MoneyGeek’s Take

Ally Mortgage Review

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Edited byKatherine Kurtz

Updated: December 28, 2023

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Ally offers conventional, jumbo and refinance mortgage loan options to qualified borrowers, with down payments on select loans as low as 3% for borrowers with a 620 minimum credit score. MoneyGeek’s Ally mortgage loan review breaks down what you need to know before financing your home with this lender.

At a Glance: Ally Mortgages

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OUR REVIEW: A DEEPER DIVE INTO ALLY MORTGAGES

Ally Mortgage Loan Types, Details and Requirements

Application requirements and terms vary depending on the lender. Different loan types also have different rates and features. MoneyGeek’s Ally mortgage review details the important features you need to know.

Mortgage Types Offered

  • Conventional Loans
  • HomeReady (low- to mid-income)
  • Jumbo Loans
  • Refinancing

It’s worth noting that Ally does not offer government-backed loans like FHA or USDA loans.

Mortgage Rates

Ally determines borrowers’ rates based on current mortgage rates and the housing market. The company also considers individualized factors like loan amount, mortgage type, mortgage term, credit score and property location. This means that interest rates will vary per person.

Additional Fees

Although Ally does not charge application, underwriting, processing or origination fees, there are other costs you need to note.

  • Appraisal fee: Ally requires borrowers to complete an appraisal process that determines the property's current market value. The appraisal fee is $550. However, Ally will refund borrowers if the appraisal costs less and cover additional costs if $550 is not enough.
  • Closing costs: Homebuyers pay closing costs, typically 2% to 5% of the purchase price.

Minimum Borrowing Requirements

For most mortgage products, Ally requires a 620 minimum credit score. However, if you are applying for jumbo loans, you need to have a credit score above 700.

In terms of down payment, Ally allows a 3% down payment for first-time buyers if they opt for the HomeReady Mortgage program. Individuals willing to pay extra for private mortgage insurance (PMI) may put down as little as 5% to secure a better mortgage APR. The minimum down payment for jumbo loans is 10%.

Ally Mortgage Application Requirements

Interested Ally mortgage loan applicants must provide personal information and documents that show proof of their financial situation, including:

1

Social Security number

2

Employment history

3

Most recent pay stubs

4

Bank, retirement and brokerage statements

5

Tax returns

Depending on the borrower, Ally may ask for additional documents. Possible additional documents include:

1

Letter of explanation for gaps in employment more than 30 days (if applicable)

2

Proof of other income or assets

3

Divorce settlement/separation agreement

4

Paid-in-full statements for all judgments/liens

5

Landlord information for verification of rent payments

6

Proof of student loan payments

Is Ally Right for You?

Finding the best mortgage lender for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. MoneyGeek can help you determine if Ally aligns with what you want in a lender.

Who Ally Is Perfect For

Based on MoneyGeek’s Ally mortgage review, this lender is optimal for borrowers who value convenience. Ally clients can easily prequalify, apply and access various services through the company’s online tools and mobile application. You’ll only need to meet in person on closing day.

It’s also a good option for individuals who want a hassle-free process. Ally’s pre-approval process takes only three minutes, while the application takes about 15 minutes.

Those looking for a low-cost down payment may also consider Ally, which offers down payments as low as 3% to 5%.

Who Should Not Choose Ally

People looking for government-backed loans may not find Ally a good option as the company does not offer VA, FHA or USDA loans. You will also not find home equity loans or lines of credit at Ally.

If you have a credit score lower than 620, you likely will not qualify for an Ally mortgage.

Finally, if you’re more comfortable completing your application process in person, Ally may not be for you. It generally uses online and mobile applications for its mortgage products.

How to Apply for an Ally Mortgage Loan

Each mortgage lender has its own application process. MoneyGeek lists the necessary steps to apply for an Ally mortgage loan.

1

Prequalify

Find out if you qualify for pre-approval. Ally allows interested borrowers to check for pre-approved by completing an online form in as little as three minutes. Upon completion, you’ll receive a personalized quote (that will not affect your credit score) and a pre-approval letter you can use when buying a property.

2

Fill Out the Application Form

You can proceed with the application if you've already found a property and made an offer. Note that Ally requires borrowers to undergo an appraisal process and charges an appraisal fee of $550. If the actual appraisal costs less, Ally will refund you for the difference. If it costs more, the company will cover the remaining costs.

Having started the application, you’ll have to upload, sign and submit the necessary documents, including but not limited to:

  1. Most recent pay stubs
  2. Employment history
  3. Bank, retirement and brokerage statements
  4. Tax returns
  5. Social Security number

Depending on the borrower, there may be additional paperwork. You will also need to upload the signed purchase agreement and lock in your rate.

3

Wait for Approval

Ally’s underwriting team will review your documents and conduct credit checks. They will inform you if there are additional tasks to complete or documents to provide.

4

Review Loan Agreement

Once Ally approves your loan, it will send your loan agreement. Review the fees and rates stated in the loan agreement. Check the details and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions.

5

Sign Loan Agreement

If you’re satisfied with all the terms and conditions, you can sign the document. Although the entire process occurs online, you can seek guidance from an Ally representative by texting, calling or sending an email.

6

Closing

To confirm your loan, Ally will send you a Closing Disclosure. Review this document and prepare for the closing day, when you’ll meet with your real estate agent and the closing agent. This meeting is typically done in a lawyer’s office, office of the title company or an agreed-upon location.

During closing, you will have to pay the closing costs. This may vary per borrower but is typically 2% to 5%.

7

Make Payments

The last step is for you to make payments. Log in to your Ally home loan account online, select Payment and proceed. You can opt to make one-time monthly loan payments or set up autopay.

What to Do if You Are Rejected by Ally

Applying for a loan does not guarantee approval, and the lender may deny your application. Reasons for loan application denial include not meeting the minimum credit score, income or credit history requirements.

If Ally rejects you, reach out to a representative to determine why and see if it would be possible to modify the terms of your application before trying again with Ally or another lender. Try not to apply for another loan until you address why your application was denied in the first place.

You can also talk to your bank, a financial advisor or a loan officer for additional information and resources. It would also help to research other available options based on your needs. Doing these will increase your chances of getting approved in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgages From Ally

MoneyGeek’s Ally mortgage loan review aims to give you the information you can use in your decision-making process. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Ally’s mortgage products.

Ally mortgage loans apply to single-family homes, townhomes, condos and multi-family homes.

Anyone with a credit score of at least 620 can apply for an Ally mortgage loan based on Ally's qualification requirements.

Ally offers conventional, jumbo, HomeReady and refinancing loans with fixed and adjustable rates.

Ally’s standard limit for a conventional mortgage loan is $647,200, but this can be higher in more competitive real estate markets. For jumbo loans, Ally offers loan amounts up to $4 million.

Depending on the type of mortgage loan, borrowers can put down as low as 3% of the purchase fee. You will need at least a 10% down payment for a jumbo loan.

Ally does not require private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, borrowers willing to pay extra for PMI with a 5% down payment usually get better rates.

Yes, Ally requires property appraisal and charges a $550 appraisal fee. However, if the appraisal process costs less than $550, Ally will refund the borrower in the amount of the difference. If it costs more, Ally will cover the additional amount.

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