2026 Best Mortgage Companies to Work For

The Best Mid-Sized Mortgage Companies to Work For in 2026

ByAndrew Martinez, Bonnie Sinnock, Colin McNamara, Brad Finkelstein, Spencer Lee, Heidi Patalano

March 4, 2026 6:00 AM

In the mortgage industry, periods of high originations volumes make it easier to be an employer of choice. It's a special feat to remain such a thing when times are tougher.

The following 27 companies, which each have between 100 and 499 people on staff, were highly rated by employees for creating a great environment in which to work.

SEE THE FULL LIST: 2026's Best Mortgage Companies to Work For

This ranking is a partnership between National Mortgage News and the Best Companies Group, which conducts extensive employee surveys and reviews employer reports on benefits and policies. The employee survey covers eight topics: leadership and planning; corporate culture and communications; role satisfaction; work environment; relationship with supervisor; training, development and resources; pay and benefits; and overall engagement.

Once the survey data is analyzed, the companies get a score that decides their ranking. The overall score is calculated using the employee survey (weighed at 75%) and the employer questionnaire (25%). To qualify for consideration, organizations with 25 or more employees need a minimum response rate of 40% while companies with 25 or fewer employees need 80%.

Check out the winners in the mid-sized company category below.

Staff on Halloween.

Courtesy of theLender

theLender

Headquarters: Lake Forest, California
Number of employees: 418
Website:

thelender.com

The wholesale lender separates itself with its unique brand that stretches to its products. That includes theNADA (0% downpayment), the NONI (non-owner no income) and theSECOND (home equity). The wholesale player has reported over $10 billion of mortgage volume since its founding in 2018

The company also features its own large-language model, theOwl, to answer borrowers' mortgage questions. theLender, in describing its bona fides, calls on ambitious professionals to join its fast-moving environment with a culture of mentoring and training. CEO Aaron Iverson has led the firm since its launch.

Spring EQ's wholesale meeting

Spring EQ

Headquarters: Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
Number of Employees: 459

Website:

springeq.com

Spring EQ is a lender serving homebuyers and owners that was founded in 2016. It operates in multiple channels and its product line extends to home equity and non-QM loans. The company also focuses heavily on automation, innovation and purposeful customer service.

"Team members at Spring EQ realize they can positively impact our customers' lives by helping them maximize the value of homeownership," the company said in a statement.

The Loan Store's sales meeting at Ghost Dancer Ranch.

The Loan Store

Headquarters: Tucson, Arizona
Number of Employees: 435

Website:

tlstpo.com

This wholesale lender run by industry veteran Phil Shoemaker offers conventional, government, jumbo, non QM, second lien, hard-money investor and buy-before-you-sell loans.

It works with third-party originators that broker mortgages or sell closed loans on a non-delegated correspondent basis. Flexible, remote work is available, and the company also offers a 45-day challenge to employees aimed at helping them set and achieve personal and professional goals.

"We balance profitability with stability, ensuring long-term success for our people and partners," the company said in a statement.

Newfi's top performers and leadership at President's Club awards dinner.

Newfi Lending

Headquarters: Emeryville, California
Number of Employees: 274

Website:

newfi.com

Newfi Lending is a national lender founded in 2014 by a team of industry veterans. The company offers a wide range of products, including debt-service coverage ratio, non-QM, second lien and 40-year loans. It also has operated in multiple loan channels. "Newfi combines innovative technology with a culture centered on collaboration, transparency, and empowerment," the company said in a statement.

Velocity staff shared insights at the New Orleans tradeshow with its account executives.

Courtesy of Velocity Mortgage Capital

Velocity Mortgage Capital

Headquarters: Westlake Village, California
Number of employees: 354

Website:

velocitymortgage.com

The direct portfolio lender specializes in financing mom-and-pop investors with an array of distinct loan products. Founded in 2004, the subsidiary of publicly traded Velocity Financial also lends to small commercial borrowers.

