Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Login Accounts
Search
  • Routing # 256078446
  • Partners
  • Member Discounts
  • Wealth
  • Foundation
  • Branches & ATMs
  • About
  • Search
  • Checking & Savings
    • Checking
      • Free Checking
      • Access America Checking
      • All Checking Accounts
    • Savings
      • Premium Online Savings
      • Regular Savings
      • Money Market Savings
      • All Savings Accounts
    • Certificates
      • Money Market Certificate
      • Coverdell Education Certificate
      • All Certificates
    • IRAs
      • IRA Certificate
      • IRA Premier
      • IRA Savings Account
      • All IRAs
    • How Can We Help?
      • Contact Us
      • FAQs
      • Forms
      • Advice Center
    • Special
      • Great rates for everyone with our savings options
  • Credit Cards
    • Our Cards
      • Credit Cards Overview
    • How Can We Help?
      • Contact Us
      • FAQs
      • Disclosures
      • Resource Center
    • Special
      • Choose the perfect card - Learn More
  • Auto
    • Auto Loans
      • Purchase
      • Refinance
      • Car Buying Service
    • Protection
      • Vehicle Protection
      • GAP Insurance
      • Debt Protection
    • How Can We Help?
      • Contact Us
      • FAQs
      • Forms
      • Advice Center
    • Special
      • Find your next car - through PenFed Car Buying Service
  • Mortgage & Home Equity
    • Purchase
      • Buy a Home
      • VA Loan
      • FHA
      • Conventional Fixed
      • Jumbo Loan
      • Power Buyer
    • Refinance
      • Refinance your Home
      • VA Streamline
    • Home Equity
      • HELOC
    • Real Estate Services
      • Find An Agent
    • Tools & Resources
      • Knowledge Center
      • eBooks
      • New Homebuyer
      • Calculators
      • PenFed Title, LLC
      • Contact
    • Special
      • Increase your wins , Become power buyer certified
  • Loans
    • Personal Loans
      • Personal Loans
    • Student Loans
      • Student Loan Refinancing
      • In-School Student Loans
    • How Can We Help?
      • Contact Us
      • FAQs
      • Forms
      • Advice Center
    • Special
      • Personal Loans made easy online
  • Learn
    • Learning Hub
      • Learning Center
      • Mortgage Knowledge Center
      • Advice Center
      • Financial Hardship Center
      • Emergency Furlough Relief Assistance
      • Natural Disaster Relief Assistance
    • About PenFed
      • About
      • FAQs
      • Forms
    • Security & Fraud
      • Security Center
    • How Can We Help?
      • Press Room
      • Careers
      • Contact Us
    • Special
      • Exclusive Member Offer - Spectrum mobile
  • Join Now
  • Log In
  • Accounts
  • Resources

Affinity Title

MORTGAGE KNOWLEDGE CENTER

PenFed Mortgage with Confidence

Home Buying Steps

  • Getting Started
  • Finding a Home
  • Getting a Mortgage
  • Home Ownership

Mortgage Topics

  • VA Loans
  • Conventional Loans
  • First Time Homebuyer
  • Home Equity
  • Homebuying 101
  • Checklists
  • Adjustable Rate Mortgages
  • PenFed Top 10
  • Refinance
  • Jumbo Loans
  • FHA
  • Videos

Mortgage Products

  • Mortgage Center
  • Refinancing
  • Home Equity
image

CONVENTIONAL LOANS

Rates starting at % (APR %)¹

 

Apply before becoming a member.

After your application, we’ll help you:

1. Discover you’re eligible to become a PenFed member

2. Open a Savings/Share Account and deposit at least $5

  1. Home
  2. Mortgage Knowledge Center
  3. Pros and Cons of Buying a Home in the Spring

Purchase, Homebuying 101, First Time Homebuyer, Finding a Home

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home in the Spring

What You'll Learn: Factors that May Influence Home Buying Decisions During Spring Season.

EXPECTED READ TIME: 5 MINUTES

January 28, 2022

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home in the Spring

For many homebuyers, the spring real estate market is a natural time to purchase a home. After a long winter spent indoors, many buyers may be ready to trade in their current space for one that is larger, smaller, or simply different. Learn more about the pros and cons of buying a home in the spring and find out how to effectively navigate the process.

Why Buy a Home in the Spring? 

For many homebuyers, spring is the time of renewal – and that includes the renewal of their living space. In many of the largest US markets, spring is the most active season for real estate, coming on the heels of a long cold winter.

In warm weather markets, spring may be the time when seasonal snowbirds are contemplating returning to their northern hometowns. This may drive them to explore the real estate market locally and purchase a second home or prepare to relocate permanently.

What are Your Goals for Your Home Purchase?

Before you can purchase your home, you need to define your goals for the process and its outcome. Some possible goals may be the following:

  • Getting out of a current home that has become too small for your family
  • Finding more outdoor space or a different style of home
  • Downsizing in preparation for retirement or for greater affordability
  • Facilitating multi-generational living for elderly family members
  • Purchasing as an investment or for greater housing stability

Clarifying and defining your goals, then communicating them to your trusted real estate professional and mortgage lender, ensures that you make better decisions throughout the purchase process. 

