Purchasing or refinancing your next home is the biggest financial purchase most people will make in their life. But despite the importance and significance of buying a new home, the mortgage process is often very confusing, complicated and overwhelming for people navigating it by themselves.
At Penn Street Mortgage, we are here to partner with you and help you make the process of getting a mortgage simple and straightforward. As one of Philadelphia’s most trusted mortgage brokers, we are committed to providing you with unparalleled advice and support along the way to your dream home.
Our experienced team of mortgage brokers is here to answer your questions along the way so you feel ready and excited to make informed financial decisions.
Understanding the Home Buying Process
The process of purchasing your dream home involves countless steps — from paperwork to partnerships. While finding your home is important, who you work with along the way is equally important and can dictate your experience getting a home purchase loan.
Working with a mortgage broker like our team at Penn Street Mortgage unlocks more options and likely better interest rates than working with a traditional mortgage lender.
The advantages of partnering with a local broker like Penn Street Mortgage include our in-depth understanding of the Philadelphia housing market and our ability to negotiate the best rates on your behalf. When you work with a bank or individual mortgage lender, you will not have the same wide selection of home loan programs to pick from.
If you are looking to find the best loan program and secure a competitive interest rate, your best bet is to work with a local mortgage broker like Penn Street Mortgage who has knowledge and expertise in the local Philadelphia real estate market.
Answering Your FAQs About Home Loan Process
As experienced mortgage brokers, we get questions all the time from clients about how to navigate their home purchase loan process. Knowing where to start can be half the battle, but our team is here to help answer any questions you have.
How do I determine my budget for buying a home?
It is important to remember that when purchasing a home, your budget should take into account not only the purchase price but also the added expenses such as taxes, insurance, and any renovation or maintenance costs.
You should start by assessing your income, savings, and current debt to determine how much you can afford to spend monthly on a mortgage. You can use a mortgage calculator like the one on our website here to see for yourself how different price points will affect your monthly payments.
Then, when you are ready to get more specific numbers and explore quotes, our team is here to get you started. We can provide you with a detailed and personalized quote, taking into account your specific financial situation and budget.
What is the process of getting pre-approved for a mortgage?
We always recommend our clients get pre-approved for a mortgage as soon as possible to get a better idea of what you can afford and improve your negotiation position when making an offer. To get pre-approved, you will need to submit some financial documents to us and we will assess what you are able to get approved for. Our team can help with the pre-approval process to help you get the most favorable terms, thanks to our great relationships with local and national financial institutions.
How do I choose the right mortgage loan for my needs?
Selecting the right mortgage can be as impactful as selecting the right home! We encourage our clients to think about the following when deciding which home loan is right for you:
- Assess Your Long-Term Goals: Decide whether flexibility or stability is more important to you to choose between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages.
- Understand Your Financial Landscape: Consider your current finances and potential future income.
- Explore Penn Street Mortgage Products: We offer a variety of mortgage types to fit any buyer’s needs, from conventional loans to more specialized products like FHA and VA loans, all tailored for the Philadelphia, PA real estate market.
How does the mortgage application and approval process work?
The process of getting a mortgage starts with submitting a formal application, which is followed by a review of your documentation, an appraisal, and an underwriting process before final approval. This process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on factors like your financial status and the lender’s workload. We will help guide you through each step, making sure that you meet all the requirements and deadlines.
What should I consider before refinancing?
When you are thinking of refinancing your existing mortgage, it is important to start by comparing the current mortgage rates with the rate of your original home purchase loan. This also includes taking into account the closing costs that will come with a refinance. From there you should be able to decide if it is worth it or not based on the mortgage options available to you.
Navigating the Philadelphia Real Estate Market With Our Mortgage Brokers
The real estate landscape is constantly changing, and our Philadelphia, PA market is no exception. Understanding current market trends — like inventory levels and the average home price — can help you go into the real estate process informed and ready to find your dream home.
You can trust Penn Street Mortgage to provide the insights you need to navigate this dynamic market successfully.
Partner with an expert Philadelphia mortgage broker at Penn Street Mortgage
Choosing the right mortgage company is a big step in the journey toward homeownership. And at Penn Street Mortgage, we want to make getting a mortgage easier and more enjoyable. It does not need to be stressful!
Ready to take the next step toward unlocking the door to your dream home? Contact us today to get started working with our Philadelphia mortgage company.
