Mortgage Quotes: Compare Purchase & Refinance Rates
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Key takeaway
Key takeaway: a mortgage quote is a licensed lender's estimate of the rate and terms you would get on a home purchase or refinance. US Lending matches your scenario with mortgage lenders and brokers so you can compare side by side. Requesting quotes uses a soft credit check, so comparing will not hurt your score; a hard pull only happens when you formally apply.
Why Shop Through One Form Instead of Ten Sites
Rather than filling out separate applications with every bank in town, submit your details once and let multiple licensed lenders come back with side-by-side numbers on rate, term, and closing costs. Works the same whether you're buying your first place, chasing a lower rate on your current loan, or pulling cash out for a renovation.
- Purposes: home purchase, rate-and-term refinance, and cash-out/HELOC.
- Credit impact: quotes use a soft pull, so comparing will not hurt your score.
- Programs: Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA through licensed lenders.
- Typical minimums: conventional ~620+, FHA ~580 (or 500 with more down), VA ~580+.
- Timeline: refinances often close in 4–6 weeks; purchases in 6–8.
Loan Programs Available Through Our Network
Lenders in our network write conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, and non-QM mortgages covering purchases, refinances, and equity products. Eligible veterans can access VA financing with zero down, and FHA loans open the door with as little as 3.5% down for credit scores starting around 580.
What credit score do you need for a mortgage, and how long does it take?
Short answer — it depends on the program: conventional loans usually want a 620+ score, FHA opens around 580 (or 500 with a larger down payment), and VA loans commonly clear at 580+. A refinance often closes in four to six weeks and a purchase in six to eight, with the appraisal and underwriting being the biggest variables. See first-time homebuyer programs for low-down-payment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will shopping for a quote show up on my credit report?
No — comparing quotes through us only triggers a soft pull. A hard inquiry only happens once you move forward with a specific lender's formal application, and the CFPB notes that multiple mortgage inquiries within a short shopping window typically count as one for scoring purposes.
What credit score gets me approved?
It depends on the loan type: conventional usually wants 620+, FHA opens up around 580 (or even 500 with a bigger down payment), and VA loans commonly clear at 580+. We route you toward lenders that fit where you stand today.
From start to closing, how long does this take?
A refinance often wraps in four to six weeks; a purchase usually runs six to eight weeks, with appraisal scheduling and underwriting being the biggest swing factors.
What paperwork should I have ready?
Plan on recent pay stubs, two years of W-2s or 1099s, tax returns, bank statements, and a government ID. Self-employed applicants usually need to supply a bit more documentation on top of that.
What if I've never bought a home before?
You have more low-down-payment options than you might think — FHA, Conventional 97, VA, and USDA can bring your down payment to as low as 0-3.5%. See our full guide to first-time homebuyer programs.
How do I compare mortgage refinance rates without hurting my credit?
Rate shopping through us uses a soft inquiry, so comparing refinance quotes costs you nothing on your score. Even formal applications with multiple lenders inside a short shopping window are typically counted as a single inquiry by scoring models.
Can I get a mortgage quote with bad credit?
Yes — FHA-backed options open up around a 580 score, and some lenders go lower with a larger down payment. Getting quotes costs nothing and shows you exactly which programs your profile fits today.
Is US Lending legit, or is this a scam?
US Lending isn't a mortgage lender — we match your information against a network of licensed lenders and never charge upfront fees. See our full breakdown of exactly what happens when you apply.
Sources: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Owning a Home · U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)