Guild Mortgage vs Fairway Independent Mortgage
Both are major U.S. lenders, but they suit different borrowers. Here's how Guild Mortgage and Fairway Independent Mortgage stack up on the facts — loan mix, 2025 lending volume and what each does best.
Guild Mortgage
Best for first-time buyers
A retail-focused lender with a wide range of government and down-payment-assistance programs for first-time buyers.
86,111 loans in 2025 · avg $312,013
Full reviewFairway Independent Mortgage
Best for local loan officers
A large retail lender built on a national network of local branches and loan officers, strong in purchase lending.
74,450 loans in 2025 · avg $329,606
Full reviewSide by side
| Guild Mortgage | Fairway Independent Mortgage | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Nonbank lender | Nonbank lender |
| Headquarters | San Diego, CA | Madison, WI |
| Best for | First-time buyers | Local loan officers |
| Loan types | Conventional · FHA · VA · USDA | Conventional · FHA · VA · USDA |
| Loans originated (2025) | 86,111 | 74,450 |
| Total lending (2025) | $26.9B | $24.5B |
| Average loan | $312,013 | $329,606 |
| Approval rate* | 94.9% | 93.9% |
Volume, average loan and approval figures: federal HMDA data (2025), FFIEC/CFPB. *Approval rate reflects each lender's channel and borrower mix (wholesale, online and refi-heavy lenders run lower because many applications never close), not selectivity — see our the lending-data research.
Which should you choose?
If you value first-time buyers, Guild Mortgage has the edge; if local loan officers matters more to you, lean Fairway Independent Mortgage. But the winner on your loan is whichever quotes the lower APR and fees — neither reputation nor size sets your rate.
Get a Loan Estimate from both (and a third lender) in the same two-week window so it counts as one credit inquiry, then compare the APRs. Benchmark against today's the rate benchmark and run the numbers in the payment calculator first.
FAQ
Is Guild Mortgage or Fairway Independent Mortgage better?
Neither is universally "better" — it depends on your loan and profile. Guild Mortgage is best for first-time buyers, while Fairway Independent Mortgage is best for local loan officers.
The only reliable way to decide is to get a Loan Estimate from each and compare the APR and fees for your exact scenario.
Which is bigger, Guild Mortgage or Fairway Independent Mortgage?
Guild Mortgage originated more home loans in 2025 — about 86,111 versus 74,450 for Fairway Independent Mortgage, per federal HMDA data. Size doesn't determine your rate, though.
How should I choose between them?
Shop both — plus at least one more lender — within a two-week window so it counts as a single credit inquiry. Compare the APR and the official Loan Estimate, not the headline rate, and weigh service and loan-type fit alongside price.
Independent comparison — no lender paid for placement, and all figures are from public federal data. General information, not personalized advice; confirm terms with each lender.
All lenders