Co-founder and CEO Chris Farrar said the firm prides its lending to the small investors behind much of the nation's rental stock. "They're really successful, they're hard working, and we like them as counterparties," he said.

The company has a familial atmosphere and low turnover, even with a largely remote workforce.

"We give a lot of autonomy," said Farrar. "We trust people to work hard and to get their jobs done, but try not to overtly manage them and their time."

As part of New Employee Orientation, Townebank team members participate in hands-on community service projects that reflect the bank's deep-rooted culture of caring. Here, new employees signed books to be distributed to local youth through the United Way of South Hampton Roads.

TowneBank Mortgage

Headquarters: Suffolk, Virginia
Number of Employees: 300

Website: https://townebankmortgage.com

TowneBank Mortgage, with 23 branches across five states, stands out for its active recruitment efforts and inclusive culture. Each semester, the lender attends 18 college career fairs, including HBCU partners, and engages with military and local community college talent.

Towne also works to recruit and accommodate employees with disabilities, offering comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.

"We hire people who want to help people, and we show them an appreciation for the kindness and professionalism they bring to the job each day," a company spokesperson said.

Mortgage Investors Group helped local families start the school year strong with a Back to School drive

Mortgage Investors Group

Headquarters: Knoxville, Tennessee
Number of employees: 254

Website:

www.migonline.com

Offering retail as well as correspondent channels, Mortgage Investors Group operates branches in five different Southeastern states, with Florida newly added in 2026.

MIG also has a mascot, who regularly welcomes visitors to the lender's homepage. A koala named Miggie, the mascot was a brainchild that first showed up at one of its branches to promote loan koala-fication to customers.

Today, Miggie even travels to support employees and represent the company in all the markets the lender serves. "As long as somebody's willing to put it on and wear it, we will ship the mascot out to whatever location it needs to go," said chief operating officer Sharon Rivers.

USA Mortgage employees gather to celebrate a ribbon cutting in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

USA Mortgage / DAS Acquisition

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri
Number of Employees: 480
Website:

www.usamortgage.com

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, USA Mortgage is a 100% employee-owned lender with 480 staff and 56 branches nationwide.

CEO Linda Pring emphasizes that "our people are the foundation of our success," offering meaningful recognition, professional development, and clear paths for advancement.

Employees participate in 360-degree reviews and the company supports ongoing education, certifications, and leadership training. Workplace culture includes team events, like a chili cook-off, hotdog and pie eating contest and perks like discounted local entertainment, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

At VanDyk Mortgage, our Power Up Awards Ceremony celebrated the outstanding team members who kept our momentum strong and energy high throughout.

VanDyk Mortgage Corp

Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Number of employees: 245
Website: www.vandykmortgage.com

Recognition and rewards are a key cultural centerpiece at VanDyk Mortgage. Its employees receive personalized thank you notes, they have peer-to-peer recognition programs, and the company offers celebratory events like team lunches and virtual gatherings. VanDyk gives its employees the option to work remotely and its flexible work environment allows them to better balance their personal and professional lives.

Employees play bingo at Direct Mortgage Loans' DML Fest.

Direct Mortgage Loans

Headquarters: Hunt Valley, Maryland
Number of Employees: 215
Website:

www.directmortgageloans.com

Based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, Direct Mortgage Loans operates in 35 states under CEO Michael Naylor, who has led the firm for 14 years. About 85% of employees telecommute, with flexible schedules designed to put family first and meetings held during work hours only.

The lender offers on-site personal development, stress management and financial education programs, along with monthly "Recharge & Connect" events and recognition through its Mission, Vision, Value awards.

As one leader put it, "our people are our purpose," reflecting a culture centered on connection and growth.

Mortgage Center ran a fundraiser and if the team hit their goal, the executive leadership team agreed to dress up 80s style for our Q4 Town Hall.

Mortgage Center

Headquarters: Southfield, Michigan
Number of employees: 115
Website:

https://mortgagecenter.com

Mortgage Center, based in Michigan, has been in business for more than 35 years and headed by President and CEO Josh Thompson, who has held the role for three years. The company is built on hiring and retaining the right people.

