If you’re exploring home financing options, understanding the difference between a bank and a dedicated mortgage lender matters. Mortgage lenders tend to offer more flexibility than traditional banks — more loan products, faster processing, and underwriters who focus exclusively on home loans.
Movement Mortgage is one of the larger non-bank mortgage lenders in the U.S. This review covers how the company works, what loan types it offers, and who is most likely to benefit from using it.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized financial or mortgage advice. Consult a licensed mortgage professional before making borrowing decisions.
What Is a Mortgage Bank?
A mortgage bank specializes in originating home loans using its own capital. Unlike retail banks that offer mortgages as one of many products, mortgage banks focus exclusively on this market.
They collect revenue through interest and by selling loans to secondary-market agencies that absorb the credit risk — primarily:
- Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association)
- Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation)
- Ginnie Mae (Government National Mortgage Association)
The proceeds from loan sales replenish the lender’s warehouse lines of credit, allowing them to keep originating new loans. This model also gives mortgage banks flexibility to customize loan structures in ways traditional banks typically cannot.
Background: Movement Mortgage
Movement Mortgage was founded in 2008 by Casey Crawford. Since launch, the company has grown to more than 500 branch offices across most U.S. states (currently not licensed in Montana), and has helped tens of thousands of families finance homes.
The company is also notable for its philanthropic structure — a portion of profits flows to the Movement Foundation, which funds community development initiatives.
Movement Mortgage at a Glance
Movement Mortgage has built its reputation on speed. The company claims to complete upfront underwriting in about 6 hours and close most loans within seven business days — significantly faster than the industry average of 40–50 days for full processing at many lenders.
It positions itself as a strong fit for low-to-moderate income borrowers and first-time buyers who want guided support through the application process.
Pros
- Applications available online and by phone
- Wide range of loan products (see below)
- Customized rate quotes available
- Upfront underwriting typically completed in about 6 hours
- Full loan processing target of seven business days
Cons
- Rates are not publicly posted on the website
- You must complete an application before comparing rate options
- Customer service quality varies by branch
- Website lacks detailed product information
How the Application Process Works
Movement Mortgage uses a multi-step process designed to move faster than traditional lenders:
- Conversation — An officer reviews your financing options, expectations, and creditworthiness.
- Application — All necessary borrower information is gathered.
- Document submission — You provide income, asset, and identity documentation.
- Appraisal — Movement works with a third-party appraisal company to assess the property’s market value.
- Upfront underwriting — Documentation is reviewed and conditional approval is issued, typically within 6 hours.
- Approved with conditions — Final items are requested before closing.
- Seven-day processing — The target window for completing the full loan process.
- Final underwriting — A last review of all documentation before closing.
- Closing — An attorney finalizes the transaction.
Movement Mortgage's 9-step path from conversation to closing
Loan Products
Movement Mortgage offers a broad product lineup:
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Conventional Loans — Standard mortgages not backed by a government agency. Typically require a solid credit score and a 20% down payment. Both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options are available.
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Jumbo Loans — For higher-priced properties exceeding conforming loan limits. Generally require a 20% down payment and strong credit.
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VA Loans — Government-backed loans for veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, and Reservists. No down payment required and no lender fee on qualifying loans.
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USDA Loans — Available to borrowers in eligible rural areas with low-to-moderate income. Require stable income and a qualifying credit score.
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Reverse Mortgage — Allows homeowners age 62 and older to draw on home equity without monthly payments. Loan is repaid when the home is sold or the borrower moves.
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FHA Loans — Government-backed loans that allow lower credit scores than conventional loans. Borrowers must carry mortgage insurance and meet down payment requirements.
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Renovation Loans — Finance a home purchase and renovation costs in a single loan. Movement offers FHA 203(k) standard and limited options for borrowers with a 580+ credit score.
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Fannie Mae HomeReady — Designed for creditworthy borrowers with limited savings. Offers fixed-rate financing with as little as 3% down.
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Refinance — Rate-and-term and cash-out refinance available on conventional, FHA, and VA loans. Conventional cash-out refinance typically requires a 620+ credit score.
Customer Service
Movement Mortgage has generally received fewer formal complaints than many comparable lenders. Branch quality varies — as with any distributed lender, the experience often depends on the individual loan officer you work with.
The website does not display rate sheets; pricing is quote-based and varies by borrower profile, which is common among non-bank lenders but can make initial comparison shopping harder.
How to Contact Movement Mortgage
Movement Mortgage operates more than 500 physical branch offices across most U.S. states. Borrowers can also apply entirely online, with the company estimating an application can be submitted within 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Movement Mortgage is a competitive option for borrowers who want a faster closing timeline and a broad range of loan products — particularly those using government-backed programs (FHA, VA, USDA). Its philanthropic ownership structure is a differentiator for mission-aligned borrowers.
The main drawback is limited rate transparency upfront. Borrowers who want to compare options without committing to a full application may find the process more friction-heavy than competitors who publish rate tables online.
For a broader look at how Movement compares to other lenders, Forbes Advisor maintains an updated ranking of top mortgage lenders.