Pennsylvania credit unions offer competitive mortgage rates and loan programs to help residents achieve their homeownership goals.
Some of the top credit unions in the state offer 30-year fixed mortgage rates as low as 3.5% APR.
These rates can save homeowners thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan.
For example, a $200,000 mortgage with a 3.5% APR would save $13,000 in interest payments compared to a 4% APR loan.
Pennsylvania Credit Union Mortgage Rates
Pennsylvania credit unions offer competitive mortgage rates, but it's essential to strengthen your credit score before applying for a loan. A good credit score can help you qualify for better rates and terms.
To find the best mortgage rate in Pennsylvania, follow these steps: Strengthen your credit score, determine your budget, know your mortgage options, compare rates and terms from several lenders, and get preapproved for a mortgage.
Pennsylvania credit unions may offer fixed-rate mortgages with terms ranging from 10 to 30 years, but it's crucial to understand your mortgage options before making a decision. A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a popular option, but you may also consider a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage for a lower interest rate.
According to current data, the interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in Pennsylvania is around 6.78%, while the APR is 6.904%. For a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate is 6.28%, and the APR is 6.076%.
Here's a breakdown of current mortgage rates in Pennsylvania:
Conventional Mortgage Options
Conventional mortgage options in Pennsylvania offer flexibility with fixed or adjustable rates, and terms that can last up to 30 years. You can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a credit score as low as 660 and a down payment as low as 3%.
If you're looking to get a mortgage in Pennsylvania, you'll need a minimum credit score of 620 and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of no more than 45 percent to qualify for a conventional mortgage. This also means you'll need to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums if you make a down payment of less than 20 percent.
Here are the key qualifications for a conventional mortgage in Pennsylvania:
- Fixed or Adjustable Rates
- Up to 30 year terms
- Credit Score as low as 660
- Down Payment as low as 3%
- Property: Single Family, 2 Unit, Manufactured
- Primary Residence
- Purchase or Refinance
Types
Conventional mortgages offer a range of term options, making them great for both refinancing and purchasing a home.
You can choose from fixed or adjustable rates, which can be beneficial for those who want predictable monthly payments or are willing to take on some risk for potentially lower interest rates.
Conventional mortgages can have terms as long as 30 years, giving you time to pay off your loan without breaking the bank.
Credit scores as low as 660 are acceptable, making conventional mortgages more accessible to those with less-than-perfect credit.
A down payment as low as 3% is also possible, which can be a relief for those who can't afford a larger down payment.
You can use a conventional mortgage to purchase or refinance a primary residence, including single-family homes, two-unit properties, and even manufactured homes.
Conventional
Conventional mortgages offer a range of benefits and options.
You can choose between fixed or adjustable rates, and terms can be as long as 30 years.
One of the advantages of conventional mortgages is that you can qualify with a credit score as low as 660.
Down payments can be as low as 3%, which is a great option for those who want to put down as little as possible.
Conventional mortgages can be used to purchase or refinance a primary residence, and you can also use them to buy a single-family home, a 2-unit property, or even a manufactured home.
Here are some of the key characteristics of conventional mortgages:
- Fixed or Adjustable Rates
- Up to 30 year terms
- Credit Score as low as 660
- Down Payment as low as 3%
- Property: Single Family, 2 Unit, Manufactured
- Primary Residence
- Purchase or Refinance
Jumbo Loan
If you're looking to purchase a home in Pennsylvania, especially in areas like Pike County where the conforming loan limit is higher, you may need to consider a jumbo loan.
A jumbo loan is a home loan that exceeds the conforming loan limit in your county. In most Pennsylvania counties, that's $726,200. But in Pike County, it's $1,089,300.
These outsize loans are considered riskier for lenders, which is why they often come with higher interest rates.
The average 30-year fixed jumbo loan rate in Pennsylvania is 6.06% as of January 2023, according to Zillow.
ARM Loan
An ARM loan, or adjustable-rate mortgage, is a mortgage option that typically offers a lower interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage for an introductory period, which can range from one to 10 years.
The length of this introductory period depends on the loan's terms. For example, a 5/1 ARM has a 5-year introductory period.
In Pennsylvania, ARM rates are currently higher than both fixed and jumbo loans. The average rate for a 5/1 ARM in Pennsylvania is 5.48% as of January 2023.
Before choosing an ARM, it's essential to understand the terms, including the number of times the interest rate can change and the maximum possible interest rate.
Loan Limits by County
When buying a home in Pennsylvania, it's essential to understand the loan limits by county. This information can help you determine how much you can borrow for your dream home.
The conforming loan limit in Pennsylvania varies by county. For example, in Adams and Allegheny counties, the conforming loan limit is $726,200.
In some counties, the FHA loan limit is lower than the conforming loan limit. For instance, in Adams and Allegheny counties, the FHA loan limit is $472,030.