"We set hard goals and we give our employees the freedom to determine how they will hit those goals. And then, we reward them for hitting their goals," the lender said. "It's an environment where wins are celebrated and opportunities for improvement are coached."

Mortgage Center prides itself on being a mid-sized organization that offers the benefits of a small, close-knit community.

"Think Cheers, where everybody knows your name," it said.

Acopia's Greater Nashville team rocks another coat drive.

Acopia Home Loans

Headquarters: Goodlettsville, Tennessee
Number of employees: 117
Website:

www.acopiahomeloans.com

An honoree for the sixth year in a row, Acopia agreed to an acquisition by Lower in early 2026.

Mutual appreciation and respect between management and staff helps make the lender a desirable place to work. "They listen to their teams, seek out and value input," an employee said about Acopia leadership.

The appreciation goes both ways with the company citing its team's "enthusiastic sense of mission, sense of humor and mature assessment of themselves."

Towne Mortgage

Headquarters: Troy, Michigan
Number of employees: 246
Website:

www.townemortgage.com

The Michigan-based lender has experienced aggressive growth over the last few years, but maintains a small-company feel. Founded in 1982, Towne has an almost fully remote workforce now, which grants employees with the flexibility they need.

"At the end of the day, we really only care that you're getting the job done," CEO Mark Janssen said. "If you enjoy where you work and the people that you work for, your attitude can be felt by the customer."

Towne also runs a 12 & Well Program, in which three team members a month win a wellness prize, such as a Peloton or spa session.

Our leadership team enjoyed a nature hike during their Executive Retreat in Oregon.

Alta Home Lending

Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Number of employees: 126
Website: www.altahl.com

Communication between executives and employees is a key portion of Alta Home Loan's operations. The company had previously been known as Republic State Mortgage. Managers consistently reach out to employees to make sure they're doing well personally and professionally.

"We've definitely tried to keep our salaries in line based on the job titles and the responsibilities and truly drive incentives based on performance," said CEO Andrina Valdes. In great years, people make a lot of money, and in lean years, they're mostly focused on salary.

"I think that's becoming more typical for the mortgage industry, as people look at their bottom line, profitability and volume not increasing like it used to," Valdes said.

Longbridge Financial at the Walk to End Alzheimer's; Longbridge is fully committed to giving back to the community including it's charitable work with Toys for Tots, Feeding America, and Stand Up To Cancer.

Longbridge Financial

Headquarters: Paramus, New Jersey
Number of employees: 491
Website:

www.longbridge-financial.com

Founded in 2012, Longbridge is one of the country's leaders of reverse mortgages and home equity products for seniors and retired individuals.

"Longbridge has a clear focus on the people they are trying to help. Profits feel like they are celebrated as an opportunity to help more customers in a broader way," the company said in a statement.

Since the second half of 2025, the company has launched a home equity line of credit product for seniors and also introduced new artificial-intelligence backed voice agents to assist servicing customers. Known as Mr. and Mrs. Bridges, the agents are specifically trained on reverse mortgage servicing topics.

Residential Wholesale Mortgage

Headquarters: San Diego, California
Number of employees: 284
Website:

rwmloans.com

Residential Wholesale Mortgage is a family-owned community lender, and operates as just that, a family. President Brad Livingston founded the company more than 30 years ago and has been at the helm since.

Headquartered in San Diego, Residential Wholesale Mortgage built on a foundation of teamwork, trust and a shared commitment.

"Every team member is encouraged to learn, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways, creating an environment where personal and professional development are truly valued," the lender said.

LoanPeople

Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Number of employees: 111
Website:

loanpeople.com

CEO Max Leaman, a former top producer, cites his firsthand experience of pricing battles and origination challenges as an advantage for his firm. The Loanpeople founder touts company strengths including a strong marketing platform, a wide credit box, and a variety of non-qualified mortgage products.

