MoneyGeek’s Take

2024 Mr. Cooper Mortgage Review | MoneyGeek.com

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Edited byKatherine Kurtz
Edited byKatherine Kurtz

Updated: December 28, 2023

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Minimum down payment and credit score requirements aren’t included on the Mr. Cooper website. However, the company indicates that downpayments for conventional loans can range from 3% to 20% of the loan’s purchase and that the company follows the minimum credit score requirements set by government-sponsored entities (GSEs).

Mr. Cooper also offers a mortgage calculator so you can calculate exactly how much you’ll need for a down payment. MoneyGeek recommends contacting a Mr. Cooper representative to receive a personalized estimate.

At a Glance: Mr. Cooper Mortgages


  • Mr. Cooper

    • Conventional Loans: 3% up to 20%, depending on eligibility requirements FHA Loans: 3.5% VA Loans: $0 for qualifying borrowers For information on other products, MoneyGeek advises contacting the lender’s representative. Minimum Down Payment
    • Conventional, FHA and FHA Streamline loans, VA and VA IRRRL loansLoan Products Offered
    • All U.S. states and Washington, D.C.States of Operation
    • Yes Online Application

    Mr. Cooper, formerly known as Nationstar, has grown to service almost 4 million customers across the U.S. since its inception in 1994. If you’re looking to borrow from Mr. Cooper, they offer conventional, FHA, FHA Streamline, VA and VA IRRRL loans.

    Mr. Cooper offers several perks to qualified borrowers, like its Agent Assurance and Zero Dollar Move programs. Through Agent Assurance, Mr. Cooper connects prospective homebuyers with qualified local real estate agents to facilitate the homebuying process. The lender will also cover the cost of local moves (up to 50 miles) with the Zero Dollar Move program.

    Mr. Cooper follows the minimum credit score set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac for conventional loans at 620. Meanwhile, the minimum credit score requirements for FHA and VA loans are 580 and 600, respectively.

    With Mr. Cooper, down payments differ based on mortgage or loan type. Down payments for conventional loans range from 3% to 20%, while a downpayment of 3.5% is standard for FHA loans. For VA loans, qualifying borrowers can pay as little as $0 for a down payment.

    Unfortunately, Mr. Cooper doesn’t disclose its minimum down payment or credit score requirements for all its loan products online. Additionally, Mr. Cooper isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

    Pros

    • Online application
    • Mobile app available
    • Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
    • Multiple loan and mortgage products offered

    Cons

    • Specific minimum credit score requirement not disclosed online
    • Personalized quotes not available online

    Mr. Cooper, formerly known as Nationstar, has grown to service almost 4 million customers across the U.S. since its inception in 1994. If you’re looking to borrow from Mr. Cooper, they offer conventional, FHA, FHA Streamline, VA and VA IRRRL loans.

    Mr. Cooper offers several perks to qualified borrowers, like its Agent Assurance and Zero Dollar Move programs. Through Agent Assurance, Mr. Cooper connects prospective homebuyers with qualified local real estate agents to facilitate the homebuying process. The lender will also cover the cost of local moves (up to 50 miles) with the Zero Dollar Move program.

    Mr. Cooper follows the minimum credit score set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac for conventional loans at 620. Meanwhile, the minimum credit score requirements for FHA and VA loans are 580 and 600, respectively.

    With Mr. Cooper, down payments differ based on mortgage or loan type. Down payments for conventional loans range from 3% to 20%, while a downpayment of 3.5% is standard for FHA loans. For VA loans, qualifying borrowers can pay as little as $0 for a down payment.

    Unfortunately, Mr. Cooper doesn’t disclose its minimum down payment or credit score requirements for all its loan products online. Additionally, Mr. Cooper isn’t accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

    Mr. Cooper

Mr. Cooper Mortgage Loan Types, Details and Requirements

MoneyGeek’s Mr. Cooper lender review highlights the company’s mortgage offerings, minimum requirements and any additional fees. You can browse the below information to learn more.

Mortgage Types Offered

Mr. Cooper offers the following loan types:

  • Conventional Loans
  • FHA Loans
  • FHA Streamline Loans
  • VA Loans
  • VA IRRRL Loans

The best loan for you will be based on your goals and financial situation. It’s best to learn about each loan so you can determine which one best suits your needs.

Mortgage Rates

Mr. Cooper offers fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans, but the exact rates that it offers aren’t provided online. Loans with fixed rates have a constant rate throughout the duration of the loan, while those with adjustable-rates have an initial fixed-rate period, afterwhich, your rate will change based on the market. Fixed-rate loans won’t fluctuate like adjustable-rate loans, but they may start at a higher rate and cost than the initial period of an adjustable-rate loan.

You can also use Mr. Cooper’s mortgage calculator to determine the amount you can borrow at a given rate based on your situation.

Additional Fees

Mr. Cooper doesn’t explicitly state the amount associated with each fee, but it does disclose that there are numerous fees involved in acquiring a mortgage with the lender.

