Physician Loans in Illinois


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13 Best Hidden Doctor Mortgage Loans in Illinois

Key Terms

  • An Illinois physician mortgage loan comes with high loan limits and options for up to 100% financing.
  • Student loan payments typically receive favorable treatment with a doctor loan, making it easier to qualify for a mortgage.
  • Physician mortgages don’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI) even with a 0% down payment.

Going by quite a few nicknames, including “Land of Lincoln,” “Prairie State,” and “The Inland Empire State,” Illinois offers a diverse array of things to those looking to come to this state. From professional sports teams to the architectural masterpieces of Chicago and the shoreline along Lake Michigan, Illinois has something for everyone, including the 36,000 doctors living in this midwestern state. 

Statewide home sales in Illinois for May of 2022 were over 16,100 homes sold. That’s about a 10 percent decline from the same time in May of 2021. However, it only took 24 days on the market, on average, for homes to sell. Another important factor when considering real estate in Illinois is the value of homes. Statewide mediums were up 6.2 percent to $276,000, according to the Illinois Realtors Association.

For those who are doctors or dentists and considering the purchase of a home here, the Illinois physician’s mortgage loan program may offer a way to do so affordably, including with minimal or no down payment requirements for that great property found on the NMLS.

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Physician mortgage loans pros/cons in Illinois

What are some of the pros and cons involved in Illinois physician mortgage loans? Familiarizing yourself with all aspects of these loans can help you decide whether or not to move forward with a doctor mortgage. It’s a great way to get into homeownership, but keep that future mortgage payment in mind, too.

For medical residents and new medical school graduates, it’s unlikely you have saved enough to set aside a big down payment. It’s hard to qualify for a traditional loan with your high student loan amounts often needed for medical school, either. Medical doctors can use physician mortgage loans to expand their purchase and low down payment options.

The pros offer a lot, especially to doctors, dentists and other professionals who are still carrying debt from their studies. With a doctor mortgage in Illinois, you can benefit from:

  • No PMI payments, saving you a significant amount;
  • High loan limits that widen the pool of houses from which you can choose a home;
  • 100 percent financing, or no money down

For some, the downsides may outweigh these advantages. Going with an Illinois physician mortgage loan means that you may have a higher interest rate on your financing, for one. It is also easier to potentially buy a more expensive house than you can necessarily afford, given the high limits on these loans. You may also need to open an account with your lender, adding yet another financial commitment to the mix.

Be prepared for repayment amounts and factor that carefully into your budget. Despite these cons, many Illinois professionals still decide to move forward with physician loans, enjoying the favorable treatment of student debt and other “pros.”

Get Quotes for Your Physician Loan

13 Top Illinois physician home loan lenders

If you’re ready to learn more about the best physician mortgage lenders in Illinois, here are the top options we’ve found through our research.

Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Pharmacist (Pharm D), Attorney (JD), Veterinarian (DVM), Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse (RN/NP/CRNA), ATP Pilots, CPA

Flagstar Bank

(All 50 States)

$500M+ Closed Loans

Flagstar Bank was chartered in 1987 and holds around $23 billion in assets, making it a medium sized bank. However, they punch above their weight when it comes to mortgages.

The bank is the sixth largest bank mortgage originator nationally. They only offer ARM products when it comes to doctor mortgages but their ability to lend in all 50 states means they're a player at every closing. There is no application fee or prepayment penalties. They also offer a float down, buy down, and recast option. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Pharmacist (Pharm D), Attorney (JD), Veterinarian (DVM), Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse (RN/NP/CRNA), ATP Pilots, CPA

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.5 million
20% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: $2,500,000
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: ARM Only
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Podiatrist (DPM)

Keybank

(All 50 States)

$10M+ Closed Loans

Keybank is a major national bank based in Ohio with a competitive doctor mortgage program. They also lend across a large part of the United States.

The Keybank doctor mortgage program does not require you to be a minimum or maximum number of years out of medical school to qualify. They also offer large mortgage options if needed and part of your down payment can be supplied in money that you've received as a gift. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Podiatrist (DPM)

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.5 million
15% above $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: Contact to discuss
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Fellows, Residents

Citizens Bank

(CA, CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV)

$500M+ Closed Loans

Citizens Bank is one of the largest banks in the United States. We bet you didn't know that it is head-quartered in the smallest state: Rhode Island.

With over $160 billion in assets, it's no surprise that Citizens offers a full range of financial products, including a physician loan. New medical professional graduates who are under contract for residency within 60 days of closing and have not yet obtained a license are eligible. No more than 10 years out of residency. Self-employed professionals are eligible with a two-year history of self-employment income. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
5% up to $850 thousand
10% up to $1 million
15% up to $1.5 million
  • Minimum credit score: Not reported
  • Maximum loan: $1.5 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Required reservers: None
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Fellow, Resident, Physician Assistant (PA), Nurse Practitioners (NP), Veterinarians (DVM), Attorneys (JD), Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO)

(CO, IA, IL, KS, MO, NE, SD, TX, WY)

$500M+ Closed Loans

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) has one of the most expansive professional mortgage programs on the market with the ability to finance multiple degree types.