Plan Ahead for the Home Financing Process

If you’re looking ahead to a home purchase, you’ll need to begin preparing for the finance process well ahead of time. This will give you a chance to ensure your own financial fitness and to gather the information you’ll need in plenty of time – and before you find your dream home.

Here are some of the things you need to consider:

  1. What are your financial goals from your home purchase? Are you looking to add value to an undervalued property? Incorporate rental space into your purchase? These can affect the type of mortgage you qualify for and the amount for which you’ll be approved.
  2. Is your income based solely on your salary or are there other sources of income at your disposal? How can you document your income adequately, especially if you are self-employed?
  3. How much money do you have available for your earnest money deposit (EMD), down payment, and closing costs? What reserves will you need to show when you apply for your loan?
  4. What is your lifestyle like and how does that affect your budget? Should you buy at the top of your budget or would you prefer to have additional disposable income for travel or social obligations?
  5. How can you show that you are pre-approved for a loan, making your offer more competitive? How long can you lock in a favorable interest rate?

Advantages of Buying a Home in the Spring 

In most markets, the biggest advantage of buying a home in the spring is the inventory. Because so many home sellers wait until after the holidays and the cold weather passes to put their homes on the market, you’ll often have your pick of the area’s best listings. In addition, you may have more opportunities to visit open houses and see what’s available on warm, pleasant spring weekends.

Disadvantages of Buying a Home in the Spring 

The flip side of the active spring market is that you’ll face greater competition from other buyers in your area. Since spring is such a popular time of the year  to purchase, you may find yourself in multiple offer situations against other well-qualified buyers. In addition, homeowners may be less likely to negotiate in the spring since they may be able to anticipate other offers coming their way during an active market.

Always Expect the Unexpected

The most important thing to remember about a home purchase at any time of the year is that each one is different, with its own unique challenges. By working together with your real estate broker and mortgage lender and communicating consistently, you’ll be able to meet those challenges head-on and enjoy a successful springtime purchase process.

Buying a home in spring is the goal for many. Get started now and you could find yourself settled in your new space when the first April showers fall.

●      Call 866-386-7254

●      Visit Get my Rate

●      Visit the Mortgage Center

For more information about PenFed Mortgages:
 

PenFed Mortgage: 

800-970-7766

Get Started

SIMILAR ARTICLES

Ten Home Maintenance Tasks You Should be Doing and How Often You Should Be Doing Them

Not sure how often you should check your roof, HVAC system, and/or appliances? Here is some guidance on the importance of completing these home maintenance tasks and how often they should be inspected.

clipboard with a checklist

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home in the Fall

If you’re thinking ahead to an upcoming home purchase, the fall season may offer unique opportunities and advantages.
Buying a home in the fall

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home in the Summer

If you’re thinking about buying a home in the coming months, a summer purchase may offer unique opportunities and advantages.
Buying a home in the summer

What are the Steps to Buying a Home? Part 1

If you are a first-time homebuyer, there is a lot to think about. PenFed Credit Union takes you through the steps of what you need to know before buying a home.
man researching homebuying on laptop
image

CONVENTIONAL LOANS

Rates starting at % (APR %)¹

 

Apply before becoming a member.

After your application, we’ll help you:

1. Discover you’re eligible to become a PenFed member

2. Open a Savings/Share Account and deposit at least $5

Home Buying Steps

  • Getting Started
  • Finding a Home
  • Getting a Mortgage
  • Home Ownership

Mortgage Topics

  • VA Loans
  • Conventional Loans
  • First Time Homebuyer
  • Home Equity
  • Homebuying 101
  • Checklists
  • Adjustable Rate Mortgages
  • PenFed Top 10
  • Refinance
  • Jumbo Loans
  • FHA
  • Videos

Mortgage Products

  • Mortgage Center
  • Refinancing
  • Home Equity

PenFed HELOC

Rates as Low as % APR* with flexible use of funds

Apply before becoming a member.

After your application, we’ll help you:

1. Discover you’re eligible to become a PenFed member

2. Open a Savings/Share Account and deposit at least $5

Disclosures

1Except for holidays, rates are updated Monday through Friday at 10:15am EST. The advertised rates and points are subject to change. The information provided is based on discount point, which equals percent of the loan amount, and assumes the purpose of the loan is to purchase a property with a 30-year, conforming, fixed-rate loan. Loan amount of $400,000; loan-to-value ratio of 75%; credit score of 760; and DTI of 18% or less. The property is an existing single-family home and will be used as a primary residence. The advertised rates are based on certain assumptions and loan scenarios, and the rate you may receive will depend on your individual circumstances, including your credit history, loan amount, down payment, and our internal credit criteria. Other rates, points, and terms may be available. All loans are subject to credit and property approval.

*Prime Rate is % as of . The APR for this Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is based on prime plus a margin and can change monthly. Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term, with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin, and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than % for primary residences and second homes.

