Which Type of Home Are You Buying?
Every home purchase is different, and so is the financing. Whether you're buying your first home or your forever home, BMC Keystone will help you find a mortgage solution that fits your goals and budget.
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Your First Home
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. We'll guide you through every step of the mortgage process, explain your options, and help you become a confident homeowner.
Learn more: First-Time Home Buyer Resources →
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Your Next Home
Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, we'll help you navigate the financing process so you can move forward with confidence.
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Vacation or Second Home
Dreaming of a lake house, mountain retreat, or beach home? Financing a second home has different requirements than purchasing your primary residence. We'll help you understand your options.
Learn more: Financing a Vacation Home in the Poconos →
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Building a New Home
Construction financing is different from a traditional mortgage. We'll help you understand construction loan options and guide you through the process from groundbreaking to move-in day.
Learn more: New Construction Mortgage Loans →
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Returning to Homeownership
If you've experienced a foreclosure, short sale, or bankruptcy, you may still qualify for a mortgage sooner than you think. We'll explain the waiting periods and help you understand your options.
Learn more: Waiting Periods After Foreclosure, Short Sale & Bankruptcy →
Finding the Right Mortgage
We'll take the time to understand your situation, and compare a variety of loan programs to find the best rates and terms.
We have experience with many loan programs including:
Conventional Loans - flexible down payment options for buyers with good credit.
FHA Loans - flexible qualification requirements and lower down payment options.
VA Loans - no down payment options available for veterans, active-duty military, and qualifying spouses.
USDA Loans - little or no money down for homes in qualifying rural and suburban areas.
Construction Loans - specialized financing for buyers purchasing new construction.
No matter which loan program you choose, our goal is to help you secure competitive financing with terms that support your long-term financial goals.
Learn more by visiting our Loan Programs page.
Why Pennsylvania Buyers Choose BMC Keystone
At BMC Keystone, we believe every borrower deserves personalized guidance and access to competitive financing.
When you work with BMC Keystone, you can expect:
- Access to multiple wholesale lenders through one trusted mortgage advisor.
- Competitive mortgage rates and loan programs tailored to your financial goals.
- Responsive rate quotes when you're comparing financing options.
- Fast pre-approvals so you're ready when you find the right home.
- Personalized guidance from experienced mortgage professionals who take the time to answer your questions.
- Clear communication throughout the mortgage process, from your first conversation through closing.
- No additional out-of-pocket cost for mortgage rate quotes, consultations, or our mortgage brokerage services.
- A long-term relationship with a local team that's here to help whenever your financing needs change.
Whether you're ready to begin the mortgage process today or simply have questions about your options, we're here to help you take the next step with confidence. Let us know a good time to reach you and we'll schedule a call.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgage Loans
- Your credit scores and how they affect your interest rate
- How much home you can comfortably afford
- Loan programs and first-time buyer options available in Pennsylvania
- Simple ways to improve your credit profile
- How to get a letter of pre-qualification or pre-approval
First let’s clarify a few terms that borrowers often use interchangeably although they are different.
A mortgage pre-qualification is designed to give you an idea of how much money you can borrow or how much a loan will cost you. It is not a guarantee and there is no commitment from the lender to loan the money. A pre-qualification simply means that upon reviewing the financial information provided, the lender believes you will qualify for a loan. You typically do not have to fill out a full mortgage application (1003) or undergo a hard credit check in order to obtain a pre-qualification.
A mortgage pre-approval, or letter of pre-approval, goes further. It is a lender’s conditional commitment to lend you a specified amount of money. A pre-approval letter is a powerful tool to have on hand for house hunting, allowing you to shop with confidence and show sellers that you are a serious buyer. Your provider will likely have you fill out a mortgage application (1003), or fill in sections of the application, in order to obtain a pre-approval.
To obtain either a pre-qualification or a pre-approval, contact a lender or mortgage broker and explain your needs and where you are in the process. They’ll ask for some financial information, such as income, assets, debts, and credit history along with how much money you plan to borrow.
The amount of money required for a down payment will depend on the type of loan among other factors. Here are some guidelines:
Most buyers need minimum payment between 3–5% down for a conventional loan. But a down payment of less than 20% requires the buyer to pay an additional monthly amount for private mortgage insurance (PMI) which can be cancelled later once 20% equity is reached.
FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down but MIP, a monthly mortgage insurance premium, will apply for the life of the loan or until refinanced into a conventional loan.
VA or USDA loans may allow 0% down and do not require any monthly mortgage insurance.
Typical home loans for a purchase transaction can close in as little as 30 days. However, it may be more realistic to plan for 60 days to deal with any issues that arise during the appraisal and title search. Refinance loans often close a bit faster.
We have access to several types of mortgage loans in Pennsylvania for Purchase or Refinance: 1% down loans Family opportunity mortgage FHA/VA Loans FHA Renovation Loans VA Renovation Loans Conventional Renovation Loans USDA Renovation Loans FHA Streamline Refinance Fannie or Freddie MAC Programs Reverse Mortgages DSCR Loans USDA HomePath Jumbo Loans Bank Portfolio Loans (more favorable rates for lower credit score applicants) We also provide assistance with credit issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgage Brokers
Mortgage rates don’t vary by county, but property taxes, insurance costs, and local loan limits can. A lender or mortgage broker familiar with lending protocols in your county can accurately estimate costs and assure a smooth settlement process.
Unlike banks or online lenders, mortgage brokers aren’t tied to a single institution — they have access to multiple lending sources, including online loans. They also have access to wholesale rates and special programs. This flexibility allows them to shop the entire market to find the best rates and terms for your specific situation while providing personal service from real people, not call centers.
No. Working with a mortgage broker doesn’t cost you extra. At BMC Keystone, our compensation comes directly from the lender once your loan closes. Because we take your loan application, gather documentation, and perform much of the underwriting work, the lender pays us for those services. The borrower doesn’t pay a separate fee, and because we have access to wholesale rates from multiple lenders, our clients often secure better terms than they could find on their own.
A mortgage broker shops multiple lenders on your behalf to find the best rates and terms, while a lender offers loans from a single source.

