Defy Mortgage vs Griffin Funding
Defy is strongest for Airbnb/STR investors with explicit short-term rental DSCR programs. Griffin is more versatile with lower credit minimums. Both offer foreign national programs.
Shared products: DSCR, Bank Statement · Updated March 2026
3.9
Defy Mortgage
Wins 1 categories
4.0
Griffin Funding
Wins 1 categories
Full Comparison
| Feature | Defy Mortgage | Griffin Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rates | 6.5%–9% | 6.5%–9% |
| Max LTV | 80% | 80% |
| Min Credit Score | 620 | 620 |
| Loan Range | $100K–$3M | $100K–$5M |
| Origination Fee | 0–2 points | 0–2 points |
| Speed to Close | 21–30 days | 21–30 days |
| Experience Required | No experience required | No experience required |
| LLC Borrowing | Yes | Yes |
| Interest-Only | Available | Available |
| Prepayment Penalty | 3-year step-down | 3-year step-down (DSCR) |
| Foreign National | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| Property Types | SFR (1-4), Condo, Townhouse, Multifamily (5+), STR / AirbnbBetter | SFR (1-4), Condo, Townhouse, Multifamily (5+) |
| Loan Products | 2 products | 2 products |
| Founded | 2020 | 2014 |
| Editor Rating | 3.9 / 5.0 | 4.0 / 5.0Better |
Pros & Cons
Defy Mortgage
Pros
- +Strong STR/Airbnb DSCR programs
- +Bank statement and asset depletion products
- +Low credit minimums
- +Foreign national programs
- +Competitive non-QM rates
Cons
- –Newer company (2020) — shorter track record
- –No fix-and-flip or bridge products
- –Marketing can oversell — verify terms carefully
Griffin Funding
Pros
- +Low credit minimum (620) for DSCR
- +Bank statement programs for self-employed
- +Foreign national financing available
- +High max loan amount ($5M)
- +Interest-only options
Cons
- –No fix-and-flip or bridge products
- –Closing times on the longer side (21-30 days)
- –Prepayment penalties on DSCR products
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Defy Mortgage or Griffin Funding better for real estate investors?
Defy is strongest for Airbnb/STR investors with explicit short-term rental DSCR programs. Griffin is more versatile with lower credit minimums. Both offer foreign national programs.
What loan types do Defy Mortgage and Griffin Funding both offer?
Both lenders offer DSCR, Bank Statement. Both offer 2 products.
Which has lower rates, Defy Mortgage or Griffin Funding?
Defy Mortgage advertises rates starting at 6.5% while Griffin Funding starts at 6.5%. Both have the same starting rate, but actual rates depend on your credit score, LTV, property type, and loan product. Always get quotes from both lenders.
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