Mortgage Broker Reading PA

Lena Polnet is a licensed mortgage broker with 28+ years of experience helping homebuyers and homeowners in Reading and Berks County, PA. Reading is one of Pennsylvania’s most affordable urban housing markets and has one of the largest Hispanic communities in the state, factors that make specialized mortgage expertise essential. Lena works with wholesale lenders offering FHA, ITIN, Non-QM, and conventional programs tailored to Reading’s diverse buyer pool. The entire process is handled digitally, fully remote, no office visits required. Call (215) 364-7171 to get started.

Home Loan Programs in Reading PA

Reading’s housing market is defined by its affordability and diversity. As one of Pennsylvania’s most affordable cities for homeownership, it attracts first-time buyers, immigrant families, and investors. The large Hispanic and Latino community, estimated at roughly 60% of the city’s population, creates significant demand for ITIN and non-traditional income mortgage solutions. Lena offers every product this market requires:

• FHA Loans, 3.5% down, flexible credit requirements. Berks County FHA loan limit: $524,225 (2025). Ideal for Reading’s affordable price range and first-time buyer market.
• ITIN Loans, Mortgage programs for borrowers who do not have a Social Security number. Borrowers use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to apply. No SSN required. Available for purchase and refinance. Lena has lender relationships specifically for the ITIN market.
• Non-QM / Bank Statement Loans, Income flexibility for self-employed borrowers, contractors, gig workers, and those whose income doesn’t fit standard W-2 documentation. 12 or 24 months of bank statements accepted in lieu of tax returns.
• VA Loans, Zero down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty military. No PMI required.
• Conventional Loans, Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac programs with down payments as low as 3% for qualifying borrowers.
• DSCR Loans, For real estate investors purchasing rental properties in Reading’s active investment market. Loan qualification based on rental income, not personal income.
• Jumbo Loans, For higher-priced properties in Berks County’s more affluent communities and rural estates.

Why Work With a Mortgage Broker in Reading PA

Reading’s market requires mortgage expertise that goes beyond standard bank products. An experienced broker gives you access to lenders and programs that most retail banks don’t offer:

• ITIN lender access. Few retail banks offer ITIN mortgage programs. Lena has direct relationships with wholesale ITIN lenders who understand this community and have streamlined approval processes.
• Non-QM flexibility. Reading has a large self-employed and gig-economy workforce. Non-QM programs provide a path to homeownership when traditional income documentation isn’t available.
• Broader loan options. Broker access to wholesale lenders means more programs, better pricing, and more flexibility than a single bank can offer.
• Fully digital process. Reading buyers don’t need to take time off work or travel to an office. Everything is handled remotely.
• 28+ years of PA mortgage experience. Lena knows how to structure non-traditional files and get them across the finish line.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Reading PA

PHFA programs provide meaningful down payment assistance for first-time buyers in Berks County:

• PHFA K-FIT (Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years Loan Program), 5% of the purchase price as a second mortgage, forgiven over 10 years. No repayment required if the home remains your primary residence. Wikidata: Q7192264. Can be paired with FHA for maximum affordability.
• HFA Preferred (Fannie Mae), Conventional loan with reduced mortgage insurance costs. Pairs with K-FIT for combined down payment assistance.
• Keystone Home Loan Program, 30-year fixed rate for first-time buyers. Berks County income limits (2025): $138,500 for 1 to 2 person households; $161,900 for 3+ person households.
• Keystone Advantage Assistance, Up to $6,000 in closing cost and down payment assistance as a 4%, 10-year second mortgage.

Note: PHFA programs require a Social Security number. For ITIN borrowers, Lena works with alternative assistance programs and lenders offering ITIN-specific down payment support where available.

Frequently Asked Questions, Mortgage Broker Reading PA

Can I get a mortgage in Reading with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number?

Yes. ITIN mortgage programs are designed specifically for borrowers without a Social Security number. You apply using your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. These programs are available for primary residence purchases and typically require 2 years of ITIN tax returns, 12 to 24 months of bank statements, and a minimum down payment (generally 10 to 20% depending on the lender and credit profile). Lena has direct relationships with ITIN wholesale lenders and can walk you through the specific requirements.

What if I’m self-employed and can’t show traditional income on a tax return?

Non-QM bank statement loans are built for this situation. Instead of W-2s or tax returns, the lender reviews 12 or 24 months of personal or business bank statements to calculate your qualifying income. This is particularly relevant in Reading where a significant portion of the workforce is self-employed, in trades, or working in cash-intensive businesses. Lena works with multiple Non-QM lenders offering competitive terms for bank statement borrowers.

Is Reading a good market for real estate investors?

Yes, Reading offers some of the lowest price-to-rent ratios in Pennsylvania, making it attractive for investors seeking cash-flowing rental properties. DSCR loans allow investors to qualify based on the property’s rental income rather than their personal finances, which means portfolio expansion is limited only by deal quality, not personal income. Lena works with DSCR lenders experienced in the Berks County investment market.

Get Pre-Approved, Mortgage Broker Serving Reading PA

Buying or refinancing in Reading or anywhere in Berks County? Contact Lena Polnet at Dynamic Funding Solutions. ITIN, Non-QM, FHA, and conventional programs available. The entire 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.