Unfortunately, they have a small lending footprint, including only being able to lend in Texas in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We're always trying to convince them to expand the program and recently they added the ability to finance condos. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Fellow, Resident, Physician Assistant (PA), Nurse Practitioners (NP), Veterinarians (DVM), Attorneys (JD), Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Down payment Financing
0% up to $850 thousand
5% up to $1.25 million
10% up to $1.5 million
  • Minimum credit score: 680
  • Maximum loan: $1.5 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Pharmacists, Chiropractor, Veterinarian, Fellows, Residents

Wintrust

(AZ, CA, FL, IA, IL, IN, MN, MT, ND, WI)

$50M+ Closed Loans

Wintrust is headquartered in Illinois but can lend in all 50 states (unfortunately, their doctor program is not available everywhere). They originate in excess of $4 billion in mortgages annually.

The Wintrust physician mortgage program can use 1099 contract income to qualify for underwriter approval. Student loan payments aren't included in the DTI calculation if there is no scheduled student loan payment for the next 12 months. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Pharmacists, Chiropractor, Veterinarian, Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
0% up to $850 thousand
3% up to $1.25 million
5% up to $1.5 million
10% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: $3 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: Not reported
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Podiatrist (DPM), Veterinarian (DVM), Fellows, Residents

Huntington Bank

(CO, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, ND, OH, PA, SD, WI, WV)

$500M+ Closed Loans

Huntington Bank operates primarily out of the Midwest.

Huntington's mortgage group can service a large part of the country. Huntington has a competitive physician loan product with no money down financing options.. You can close a Huntington Bank loan prior to starting new employment as long as you have an employment contract in hand. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Podiatrist (DPM), Veterinarian (DVM), Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.25 million
10% $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: $2 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: 2 months
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Optometrist (OD); Veterinarian (DVM), Fellows, Residents

Fifth Third

(FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MI, NC, OH, SC, TN, WV)

$50M+ Closed Loans

Fifth Third is a large bank with an established doctor mortgage loan program that is available to doctors, dentists, optometrists and veterinarians.

The Fifth Third physician mortgage program is also available for innterns, residents or fellows that are starting their residency within 90 days of closing on a new home. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Optometrist (OD); Veterinarian (DVM), Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.5 million
10% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: $2 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: Not reported
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Podiatrist (DPM), Fellow, Resident

Truist

(AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, MA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV)

$500M+ Closed Loans

Truist was formerly known as SunTrust and has historically been a strong player in the doctor mortgage world, thanks to a strong physician home loan program.

Medical professionals with a job offer can close up to 90 days prior to the start date. For doctors and dentists with 10 to 15 years post-training experience, 89.99% financing is available for up to $1.5 million. Truist won’t let you borrow outside of your debt-to-income ratio of 43%, but your student loan payment can be excluded from the debt component if the student loans are deferred for at least 12 months at the time of closing. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS), Podiatrist (DPM), Fellow, Resident

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
5% up to $1.5 million
20% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 680
  • Maximum loan: Contact to discuss
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Pharmacists, Chiropractor, Veterinarian, Fellows, Residents

Wintrust

(AZ, CA, FL, IA, IL, IN, MN, MT, ND, WI)

$50M+ Closed Loans

Wintrust is headquartered in Illinois but can lend in all 50 states (unfortunately, their doctor program is not available everywhere). They originate in excess of $4 billion in mortgages annually.

The Wintrust physician mortgage program can use 1099 contract income to qualify for underwriter approval. Student loan payments aren't included in the DTI calculation if there is no scheduled student loan payment for the next 12 months. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Pharmacists, Chiropractor, Veterinarian, Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
0% up to $850 thousand
3% up to $1.25 million
5% up to $1.5 million
10% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: $3 million
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: Not reported
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Lawyers(JD), Residents, Fellows

US Bank

(All 50 states)

$500M+ Closed Loans

US Bank has a great doctor mortgage program but it isn't advertised on the bank's website. You'll have to contact them directly.

US Bank is able to lend in all 50 states, meaning this program is available to most of the country's doctors and physicians. The downside is that the program is fairly limited. For example, dentists, pharmacists and nurses aren't eligible. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO); Lawyers (JD), Residents, Fellows

Down payment Financing
5% up to $1 million
10% up to $1.5 million
15% up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: Contact to discuss
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: Yes
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DDS, DMD); Veterinarian (DVM), Resident, fellows

The Federal Savings Bank

(CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY)

$50M+ Closed Loans

The Federal Savings Bank is a nationwide mortgage lender, although their physician program isn't available in all states.

