Newrez Reviews

Newrez does not publish its current rates, but Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data shows its average rates for home purchase loans were slightly higher than the national average from 2019 to 2021. To see what rate Newrez would offer you, you’ll need to complete its pre-qualification process.

Newrez average home purchase rate vs. national average

Newrez offers both fixed- and adjustable-rate loans. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has a fixed rate for a set period of time, and then it periodically adjusts through the remainder of the loan term. When it resets, it changes in accordance with a benchmark interest rate; so, if the benchmark interest rate is higher than the ARM’s initial rate, the monthly payments should go up.

Most borrowers like the predictable payments and security of a fixed-rate loan. But there are times when an adjustable loan makes sense. If you plan to refinance the loan or sell your home before the introductory period is over, you may save money with an ARM. Your loan officer can help you find the right loan for your short- and long-term goals.

Newrez’s QuickQuote pre-qualification only takes about five minutes. It asks a few very general questions about your estimated purchase price, down payment amount and some other personal details.

However, the QuickQuote name is a bit misleading — completing the form isn't necessarily enough to get a quote. Once you’re done, you may be asked to move on to the next step in the application process or to reach out to a loan consultant for a quote.

The next step in the Newrez mortgage application is to create an account and begin submitting documents to the portal. You will also be able to check the status of your loan application and access key information here.

Newrez application features

Newrez offers conventional loans (with both fixed and adjustable rates) and government-backed loans (including FHA loans and VA loans). However, it doesn’t offer jumbo loans or USDA loans.

In 2021, it closed 15,904 loans out of 22,771 applications (about 70%), and its denial rate was in line with the national average (around 8%).

Loan applications for home purchases only by year

In September 2022, Newrez also introduced a 40-year non-qualified mortgage that offers a fixed rate and interest-only payments for the first 10 years before adjusting to a 30-year, fixed-rate loan with monthly interest and principal payments. This type of loan is designed for borrowers who may have trouble getting traditional loans.

Refinancing

Even before rates hit historic lows in 2020 and 2021, about 68% of all Newrez’s closed loans were refinances. In 2021, though, refinancing accounted for roughly 88% of its closed loans, reflecting an industry-wide trend. Nearly all lenders saw consumer demand for refinancing spike in this period as low interest rates spurred borrowers to try to lock in lower rates and save money.

That trend is not likely to continue, though. Mortgage rates rose throughout most of 2022, so fewer borrowers are expected to refinance. Refinancing can still be worthwhile if you can lower your interest rate by 1% or more, but be sure to take closing costs into account when you weigh your options.

Home purchase vs. refinance loans by year

Newrez doesn’t publish all of its requirements for borrowers, but we’ve collected what’s available and included some general information below to help you set your expectations.

Newrez requires you to have a credit score of 580 or higher for an FHA loan. For a VA loan, you need to have a score of 600 or higher to avoid making a down payment. If you can make a 5% down payment, the credit score requirement drops to 560, though.

Newrez doesn’t specify its requirements for conventional loans, but you typically need a credit score of at least 620 and a down payment of at least 3%. (Most down payments on conventional loans are higher.)

National mortgage requirements by type

For other loan types, read our guides on jumbo loans, home equity loans, HELOCs and USDA loans.

Newrez publishes a partial list of its fees, which is more than most lenders offer but not enough to accurately predict your closing costs ahead of time. In total, closing costs for a home purchase generally equal 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Closing costs may include lender fees, appraisal fees, real estate taxes, attorney fees and mortgage insurance premiums.

You won’t have to pick a lender with no information, though. After your application has been received, you’ll get a Loan Estimate that itemizes what your closing costs should be. You’ll also get a Closing Disclosure later on with the final totals for your costs and fees.