Mortgage Broker Lancaster PA
Lena Polnet is a licensed mortgage broker with 28+ years of experience serving homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate investors in Lancaster and Lancaster County, PA. From Lancaster City’s revitalized urban core to the rolling farmland townships of the county’s rural edges, the Lancaster market demands expertise across a wide range of loan products — conventional, FHA, USDA, and investor loans for vacation rental properties in one of Pennsylvania’s top tourism destinations. The entire process is handled digitally — fully remote, no office visits required. Call (215) 364-7171 to get started.
Home Loan Programs in Lancaster PA
Lancaster County is one of Pennsylvania’s most diverse real estate markets — encompassing an urban city center, established suburbs, and vast agricultural townships that draw Amish tourism and agritourism investors. Lena covers every loan type the market requires:
- FHA Loans — 3.5% down, flexible credit guidelines. Lancaster County FHA loan limit: $524,225 (2025). Ideal for first-time buyers purchasing in Lancaster City or surrounding boroughs.
- VA Loans — Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. No PMI.
- Conventional Loans — Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac programs with down payments as low as 3%.
- USDA Rural Development Loans — Zero-down loans available in eligible rural and semi-rural Lancaster County townships. Much of Lancaster County qualifies for USDA Rural Development financing, including many communities within commuting distance of the city. Lena will confirm USDA eligibility by property address.
- DSCR Loans (Vacation Rental / Investment) — Lancaster County is a major agritourism destination. Properties near Bird-in-Hand, Intercourse, Strasburg, and other Amish country communities generate strong short-term rental income. DSCR loans evaluate the property’s rental income rather than the borrower’s personal income — making them the right tool for vacation rental acquisitions.
- Non-QM / Bank Statement Loans — For self-employed borrowers, small business owners, and those with non-traditional income documentation.
- Jumbo Loans — For higher-priced properties in Lancaster’s more affluent neighborhoods and horse farm country.
Why Work With a Mortgage Broker in Lancaster PA
Lancaster’s market has unique characteristics that require more than a standard bank loan officer. A mortgage broker gives you access to the right product for your specific situation:
- USDA expertise. Many buyers don’t know they qualify for zero-down USDA financing in Lancaster County’s rural townships. Lena identifies USDA-eligible properties and structures those files correctly.
- Vacation rental financing. Standard lenders often struggle with Airbnb/VRBO properties. DSCR lenders that Lena works with understand short-term rental income and will lend on it.
- Wholesale pricing. Broker access to wholesale lender rates frequently beats the posted rates at retail banks.
- Fully digital process. Lancaster buyers don’t need to come to an office. Application, documents, and closing disclosures are all handled remotely.
- 28+ years of PA mortgage experience. Lena has closed conventional, FHA, USDA, and investor loans across every market condition.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Lancaster PA
PHFA programs are available to eligible first-time buyers throughout Lancaster County:
- PHFA K-FIT (Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years Loan Program) — 5% of the purchase price as a forgivable second mortgage. Forgiven at 10% per year over 10 years with no repayment required as long as the home is your primary residence. Wikidata: Q7192264.
- HFA Preferred (Fannie Mae) — Conventional loan with reduced private mortgage insurance. Can be combined with K-FIT for maximum assistance at closing.
- Keystone Home Loan Program — Competitive 30-year fixed rate for first-time buyers. Lancaster 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 down payment and closing cost assistance as a 4%, 10-year second mortgage.
- USDA + PHFA Combination — In eligible rural areas, USDA zero-down can pair with PHFA closing cost assistance, reducing out-of-pocket costs at closing to near zero.
Lena is a participating PHFA lender and will identify every program available for your income level and target property.
Frequently Asked Questions — Mortgage Broker Lancaster PA
Can I finance a vacation rental property in Lancaster County with a DSCR loan?
Yes — and DSCR loans are often the best tool for Amish country agritourism properties and short-term rentals. Unlike conventional investor loans, DSCR loans don’t require you to document personal income. The lender evaluates whether the property’s projected or actual rental income (including Airbnb and VRBO income) covers the monthly mortgage payment. Properties in Bird-in-Hand, Strasburg, Intercourse, and similar high-tourism areas of Lancaster County can generate strong short-term rental yields that support DSCR qualification. Lena works with multiple DSCR lenders experienced in vacation rental properties.
Does my Lancaster County property qualify for a USDA loan?
Many Lancaster County addresses do qualify for USDA Rural Development financing — including some townships that may feel suburban but are designated rural by USDA. The key factors are the property address (USDA maintains an eligibility map) and household income (USDA income limits apply). Lancaster City itself is not eligible, but many surrounding townships are. Lena will run your specific address through the USDA eligibility tool before you submit an offer.
Is the Lancaster housing market competitive for first-time buyers?
Yes — Lancaster has become increasingly competitive as buyers from Philadelphia, NJ, and NY relocate to the area. Pre-approval before you begin home shopping is essential. PHFA K-FIT down payment assistance can give first-time buyers a significant edge by reducing the upfront cash required at closing, which frees up reserves to strengthen 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 |
Lancaster County, PA is one of the state’s most populous and economically diverse counties. Lancaster City is the county seat and serves as the urban center for a county that transitions rapidly into agricultural and Amish country townships. The county is a major Pennsylvania tourism destination, particularly the rural eastern and southern townships known for Amish farms, covered bridges, and agritourism attractions.
Get Pre-Approved — Mortgage Broker Serving Lancaster PA
Buying, refinancing, or investing in Lancaster or Lancaster County? Contact Lena Polnet at Dynamic Funding Solutions. The full mortgage process is remote — no office visit required.
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.