Pros and cons of Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage Pros:
- Offers home loans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Gives a $7,000 grant to eligible first-time buyers
- Provides FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, renovation, and physician loans
- Online-friendly process with a mobile app and secure document uploads
Fairway Independent Mortgage Cons:
- Doesn’t publish interest rates or fee estimates on its website
- Requires you to share your contact details before you can get a personalized rate
- Some borrowers report slow or unclear communication during closing
- Charges higher-than-average origination fees
Fairway Independent Mortgage interest rates
As of 2025, Fairway mortgage rates are often lower than its competitors. However, you must talk to a loan officer or begin the application process to get a specific rate. Here’s what our data shows about Fairway’s average interest rates.
| Loan Type | Average Interest Rate |
| Conventional 30-Year | 6.18% |
| Conventional 15-Year | 4.42% |
| FHA 30-Year | 6.63% |
| VA 30-Year | 6.37% |
Average rate and fee data sourced from public rate and fee records required by the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA).
Remember that interest rates vary a lot by customer. Your rate depends on your credit score, down payment, loan type, and home price. That means you shouldn’t take average rates (or advertised rates) at face value. Instead, pick three to five lenders you’re interested in and get rate quotes from each. Then, compare the interest rates, closing costs, and other fees to see which lender can give you the best deal.
Find your lowest mortgage rate. Start hereFairway Independent Mortgage review for 2025
In 2025, Fairway is among the leading mortgage lenders that balances support with flexible mortgage loan options. The company is known for helping borrowers, from first-time home buyers to seasoned real estate investors.
Since starting in 1996, Fairway has grown from its Madison, Wisconsin headquarters to offices nationwide. It offers conventional loans and special home-buying programs that meet many different needs. You can get government-backed mortgages, jumbo loans, and home equity products. Fairway also provides first-time home buyer grants.
Affordability
Fairway gets an average affordability score from The Mortgage Reports, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. While its average $3,492 origination fee is above the national average, the company’s lower interest rates can save money over time. That means you might pay more upfront but still spend less overall.
Fairway’s Community Access program offers a $7,000 grant to eligible first-time buyers in 21 metro areas like Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix. The grant can go toward a down payment or closing costs and doesn’t need to be paid back. Buyers might also get extra credits for things like appraisal and title fees. Eligibility depends on the home’s location, not how much money the buyer makes.
Lending flexibility
Fairway is licensed to lend in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It underwrites many types of loans, including fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages, conventional loans, and loans backed by the FHA, VA, and USDA. It also offers refinancing options, both cash-out and rate-and-term. Some of its specialty mortgages include home loans for medical professionals, reverse mortgages for older homeowners, and financing for home improvements. You can also apply for a home equity loan or line of credit if you want to borrow against your property’s value.
Trustworthiness
Fairway Independent Mortgage has fewer complaints than average reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The lender earned an above-average score in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study. That recognition reflects the company’s efforts to deliver responsive, knowledgeable service.
On Trustpilot, Fairway has an average rating. Many reviews describe loan officers as professional, patient, and helpful throughout the process. However, feedback about the application experience is mixed. Some borrowers say it was easy and efficient, while others mention delays and miscommunication late in the approval process.
Customer experience
Because Fairway doesn’t list its rates or fees online, it’s harder to compare it with other lenders at the start. To begin the application process, complete an online form with details like the property, loan amount, and estimated credit score. You’ll also need to give your contact info to get a complete quote.
The FairwayNow app makes it easy to apply for a loan; many people can do it in about 10 minutes. The app also lets you upload documents, follow your loan’s progress, and message your loan officer. If you need help, phone support is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time at 866-912-4800.
FAQs about Fairway Independent Mortgage
Fairway Independent Mortgage offers a broad mix of loan products, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages and FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, and conventional loans. It also provides specialty options such as physician loans, renovation loans, and reverse mortgages. Borrowers looking for cash-out refinancing or home equity options can apply through Fairway.
Yes, Fairway Independent Mortgage offers several programs for first-time home buyers. The Fairway Community Access program provides a $7,000 grant for eligible buyers in select metro areas, which you can use for down payments or closing costs. Fairway also offers FHA loans, which are government-backed and popular with first-time buyers, thanks to their lower credit score requirements.
Yes, you can start your mortgage application online. Fairway offers a digital process through its FairwayNow mobile app and website. Both options let you fill out your application, upload documents, and talk directly with your loan officer.
Yes. Fairway is licensed to do business in every U.S. state and Washington, D.C. It also has physical branches in most states, which can be helpful if you prefer in-person service.
Yes. Fairway’s mortgage rates are often lower than the national average, according to third-party data. While its upfront fees can be higher, the lower interest rates may lead to significant long-term savings through smaller monthly payments.
Is Fairway Independent Mortgage the best mortgage lender for you?
This Fairway Independent Mortgage lender review highlights a well-established lender with strong nationwide coverage, diverse loan offerings, and programs for first-time buyers. Its mortgage rates are typically better than average, even if its origination fees are higher than some competitors.
Fairway may be a good fit if you want personal service, flexible loan options, and a smooth mobile experience. Be ready to speak with a representative for accurate mortgage rate and origination fee information since that data is not posted online. Fairway Independent Mortgage is worth considering for many borrowers in 2025.
Find your lowest mortgage rate. Start hereHow The Mortgage Reports scored Fairway Independent Mortgage
The Mortgage Reports evaluates and ranks lenders based on four key factors, each weighted to reflect its impact on the borrowing experience.
- Trustworthiness (20%): Measures customer satisfaction and reliability based on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaints per 1,000 loans and ratings from reputable third-party review platforms such as Trustpilot.
- Customer experience (20%): Examines the lender’s digital and service accessibility, including the availability of an online pre-approval or pre-qualification process, ease of contact, and the presence of a current rates page on their website.
- Affordability (20%): Assesses the average origination charges and the average interest rate the lender offers.
- Lending flexibility (40%): Evaluates the lender’s minimum down payment and credit score requirements, as well as the availability of FHA, VA, and USDA loan options.
