Optimum First Mortgage Review 2025

Optimum First Mortgage overview

Optimum First Mortgage offers loans in 16 states and has originated more than 30,000 mortgages since its founding. If you’re eligible, you can receive a same-day preapproval, and the lender guarantees on-time closings in as little as 10 days. In addition to offering above-average closing speeds, the lender sets itself apart with some unique loan offerings. Its fixed-rate loans come in a variety of terms: eight-, 10-, 12-, 15-, 20-, 22-, 27- and 30-year options. Optimum First might also be a good option for self-employed borrowers, as the lender offers stated-income loans. It is headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, with branches in Caldwell, Idaho, and Scottsdale, Arizona.

Pros and cons of Optimum First Mortgage

How Bankrate scored Optimum First Mortgage

Affordability: 4.9/5

Optimum First Mortgage’s rates tend to be lower than Bankrate averages, and the lender offers a few low-down payment loan options. We scored it 4.9 out of 5 stars for affordability.

• Interest rates: As of this review, Optimum First’s mortgage rates were well below the overall market average, based on Bankrate data.
• Down payment: For qualified borrowers, Optimum First offers VA loans with no down payment, FHA loans with a minimum 3.5 percent down and conventional loans with a minimum 3 percent down.
• Closing costs: Optimum First’s origination fee varies by loan type, but the lender aims to help you avoid fees by issuing credits, which either offset or completely reimburse your costs.

Availability: 4.2/5

Optimum First has a variety of loan products on offer, but it’s only available in 16 states. It scores 4.2 out of 5 stars for availability.

• Home loans offered: Optimum First offers conventional, jumbo, FHA and VA purchase and refinance options.
• Footprint: Optimum First works with borrowers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington.
• Where to find: You can apply for a mortgage with Optimum First Mortgage online, by phone or in person at a branch location.

Borrower experience: 3.9/5

There are multiple ways to get in touch with Optimum First Mortgage, and the lender provides a lengthier 90-day rate lock. However, you’ll need to submit a lead form in order to see rates. It scores 3.9 out of 5 for borrower experience.

• Preapproval and application process: There’s no simple preapproval or prequalification option online with Optimum First, but you can request to connect with a loan officer to get one. The lender’s online application portal allows for easy document uploading.
• Transparency: Optimum First will give you a fully-customized rate quote, but you’ll have to submit your contact information first.
• Customer service: You can reach Optimum First’s customer service team at 877-816-7846, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Optimum First Mortgage reputation

Optimum First Mortgage has been in business since 2009, with more than $12 billion in funded loans under its belt. The lender is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating from the organization.

What consumers say about Optimum First Mortgage

Optimum First Mortgage has earned largely positive reviews from Bankrate borrowers. Borrowers are quick to recommend the lender and especially appreciate the rate guarantee. Many reviews also mention loan officers by name, remarking on their professionalism, knowledge and strong communication skills.

Optimum First Mortgage special offers

Optimum First Mortgage’s Close On Time Guarantee pays out $1,000 if the lender causes a closing delay. However, the guarantee comes with some fine print.

Refinancing with Optimum First Mortgage

Optimum First Mortgage offers rate-and-term and cash-out refinancing options. The lender’s Lifetime Rate Protection Guarantee program allows borrowers to refinance starting six months after they close on the original mortgage. This option could be quicker and cheaper than refinancing with another lender — but as with any mortgage, be sure to compare offers before pulling the trigger.

How to apply for a mortgage with Optimum First Mortgage

You can apply for a mortgage with Optimum First Mortgage in person at a branch location, online or by phone at 877-816-7846.

• Methodology

  To determine a mortgage lender’s Bankrate Score, Bankrate rates lenders on a scale of one (1) to five (5) stars — with five (5) the highest rating — based on a variety of factors relating to the lender’s products and services. To assign our ratings, we assessed each mortgage lender across three core areas:

  • Affordability: Annual percentage rate (APR) - 80%; assistance for first-time homebuyers - 10%; down payment - 10%

  • Availability: Loan products - 50%; licensing - 40%; credit score - 10%

  • Borrower experience: Rate transparency - 35%; customer service - 35%; convenience - 20%; rate locks - 10%; reputation (if applicable)

  Learn more about our methodology.