The right mortgage lender can make a huge difference in Ohio’s housing market. Ohio leads the way in affordable housing and has many programs to help first-time homebuyers find their perfect home. The number of options might seem overwhelming at first, but finding the best mortgage lenders in Ohio doesn’t have to be complicated.
Let me make your search easier with this list of the top 5 home loan providers in West Chester. This piece breaks down each lender’s loan options, customer service quality, and application process.
You’ll find everything you need here to make a smart choice, whether you want to buy your first home or refinance an existing one.
Imperial Home Loans
Image Source: Imperial Home Loans
Imperial Home Loans is a leading mortgage lender based in West Chester, OH, with strong ties to Greater Cincinnati and Dayton communities. The company stands apart from big national banks and faceless online lenders by offering tailored mortgage solutions with a local touch. Their main goal is to raise standards in the mortgage industry through exceptional service that meets each client’s needs.
Imperial Home Loans serves homeowners in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and surrounding areas with mortgage solutions that fit each client’s needs. They also hold licenses to provide loans in Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida, which lets them serve beyond the West Chester area.
The company’s membership in the West Chester-Liberty Chamber Alliance shows their steadfast dedication to community involvement and local economic growth. This local connection builds trust in ways that bigger banks often can’t match.
Key Features of Imperial Home Loans
Imperial Home Loans sets itself apart through these key features:
- Personalized Consultations – The team takes time to understand each client’s financial situation, lifestyle needs, and long-term goals before recommending mortgage options.
- Transparent Process – Clients get regular updates and clear timelines from application to closing without hidden fees or surprises.
- Speed and Efficiency – Thanks to efficient processing and strong underwriting support, many clients close in just 2-4 weeks – much faster than industry standards.
- Direct Communication – Each client works with one person throughout their loan process, eliminating the need to repeat information to different representatives.
The company offers free consultations so potential borrowers can explore their options without pressure. They blend face-to-face service with modern digital tools to create a flexible experience that works for everyone.
Pricing and Loan Options at Imperial Home Loans
The company partners with top lenders to get competitive rates while offering flexible options with clear terms. They believe in being transparent from the start, which helps clients plan confidently.
Their loan options include:
- Conventional Loans – Standard mortgages with competitive rates
- FHA Loans – Backed by the government; lower down payments
- VA Loans – Exclusive to veterans and active military
- USDA Loans – For rural areas; offer favorable terms
- Jumbo Loans – For high-value properties exceeding conforming limits
- Construction Loans – Funding to build a new home
- Reverse Mortgages – Allow seniors to access home equity
- Commercial Loans – For purchasing or refinancing business properties
- Foreign National Loans – Tailored for non-U.S. citizens purchasing U.S. property
Clients can get pre-qualified within one business day, which gives them a clear budget and stronger position when making offers.
Why Choose Imperial Home Loans
Ohio residents get clear advantages when choosing Imperial Home Loans over bigger financial institutions.
Local Expertise – The team knows local property values, neighborhood trends, and regional economic factors that affect home purchases. This knowledge is crucial when dealing with Ohio’s housing market challenges.
Relationship-Based Approach – Unlike big national lenders focused on transactions, Imperial Home Loans builds lasting relationships. They’re always there for questions, refinancing options, and advice on future investments.
Faster Decision-Making – Local control means quick answers to questions and changes. Clients often mention how much faster Imperial Home Loans responds compared to bigger banks.
Flexible Solutions – While national lenders use strict requirements that might turn away good borrowers, Imperial Home Loans looks at each person’s complete financial picture. This helps people with unique situations get approved.
Community Investment – Working with Imperial Home Loans keeps resources in the local community instead of sending profits to distant shareholders of national banks.
For anyone looking for mortgage lending in West Chester, Imperial Home Loans provides service built on understanding, transparency, and personal connection – making them one of Ohio’s best mortgage lenders. Their focus on clients and deep community roots creates value that goes far beyond just getting a loan.
Ruoff Mortgage
West Chester residents now have a new choice for their mortgage needs with Ruoff Mortgage. The lender’s office at 8748 Union Center Blvd provides mortgage programs that could match what borrowers need.
David Ruoff started Dave Ruoff Mortgage Co. in Fort Wayne, Indiana back in 1984. The company grew beyond Indiana’s borders and opened branches in several states including Ohio. Their West Chester location started serving customers in September 2012, adding to their growing network outside Indiana.
Ruoff Mortgage earned BBB accreditation in March 1986 and managed to keep an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. The 40-year-old company operates under Blake Music’s leadership as President, while Clint Morgan serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.
The West Chester team calls themselves “an easy-going group of passionate people” with deep mortgage industry knowledge. Their website highlights that they “closed thousands of loans, and have over 110 years of experience combined”. Dave Scully leads the branch as SVP and Area Manager, working with senior loan officers who each maintain their own customer satisfaction scores.
