Better Mortgage is a strong choice for borrowers who value a fully digital experience and transparent pricing. UWM, on the other hand, may be better suited for borrowers who prefer a wider range of loan products and first-time homebuyer programs, and don't mind working with a mortgage broker.
Attribute | Better Mortgage | UWM (United Wholesale Mortgage) |
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Interest Rates Offered | Better Mortgage's APRs closely track with national averages. As of August 11, 2025, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.67%. Rates are displayed on their website and updated several times a day, assuming a credit score of 760 and a 20% down payment. | Not publicly available; must contact a mortgage broker |
Loan Origination Fees | Better Mortgage charges a $995 origination fee on most loans. They have a 'Better Forever Program' that waives the loan origination fee if you use them a second time for a purchase or refinance (at least six months after the original loan). | Not disclosed specifically; aligns with industry standards (0.5% to 1% of the loan amount) |
Range of Loan Products (e.g., Fixed-Rate, ARM, FHA, VA) | Better Mortgage offers loans for manufactured homes and self-employed borrowers. They provide conventional, FHA, and VA loans, as well as jumbo loans. | Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA loans; Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs): 5, 7, and 10-year ARMs; Fixed-rate options; Loans for self-employed borrowers (bank statement loans); Non-QM loans; Refinance, reverse, and jumbo loans; Condo financing |
Online Application Process Ease | Better Mortgage offers a fully digital platform with live rates and fast pre-approvals. Their pre-approval process is 100% online and user-friendly. You can apply, lock a rate, and get your mortgage funded completely online. | Blink+ is a free online mortgage application that allows borrowers to complete applications, automatically pull credit, and e-sign documents. It functions as a point of sale (POS), loan origination system (LOS), and customer relationship manager (CRM) |
Customer Service Responsiveness | Better Mortgage aims to provide a fast, transparent digital mortgage experience backed by customer support. You can reach their customer service team at 415-523-8837. | Depends on the mortgage broker you choose to work with |
Pre-Approval Speed and Accuracy | Better Mortgage offers pre-approval in as little as 3 minutes. Eligible borrowers can receive a loan commitment within 24 hours through their 'One Day Mortgage' program. | Initial approvals in as little as 15 minutes for conventional and FHA loans |
Closing Costs Transparency | Better Mortgage provides borrowers with a clear breakdown of all costs associated with their loan. They strive to keep fees low and believe in transparency, with cost breakdowns available on their website. | Flat closing fee of $350 and a $68 credit check fee |
Loan Servicing Quality | All loans are initially serviced by Better Mortgage in conjunction with their sub-servicing partner, ServBank, which handles payment administration and collection. They may transfer ownership of your loan to an investor who will provide servicing. | Offers an online account to see the status of the review |
Availability of Rate Lock Options | Better Mortgage allows you to lock in a rate online. | 90-, 120-, 150-, 180-, 270-, and 365-day options; custom rate locks and rate lock extensions |
Refinancing Options | Better Mortgage offers mortgage refinance options. Refinancing can help you get better interest rates or change your loan type. However, refinancing has drawbacks such as closing costs. | Various refinancing options available; incentives for rate-and-term refinances |
First-Time Homebuyer Programs | Better Mortgage can be a good choice for first-time homebuyers. | Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCP) for HomeReady and Freddie Mac's BorrowSmart Geo-Target loans; Conventional 1% Down program; 0% Down Purchase program; HomeOne |
Geographic Availability | Better Mortgage is licensed and operating in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. | All 50 states and the District of Columbia |