mortgage Quotes →