"We try to stay very, very lean," said Leaman. "So we can have really great pricing, and pay loan officers a great commission."

The Austin-based lender founded in 2019 has offices across Texas and Florida. Its hybrid workforce enjoys a 12-month culture calendar featuring family gatherings, giveaways, and charity work.

"We're small enough to know you, but we're big enough to support you," said Leaman.

Some of the loan originators attending a local Habitat for Humanity event, sponsored by Residential Mortgage.

Courtesy of Residential Mortgage

Residential Mortgage

Headquarters: Anchorage, Alaska
Number of employees: 125
Website:

residentialmtg.com

Nature is an attraction to work for the largest lender in Alaska, but CEO Mike Baldwin attributes his company's success to strong fundamentals. "The average tenure of our originators in Alaska is 20 years," he said. "That's kind of unheard of in our space, and I think it's because we get loans closed on time."

The subsidiary of Northrim Bank has unique portfolio products and enjoys steady business in the unique Anchorage housing market. A quarter of the lender's business today now comes from the Pacific Northwest and Southwest.

"That's helping diversify things," said Baldwin. "It brings a new perspective to our Alaskan originators. We get the team together annually, and people really appreciate that, and it definitely helps us recruit."

Churchill Mortgage employees celebrate Halloween with games at the Brentwood, Tennessee office.

Churchill Mortgage

Headquarters: Brentwood, Tennessee
Number of Employees: 372
Website:

churchillmortgage.com

This mortgage company was founded in 1992 and has been employee owned for over a decade. It offers an employee stock ownership plan to staff and a wide range of loans to borrowers, including conventional, government, construction, investor, nonconforming, non QM and "no score" mortgages. Churchill also has its own foundation, which backs charitable causes. "There is also a consistent effort to make it easy for employees to celebrate each other and for employees to give back to local communities," the company said in a statement.

Underwriting having Fun in the Photo Booth at our July Summer Fun Event

Taylor Morrison Home Lending

Taylor Morrison Home Funding

Headquarters: Maitland, Florida
Number of employees: 356
Website:

www.taylormorrisonhf.com

Founded in 2001, Taylor Morrison Home Funding is an independent mortgage banker, servicer and wholly owned subsidiary of national home builder Taylor Morrison. The Florida-based lender emphasizes the importance of flexibility, with more than 90% of its employees working remotely all or part of the time.

Taylor Morrison Home Funding's "Grow Forward" strategy embraces technology and efficiency without sacrificing personal touch.

"When you are working with families that are spending and making ... the most expensive investment that they've likely ever made, it's that interaction with our people that our customers remember," said Tawn Kelley, president of Taylor Morrison Home Funding.

SWBC employees participate at a Habitat for Humanity build in Oklahoma City.

SWBC Mortgage

Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas
Number of employees: 465
Website: www.swbcmortgage.com

SWBC Mortgage has appeared on The Best Companies to Work For list on multiple occasions, and its loan officers are a consistent presence in the Top Producers program. The company offers employees an on-site clinic at its headquarters, with a second location coming soon. Customer service appreciation and employee appreciation events also serve to reward staff.

Group Outing at the Byron Nelson Golf Tournament

Highlands Residential Mortgage

Headquarters: Allen, Texas
Number of employees: 446
Website:

www.highlandsmortgage.com

Highlands Residential Mortgage, headquartered in Allen, Texas, came in at No. 1 in last year's rankings. The lender promotes having a good time in the office with parties that include food trucks and games, a state-of-the-art workout facility and 12 days of Christmas giveaways that includes all employees.

"Our flexible work options and wellness programs support work-life balance, while professional development opportunities empower team members to grow their careers," the lender said.

Highlands, founded in 2010, offers ongoing mentoring and training, always looking to promote from within.

The lender also founded the Highlands Hope Foundation to help employees in need of any kind of disaster relief.

AML Funding

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Number of employees: 246
Website:

www.absoluteml.com

Founded in 2011, the Dallas-based lender operates in nearly 40 states, with expansion into Utah in the works.