Here's a breakdown of the conforming and FHA loan limits by county in Pennsylvania:
Keep in mind that loan limits can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check with your lender for the most up-to-date information.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs
If you're a first-time homebuyer in Pennsylvania, you're in luck. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers various programs to help you obtain more affordable loans from various lenders.
You might qualify for the HFA Preferred (Lo MI) loan, which is a conventional loan with less expensive private mortgage insurance (PMI). This program is open to all types of homebuyers with no purchase price limits, but you'll need to put at least $1,000 of your own money toward the down payment.
The Keystone Home loan program serves first-time homebuyers, discharged veterans, and buyers of homes in targeted Pennsylvania counties for conventional mortgages, VA loans, FHA loans, or USDA loans. Each type of loan has different requirements.
The Keystone Government loan is either an FHA loan, VA loan, or USDA loan. You don't have to be a first-time homebuyer to apply for this program.
The Keystone Flex mortgage with K-FIT loan combines the Keystone Home loan with a K-FIT (Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years) loan for down payment and closing cost assistance. The K-FIT loan provides the homebuyer with 5 percent of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is lower) in cash. The loan is forgivable over 10 years, with 10 percent forgiven annually.
The Keystone Flex Purchase and Improvement mortgage with a K-FIT loan is the same as the above program, except that it's for buyers purchasing a home that needs renovations. They can receive up to $30,000 over the purchase price to renovate the home.
Here are some details about the Keystone Home loan program:
Finding the Best Rate
A 0.1 difference in an interest rate can save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan, making it crucial to compare mortgage offers.
To find the best rate, start by researching and determining the right type of mortgage for you, given your finances and goals.
Comparison-shopping for a mortgage can be done easily by using Bankrate's mortgage rate table, which allows you to plug in general information about your finances and location to receive tailored offers.
Consider APRs, lender fees, and closing costs to ensure accurate comparisons and maximize your savings potential.
Strengthening your credit score can also help you qualify for better rates, so give your finances a checkup and improve your credit score if needed.
To find the right mortgage, you'll need a good handle on how much house you can afford, so determine your budget before starting your search.
Here are the current mortgage rates in Pennsylvania: a 30-year fixed at 6.904%, a 15-year fixed at 6.076%, and a 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) at 7.198%.
If you're considering a fixed-rate mortgage, be aware that you can expect predictable monthly payments, lower interest rates, and the ability to cancel private mortgage insurance (PMI) when 20% equity is reached.
Refinancing and Loan Application
Refinancing rates in Pennsylvania have more than doubled since the pandemic, but rates may start trending downward over the next few years, making refinancing enticing for those who've gotten a mortgage recently.
Many Pennsylvania homeowners have more tappable equity now, which can be used to further financial goals through a cash-out mortgage refinance.
For those looking to apply for a mortgage, getting pre-approved can be a great first step, allowing you to be ready to make an offer on a home.
Refinance
Refinancing can be a great way to tap into your home's equity, especially in Pennsylvania where many homeowners have more tappable equity now.
Refinance rates in Pennsylvania have more than doubled since the pandemic, making refinancing a less likely option for many. However, rates may start trending downward over the next few years.
Pennsylvanians who've gotten a mortgage recently may find refinancing enticing, especially if they're looking to further their financial goals.
Loan Application
If you're planning to refinance your mortgage, you'll need to apply for a new loan. This process is similar to applying for a mortgage, as mentioned in the "Apply for a Mortgage" section.
To start, get pre-approved for a mortgage, which will give you an idea of how much you can borrow and what your monthly payments will be. This will also make you a more attractive buyer if you decide to make an offer on a home.
You can apply for a mortgage online, over the phone, or in person at a bank or lender's office. Make sure to have all the necessary documents ready, such as your income, employment history, and credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mortgage rates better with credit unions?
Yes, credit unions often offer lower mortgage rates compared to banks, as they borrow from their own members rather than external investors. This unique structure can result in significant savings for credit union borrowers.
What are today's mortgage rates in PA?
As of today, mortgage rates in Pennsylvania are 6.992% for a 30-year fixed, 6.180% for a 15-year fixed, and 7.304% for a 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage. Check our rates page for the latest updates and to find the best option for your needs.
How much is a $400,000 mortgage for 30 years?
For a $400,000 mortgage with a 30-year loan term, the monthly payment is $2,398. This calculation assumes an interest rate of 6%.
How can I get a 3% mortgage rate?
To secure a 3% mortgage rate, consider exploring assumable mortgages, which allow buyers to take over an existing mortgage at its current rate. This option may be available to you if you can find a seller who has taken out a mortgage with a low interest rate.
Sources
- https://netcreditunion.com/mortgage/
- https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/mortgage-rates/pennsylvania/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/mortgage-rates/pennsylvania
- https://www.citadelbanking.com/borrow/citadel-home-loan-center/fixed-rate-mortgage
- https://smartasset.com/mortgage/pennsylvania-mortgage-rates
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