The Federal Savings Bank's physician mortgage program is available for primary residences, including 1-2 unit residential properties (although you can't use the rental income from the other unit to meet the DTI requirements). The bank can work with 1099 income and can close on mortgages up to 90 days prior to starting a job. They can also handle mortgages with H1B visa holders. [Read Review]

Eligible Professions:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DDS, DMD); Veterinarian (DVM), Resident, fellows

Down payment Financing
0% down up to $1 million
5% down up to $1.25 million
10% down up to $2 million
  • Minimum credit score: 680
  • Maximum loan: Exceptions made
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: Not reported
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Podiatrist (DPM)

Laurel Road

(All 50 States)

$10M+ Closed Loans

Laurel Road used to be an independent bank but is now owned by Keycorp and part of the Keybank family. They focus on financial products for healthcare professionals.

Laurel Road has a middle of the road doctor mortgage program. It's available in all 50 states but limited to healthcare professionals and only goes up to $1 million. Retired doctors are not eligible. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD/DO), Dentist (DMD/DDS), Podiatrist (DPM)

Down payment Financing
0% up to $1 million
  • Minimum credit score: Not disclosed
  • Maximum loan: Contact to discuss
  • Residents / fellows accepted: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Income history: Not required
  • Rate options: Fixed and ARMs
Match Banks Contact Send Email

Online

usually responds within 30 minutes

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Attorney (JD), Fellows, Residents

First Bank

(CA, IL, KS, MO, NE)

$50M+ Closed Loans

First Bank, with a 100-year history of family ownership, offers a range of banking services and is headquartered in Missouri?.

The First Bank Physician Mortgage Program is designed to assist professionals, including doctors, dentists, and lawyers, with their mortgage needs. It offers the option to finance a single-family home or housing in a planned unit development. The program allows professionals to qualify for a mortgage based on contracted income levels, facilitating the relocation process. It provides low down payment options and no requirement for private mortgage insurance, which can be particularly beneficial for professionals in transition or establishing their practice. [ Read Review ]

Eligible degrees & accreditations:

Medical doctor (MD, DO); Dentist (DMD, DDS); Attorney (JD), Fellows, Residents

Down payment Financing
0% up to $400 thousand
5% up to $1 million
  • Minimum credit score: 700
  • Maximum loan: Exceptions made
  • Residents / fellows accepted without prejudice: Yes
  • Construction loans available: No
  • Required reservers: Not reported
  • Rate options: ARM and Fixed

Is an Illinois physician mortgage a good idea?

That may certainly be the case, but take the time to ask yourself a few questions in advance. 

An initial question you should ask yourself is how much you enjoy your current job and how long you will stay in that position. Committing to a mortgage is best done when you know for certain that you will be staying in place for a long time. If you have been in your current position for a year or two and can foresee yourself staying in that job, a doctor mortgage may be a great option. 

You also need to consider your comfort level with the higher interest rates that can sometimes happen with physician loans. The upside of the higher interest rate that can come with a doctor mortgage is that you can access the many benefits of this financial product, including special consideration of student debt. If those benefits outweigh the added cost of a higher interest rate, a physician mortgage loan is right for you. 

Examples of doctors who take out physician loans in Illinois

Who are some of the individuals in Illinois who are taking advantage of physician loans? They include doctors, dentists and professionals of all stripes whose financial pictures make a doctor mortgage their best option for financing a home. 

Cardiologist who has a good deal of student debt

Having just signed the contract on a new job at Chicago’s #1 hospital, Northwestern Memorial, Jamal is quite satisfied with how his career is going. He and his young wife are hoping to buy a home, based on his high salary in his new position. Conventional loans don’t seem to be a good fit, however; Jamal’s student debt is throwing his DTI ratio off, and banks are not pre-approving him for financing.

Fortunately for Jamal and his growing family, a lender offering doctor mortgages understands exactly why young doctors like him have so much debt. Their special consideration of this debt and their commitment to Jamal as a customer means that a physician mortgage loan can provide him and his family with the financing they need to buy their first home. 

Emergency room doctor who gets the best rate with a physician loan

Getting a good interest rate has always been a priority for Moira. For that reason, she put off taking out a physician loan a few years back. A local bank in Springfield is currently offering a doctor mortgage with a competitive rate, and now Moira is interested. Saving thousands over the life of a mortgage sounds great to her, and she’s happy to be able to take advantage of this financial product. 

Looking for a physician loan in a different state?

If you’re looking to explore the best physician loans in other states, click on your state below.

Find a Physician Loan Specialist

Joshua Holt is a licensed mortgage loan originator (NMLS #2306824) and founder of Biglaw Investor. His mortgage expertise lies in the areas of professional mortgage loans, particularly for lawyers, doctors and other high-income professionals. Prior to Biglaw Investor, Josh practiced private equity mergers & acquisition law for one of the largest law firms in the country.

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