To start, you’ll pay a loan origination fee and mortgage application fee to a title company, which will then pay the lender, Mr. Cooper. Next there are several “shoppable” third party fees, including those for a home inspection, survey, title search, title insurance, closing, settlement and attorney fees, where you can choose the provider. There are also “unshoppable” costs to third parties, where Mr. Cooper selects the provider. These include appraisal fees, credit reporting fees and flood certification. Lastly, other closing costs, like homeowner’s insurance, escrow, property taxes and private mortgage insurance (PMI), may also be required.

You should ask a Mr. Cooper representative to breakdown the total cost, including all fees, so you can budget accordingly.

Minimum Borrowing Requirements

For conventional loans, Mr. Cooper adheres to the requirements set by GSEs including Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, the FHA and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To borrow from Mr. Cooper, you need to provide a down payment of 3% to 20% for conventional loans, 3.5% for FHA loans and $0 for VA loans. In most cases, credit score requirements are 620 for conventional loans, 580 for FHA loans and 600 for VA loans. However, these are standards set by GSEs, so there may be other eligibility requirements to qualify for a conventional loan with Mr. Cooper.

Mr. Cooper Mortgage Application Requirements

With Mr. Cooper, you can apply either online, through mail or by fax. The lender provides a step-by-step process in its Help Center. You’ll first need to create an account to download the form that includes a list of all the documents you’ll need to provide.

Is Mr. Cooper Right for You?

Mr. Cooper doesn’t fit everyone’s mortgage loan needs — and that’s okay. Different types of homebuyers have different needs. MoneyGeek reviewed Mr. Cooper’s mortgage loans to help you decide if it’s the best lender for you.

Who Mr. Cooper Is Perfect for

Mr. Cooper is ideal for a variety of homebuyers since they offer conventional loans and government-backed loans. If you’re tech-savvy and prefer applying for and closing your mortgage online, Mr. Cooper is an ideal option. Mr. Cooper is also a great choice for those looking to save money, as down payments for conventional loans can be as low as 3%. Eligible military personnel should also consider getting a mortgage with Mr. Cooper since there is no down payment for a VA loan.

Who Should Not Choose Mr. Cooper

If you’re someone who prefers viewing all rates, fees and minimum requirements online, you might want to consider another lender who’s more transparent. You’ll also need to call a Mr. Cooper representative or fill out its online form to learn more about rates that fit your situation. Mr. Cooper also isn’t the right lender for you if you’re looking for home equity loans, home improvement loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC).

How to Apply for a Mr. Cooper Mortgage Loan

If you choose to apply for a loan with Mr. Cooper, you’ll likely go through the following steps:

1

Prequalify

Check if you qualify for a mortgage loan with Mr. Cooper by checking its different loan types and requirements for each.

2

Fill Out Application Form

To apply, you can go to the lender’s website. They’ll ask for your personal information, including contact details and the location of your property.

3

Wait for Pre-Approval

If your loan application is approved, the company will send you a loan agreement.

4

Review Loan Agreement

Review and sign the loan agreement after you’ve thoroughly reviewed it and asked the lender any questions.

5

Receive or Direct Funds

To learn more about how you’ll receive your funds, you should ask a Mr. Cooper representative during the application process.

6

Make Payments

You’ll need to log in to make payments and settle your mortgage online.

What to Do if You Are Rejected by Mr. Cooper

You have to meet certain qualifications and requirements when you apply for a loan. So there’s a possibility that Mr. Cooper might not approve your application. Some factors that can cause your application to be denied include a low credit score, insufficient income, lack of credit history and more.

If you’re rejected for a loan, you should ask a Mr. Cooper representative why your application was denied. That way, you can work on improving your application before reapplying or applying with a different lender.

Shopping around for mortgage loans can be overwhelming. We recommend consulting a financial advisor or loan officer to help guide you through this process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgages From Mr. Cooper

MoneyGeek answers the most commonly asked questions about mortgage loans in our Mr. Cooper lender review.

You’ll need to contact a Mr. Cooper representative for this information, as it may depend on your situation.

Anyone who fits Mr. Cooper’s qualifications can apply. If you’re applying for a government-backed loan, individuals with a 580 credit score can apply for an FHA loan. Meanwhile, those with a 600 credit score can get a VA loan. You’ll need a credit score of 620 for conventional loans, but it may vary depending on your application with Mr. Cooper.

Mr. Cooper offers conventional, FHA and FHA Streamline loans, VA and VA IRRRL loans.

You’ll need to contact a Mr. Cooper representative for this information, as it may depend on your situation.

It varies by mortgage type. A minimum downpayment between 3% and 20% of the loan’s purchase amount may be required for conventional loans, depending on your eligibility requirements. Down payments for FHA loans are 3.5% and $0 for VA loans, if you’re a qualified borrower.

You’ll need to contact a Mr. Cooper representative for this information, as it may depend on your situation.

It depends on which loan you get and if your application requires it. You may need to get a property appraisal to be qualified for an FHA streamline refinance or VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL).

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