Absolute Mortgage & Lending takes pride in serving diverse and underserved communities, promoting fair housing, financial education and responsible homeownership. AML has multilingual loan officers and its website can be translated into Vietnamese or Spanish.

"Built on integrity, innovation, and inclusion, AML empowers clients through creative financing solutions and a people-first culture," the lender said.

AML also connects with its community through annual food drives and local neighborhood Christmas parties.

Team members gathered from near and far for a special company event at CV3 headquarters in Southern California.

CV3 Financial Services

Headquarters: El Segundo, California
Number of Employees: 242
Website:

https://cv3financial.com

CV3 placed No. 3 in 2025 and is back near the top this year. President and CEO William Tessar stresses the importance of people to his company's success, and his investments rang true when he founded the company in 2023.

Tessar also founded the company's predecessor, Civic Financial Services, which was acquired by PacWest Bancorp in 2021. But after the parent company faced financial difficulties, Tessar started CV3 and was followed by 154 employees, despite the company not having a loan in the pipeline.

"The fact that that group, from the time Civic closed to the time we opened, waited when most of the industry was off making crazy offers of employment to them, to me, it actually spoke volumes that our investment in the people all those years actually mattered to them," Tessar said.

CV3 supports its employees through Wellness Wednesdays, which includes 15 minutes of yoga or another activity, flexible schedules and donations to charities of employees' choosing. Employees also earn points by participating in company and local events; top scorers have earned trips around the world and a new Tesla.

GoRascal loan officers getting together outside of work to support each other and enjoy each other's friendship.

Courtesy of GoRascal

GoRascal

Headquarters: Brooklyn, New York
Number of employees: 387
Website:

gorascal.com

Williamsburg-based GoRascal is one of the largest brokerages in the country. Part of that success comes from the fast-paced, sky-is-the-limit mentality from the staff mostly hailing from the tri-state area, said Scott Valins, who founded the company in 2020.

"We really love feeling like a mom-and-pop shop despite our scale and margins," he said.

The company touts core values of radical communication, expertise and dependability, which the CEO described as differentiators in the highly competitive, highly regulated mortgage space. Valins lives those values in communicating constantly with his teams and always discussing goals.

"My goal is to always be able to maintain this kind of warmth and family vibe within the business," he said.

HFG's Southeast Region gathering for a day of team bonding.

Homeowners Financial Group USA

Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona
Number of employees: 271
Website:

https://homeownersfg.com

"Homeowners kind of sits in a strong middle ground as a mid size independent," said Bill Rogers, president and CEO. "We're not a really big independent, we're not a really small independent. We're right there kind of in the middle."

Homeowners is large enough to offer its people the products, technology, capital, tools, resources and the partnerships that they need to win, "But we're small enough where every employee has direct access to leadership and real influence," including over the decisions that are made, Rogers said.

"We don't just listen to the feedback, we actually act on it. It's the culture of access and trust and shared ownership which really helps separate us and differentiates us from other mortgage companies, large and small." People don't feel like they're being managed, they're empowered to help make decisions, Rogers said.

Consumers Credit Union staffers participate in the 2025 Cake Walk, to benefit the Special Olympics West Michigan.

Consumers Credit Union

Headquarters: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Number of employees: 104
Website:

www.consumerscu.org

Inclusivity and a team atmosphere are traditions of working at Consumers Credit Union, and that spirit allows them to better serve their members and local communities. Even though its staff is spread out in locations throughout Western Michigan, the company makes an effort to ensure all offices have a role.

"All of the offices and corporate, we all take photos," said chief marketing officer Lynne Jarman-Johnson. "We place those out in our community, on all of our social media that showcases, 'Hey, we want to see what you're doing, and we want to be a team together.'"

Consumers Credit Union encourages financial education among its member base to help them achieve goals. Last year, the comp;any's mortgage division originated $470 million worth of residential loans, serving 1,732 homeowners.