From Penn Street Mortgage, A Chester County Mortgage Company
If you are looking to buy your first home, you are likely overwhelmed with all the processes, paperwork and options. Whether you are just getting started in the home-buying or refinancing process or are looking to refinance an existing mortgage, we are here to help.
At Penn Street Mortgage, we are not just brokers — we are your neighbors in Chester County. So, we have the local real estate partnerships and knowledge to help you navigate the complicated and sometimes overwhelming process of getting a home loan.
Keep reading to get started learning about home loans, and when you are ready, give our team a call to help you find the perfect home loan program.
Understanding Your Mortgage Options
When you are looking at home loan programs, there are countless different loans and mortgage products you can pick from to fit your budget and goals. From fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages to government-insured loans like FHA and VA loans, the variety can feel overwhelming!
But the right property choice for you depends on your individual circumstances—your finances, how long you plan to stay in your home, and your comfort level with fluctuating payments.
Let’s go through some of the different types of home loan options:
Fixed-Rate Mortgages:
With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. This means that your monthly principal payment will not change throughout the duration of the loan, which makes budgeting much simpler and can protect you from the stress of rising interest rates.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs):
ARMs typically offer a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages. The trade-off? Your rate can change over time, which means your payments can increase (or decrease) with market trends. These can be good for home buyers who do not plan to stay in the house very long or want to
Government-Insured Loans:
FHA loans are appealing if you are looking to qualify for a lower down payment or have less-than-perfect credit. VA loans offer significant benefits for our veterans and active-duty service members, including potentially no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.
Knowing What You Can Afford
Before you start house hunting, it is important to determine what you can comfortably afford. A general rule of thumb is that your monthly home payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. This includes your principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
In addition to your mortgage payment, do not forget to factor in other costs like:
- Closing Costs: Typically, these will be between 2% and 5% of the purchase price of your home.
- Maintenance and Utilities: Owning a home comes with additional responsibilities and potential repair needs. Make sure you have the ability to save money or set aside funds for any repairs that need to be handled.
- Other Financial Goals: Buying a home should not mean sacrificing your other financial goals! You do not want to be house-poor, so make sure you buy a home that is within your monthly payment budget.
With competitive rates and fast pre approval, we will help you determine what kind of financing fits best for your individual situation.
Preparing Your Finances with a PA Mortgage Broker
Once you have an idea of what you can afford, it is time to get your finances in order. Boosting your credit score, saving for a down payment, and gathering necessary documents will make the mortgage process much smoother — and Penn Street Mortgage will be here every step of the way to help.
We will walk through your:
- Credit Score: Check your credit report early for inaccuracies and focus on paying down any high-interest debts.
- Down Payment: The larger your down payment, the less you will need to borrow, and the better the terms you might receive on your mortgage.
- Documentation: Start compiling tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and anything else a lender might require.
While it might feel like a stressful time, we are here as your partner in the mortgage process to make sure all your financing questions are answered and you feel prepared every step of the way.
The Home Buying Process
When you are ready to take the next step toward homeownership, Penn Street Mortgage is here to help you navigate the complicated process of applying for a mortgage.
When you work with a local mortgage broker on our team, you will also benefit from our competitive rates and local decision-making, helping you get the clarity you need every step of the way.
At Penn Street Mortgage, we believe in transparency and strive to make the mortgage process as user-friendly as possible. Let us help you take the first step towards your future dream home.
Closing the Deal
Getting to the closing table is an exciting moment! This is where every “i” dotted and “t” crossed comes together and the property is transferred to your ownership. We will guide you through the final paperwork and answer any questions, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to homeownership.
Local Chester County Mortgage Company You Can Trust
The home-buying process does not have to be stressful. At Penn Street Mortgage, you are more than just a mortgage application. We take a personalized approach to understand your unique situation and find the right loan program to fit your specific needs.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out to us today, and together, we will help you purchase or refinance your home in Chester County and beyond.