Union Home Mortgage
Union Home Mortgage, a 53-year old player in the mortgage industry, gives West Chester residents another choice for home financing needs. This Ohio-based lender has grown substantially over the years.
Union Home Mortgage started in 1970 and has become a major lending force nationwide. The company has helped hundreds of thousands of people buy their homes. Today, they work in 48 states and the District of Columbia. All but one of these states are covered, with Hawaii and New York being the exceptions.
The company’s lending numbers tell an impressive story. They lend over $5 billion yearly, and this number shot up to more than $13 billion in 2021. Such growth shows their reach well beyond their Ohio roots.
Their core belief makes homeownership available to everyone. This viewpoint lines up with their company culture, where they call employees “Partners” instead of staff – a reflection of their values.
The West Chester branch brings their mortgage services closer to local residents. They’re worth thinking over when you’re looking for nearby mortgage lenders. Like other local financial institutions, they pride themselves on giving personal attention throughout the mortgage process.
Union Home Mortgage stands out with its “Code of Conduct.” This code spells out their values, communication guidelines, professional standards, and customer service promises. Such a well-laid-out approach shows how they handle client relationships.
First Community Mortgage
First Community Mortgage started in Murfreesboro, Tennessee back in 2002. Today, it serves 46 states nationwide. West Chester residents looking for local mortgage lending can now benefit from their services.
The company brings together nationwide reach with a local touch. Their Cincinnati office helps homebuyers through each step of getting a mortgage. New homebuyers often feel overwhelmed by the mortgage process, so the company provides free tools to help them understand the financial world better.
First Community Mortgage stays with you from your first application right through closing and beyond. They help existing homeowners refinance to reduce their payments or meet other money goals.
Their wide range of mortgage programs makes them stand out in Ohio’s competitive market. Each program comes with unique benefits suited to different buyers’ needs. Their loan experts look at your specific situation to find the right fit.
Silverton Mortgage
Silverton Mortgage rounds out our list of premier home loan providers in West Chester. This 25-year-old lending institution takes a tailored approach to home financing. They understand that each borrower faces unique circumstances that need specific solutions.
Silverton Mortgage started in 1998 and has become a major player in the mortgage industry. They now operate in 46 states. Scott Hall manages their West Chester office at 9050 Center Point Drive, Suite 210. He brings four years of mortgage expertise and experience helping home builders with financial services.
The company’s core belief that “one size does not fit all” shapes how they handle home loans. They help clients find the right loan program instead of pushing them toward standard options.
Their official website states, “At Silverton Mortgage, we understand that everyone’s situation is different. Like people, not all loans are the same”. This personal touch is evident in how they keep borrowers updated throughout the mortgage process.
The company also gives back to the community through The Silverton Foundation, its non-profit arm. The foundation helps families with hospitalized children pay their mortgage or rent when their kids need ongoing chronic or critical care. The foundation has expanded its support to families at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Comparison Table
Lender | Loan Types Offered | Notable Features | Service Area | Special Programs | Customer Service Features |
Imperial Home Loans | Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Construction, Reverse Mortgages, Commercial, Foreign National | • Pre-qualification within 1 business day• Closings take 2-4 weeks• Expert knowledge of local markets• Available for in-person meetings | OH, KY, FL | • Custom consultations• No-cost consultations• Adaptable options for unique situations | • Dedicated contact person throughout• Clear fee structure• Regular status updates |
Ruoff Mortgage | Conventional, FHA, VA, Construction, Home Equity | • Digital “Loan Butler” platform• Online tools for applications | Multiple states | Programs for first-time homebuyers | 98.4% client satisfaction score |
Union Home Mortgage | Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Refinancing | • “My UHM” mobile app• Digital document submission | 48 states | 1% Down Payment Program | Mixed client feedback (1.73/5 stars) |
First Community Mortgage | Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA | • VA loans without lender fees• Options for low credit scores | 46 states | Physician mortgage program | BBB Torch Award winner |
Silverton Mortgage | Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA | • Internal loan processing• Silverton Secure program | 46 states | Ohio Housing Finance Agency Down Payment Assistance | Over 90% client recommendation rate |
Conclusion
Ruoff Mortgage, Union Home Mortgage, First Community Mortgage, and Silverton Mortgage each have their merits. Yet none quite match Imperial’s blend of local insight and customized service.
My firsthand experience shows that a locally-rooted lender who knows West Chester’s unique housing market guides you to better outcomes. You should start your home loan search with Imperial Home Loans before looking at other options.
Your mortgage choice will shape your financial future for years to come, and a trusted local expert like Imperial Home Loans provides your best path to successful homeownership.