Mortgage Broker Bethlehem PA
Lena Polnet is a licensed mortgage broker with 28+ years of experience helping homebuyers and homeowners in Bethlehem and Northampton County, PA secure the right home loan. Bethlehem’s transformation from a steel town into a thriving arts, tech, and hospitality hub has created an active and growing real estate market — and Lena knows how to navigate it. All loan types available. Every step is handled digitally — fully remote, no office visits required. Call (215) 364-7171 to get started.
Home Loan Programs in Bethlehem PA
Bethlehem spans both Northampton and Lehigh Counties and sits at the heart of the Lehigh Valley. The city’s revitalized South Side, Sands Casino resort, and proximity to major employers like St. Luke’s Health Network and Wind Creek have driven steady home price appreciation. Lena offers every major mortgage product:
- FHA Loans — Low down payment (3.5%), flexible credit guidelines. Northampton County FHA loan limit: $524,225 (2025).
- VA Loans — Zero down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. No monthly PMI.
- Conventional Loans — Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac programs, down payments as low as 3%, competitive rates for strong credit profiles.
- Jumbo Loans — For properties above conforming loan limits in Bethlehem’s higher-end neighborhoods.
- Non-QM / Bank Statement Loans — Income flexibility for self-employed borrowers, business owners, and those with non-traditional income.
- DSCR Loans — Investor loans for Bethlehem rental properties, evaluated on rental income rather than personal income.
- Refinance Programs — Rate-and-term and cash-out refinances for existing homeowners throughout Northampton County.
Why Work With a Mortgage Broker in Bethlehem PA
A mortgage broker gives you access to competitive rates from multiple wholesale lenders — not just one bank’s product lineup. Here’s what that means for Bethlehem buyers:
- Wholesale access. Brokers like Lena have access to wholesale pricing that retail banks don’t advertise. More lenders means more options and often better rates.
- One point of contact. Lena handles your file from application to closing. No hand-offs, no call-center queues.
- Full loan type coverage. Whether you need FHA, conventional, jumbo, or DSCR, Lena has the lender relationships to get it done.
- Fully digital process. Bethlehem buyers don’t need to visit an office. Everything — application, documents, disclosures, status updates — is handled remotely.
- 28+ years of PA experience. Lena has closed loans across every market condition and understands what lenders need to approve challenging files.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Bethlehem PA
PHFA programs are available to eligible first-time buyers purchasing in Northampton County:
- PHFA K-FIT (Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years Loan Program) — 5% of the purchase price as a forgivable second mortgage (forgiven over 10 years at 10% per year). No repayment required as long as the home remains your primary residence. Wikidata: Q7192264.
- HFA Preferred (Fannie Mae) — Conventional loan with reduced private mortgage insurance premiums. Pairs with K-FIT for combined down payment assistance.
- Keystone Home Loan Program — Competitive 30-year fixed rate for first-time buyers. Northampton County income limits (2025): $138,500 for 1–2 person households; $161,900 for 3+ person households.
- Keystone Advantage Assistance — Up to $6,000 in a 10-year second mortgage at 4% for closing costs and down payment.
Lena is a participating PHFA lender. She’ll help you layer programs to reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mortgage Broker Bethlehem PA
Is Bethlehem a good market for first-time buyers?
Yes — though prices have risen with Bethlehem’s revitalization, the market remains more affordable than Philadelphia or the Main Line. FHA loan limits in Northampton County are $524,225, and PHFA down payment assistance programs significantly reduce the upfront cost of buying. Many first-time buyers in Bethlehem are able to close with as little as 3.5% down when combining FHA and PHFA K-FIT assistance.
Can I use a DSCR loan for a Bethlehem rental property?
Yes. DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans evaluate the property’s rental income rather than the buyer’s personal income or employment. This makes them ideal for real estate investors purchasing single-family rentals, duplexes, or small multifamily properties in the Bethlehem/Lehigh Valley market. Lena works with multiple DSCR lenders offering competitive terms.
Does Bethlehem’s location in two counties affect which loan programs I can use?
Potentially, yes. Bethlehem spans Northampton and Lehigh Counties, and PHFA income and purchase price limits are set per county. Lena will determine which county your property is in and confirm which program limits apply. For most buyers, the difference is minor, but it’s worth checking before you make an offer.
| Entity | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|
| PHFA K-FIT Program | Government Program | Down payment assistance — Wikidata Q7192264 |
| FHA Loan | Loan Program | Federal Housing Administration mortgage — Wikidata Q2477520 |
| VA Loan | Loan Program | Veterans Affairs home loan benefit — Wikidata Q7907735 |
| Mortgage Broker | Occupation | Licensed intermediary between borrowers and lenders — Wikidata Q17020729 |
Bethlehem, PA is located in the Lehigh Valley and spans both Northampton and Lehigh Counties. Once home to Bethlehem Steel — at its peak one of the largest steel producers in the world — the city has undergone significant economic transformation. Today it is known for Lehigh University, St. Luke’s Health Network, the Sands Casino Resort, and a growing arts and technology sector that continues to attract new residents and investors.
Get Pre-Approved — Mortgage Broker Serving Bethlehem PA
Buying or refinancing in Bethlehem or Northampton County? Contact Lena Polnet at Dynamic Funding Solutions. The process is fully remote — no office visit needed.
Call: (215) 364-7171
NMLS #17225 | Company NMLS #17144
Dynamic Funding Solutions is a licensed mortgage broker in Pennsylvania. Not a lender. Rates and program availability subject to change. All loans subject to underwriting approval. NMLS #17225. Equal Housing Opportunity.