  • Annual Fee: Notwithstanding the foregoing, an annual fee of $99 will be assessed on each account anniversary.
  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are variable rate loans and the interest rate is subject to increase after consummation of the loan on monthly basis. Closing costs range between $500 and $8,500 for credit lines of $500,000. Contact a representative for additional details.

Appraisals: PenFed will attempt to establish value via an independent method. If that method is unsuccessful, or the value is not sufficient for the amount requested, an appraisal will be required regardless of CLTV. An appraisal is always required in the following circumstances:

For all loans with a loan amount greater than $400,000.

If an appraisal is required, it must be ordered by PenFed. You will be contacted for authorization and payment prior to ordering. Appraisal fees average $550 to $850 (some run higher).

  • Closing Cost Credit: PenFed will pay most closing costs associated with a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which includes credit report, flood certification, settlement/closing, property ownership and encumbrances search, recording, property search, and quick close. Member is responsible for any city, county, and/or state taxes if the subject property is located in FL, LA, MD, MN, NY, TN, or VA. If an appraisal is required, the member, who is responsible for the fee whether or not the loan closes, will pay the cost.

Interest may be tax deductible, consult a tax advisor for further information regarding the tax deductibility of interest and charges.

Fixed Rate Advance Lock-In You may lock in an Annual Percentage Rate for Advances during the Draw Period. During your Draw Period, you may choose to have three separate Fixed Rate Advances locked in at any one time, with a maximum of two new Fixed Rate Advances per calendar year. Each Fixed Rate Advance must equal or exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and you may not request a Fixed Rate Advance that would cause the amount you owe to exceed your Credit Limit. The only term option for your Fixed Rate Advance is 240 months (“Fixed Rate Advance Term”). However, the term of your Fixed Rate Advance cannot exceed your Repayment Period.

Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than % for primary residences and second homes and 4.75% for investment properties.

Property Insurance: Property insurance is required.

Multiple PenFed Loans: Multiple PenFed Equity loans and HELOCs are available as long as the member and collateral qualify (except Texas). For Equity loans and HELOCs the total indebtedness cannot exceed $500,000 for all PenFed Equity and HELOCs combined.

PenFed does not lend on:

  • Mobile homes
  • Co-ops or time-shares
  • Properties that are currently listed on the market for sale
  • Commercial property or property used for commercial purposes, even if a residence is part of the property
  • Undeveloped property (land only)
  • Properties with more than 4 units

Properties that are currently under major construction/renovations: Property must be fully livable, with no safety issues. (Examples: no missing rails from stairs/decks, no open walls with wires showing, missing kitchen appliances/counters, missing bath fixtures or unfinished pool).

  • Additional limitations may apply

Home Equity Line of Credit:

  • This Account has a Draw Period of 10 years, followed by a repayment period of 20 years.
  • If only minimum payments are made during the draw period, the loan balance will not decrease.
  • In Texas, the maximum CLTV available is 80% on owner occupied properties. Additional restrictions apply in Texas, so please ask a representative for details.
  • In all other states, the maximum CLTV is 85% on owner occupied properties and second homes. Additional restrictions or requirements may apply based on application characteristics.
  • Property type of Condo has a maximum CLTV of 80%.
  • The maximum CLTV available is dependent on credit qualification.
  • Rates vary depending on owner occupancy and CLTV and other loan criteria.

Minimum Loan Amount Requirements in all States:

  • For an owner occupied property or second home the minimum loan amount is $25,000 and the maximum amount is $500,000 with a CLTV of 85% or less of the fair market value.

Other terms and conditions apply; call 844-918-4307 to speak with a representative for details. All rates and offers are subject to change without notice. To receive advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed.

  • Locations
  • Careers
  • Press Room
  • Foundation
  • Contact Us

This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Rates are current as of September 2023 unless otherwise noted and are subject to change.

APY = Annual Percentage Yield
APR = Annual Percentage Rate


  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • youtube
  • instagram
Download the PenFed app on Apple Store Download the PenFed app on Google Play
Read More about Equal Housing
Routing #256078446

©2023 Pentagon Federal Credit Union

Privacy
Security
Disclosures
Fees
Rates
Forms
Site Map

We use cookies to provide you with better experiences and allow you to navigate our website. By clicking “I Accept”, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy, GDPR and Cookie Policies.If you are a California resident, please visit our Privacy Policy page for the Notice of Right to Opt-Out of Sharing.

×

IMPORTANT NOTICE

You are leaving PenFed.org and entering a third party Website that is not a part of Pentagon Federal Credit Union.


The content you are about to view is produced by a third party unaffiliated to Pentagon Federal Credit Union. PenFed takes no responsibility for the content of the page.


IMPORTANT NOTICE

You are leaving PenFed.org and entering a third party site. PenFed Realty, LLC is wholly owned by PenFed and this referral may provide PenFed a financial or other benefit.


For more information about the relationship between PenFed and PenFed Realty, LLC, see the Affiliate Business Arrangement Disclosure.


IMPORTANT NOTICE

You are leaving PenFed.org and entering a third party Website.


The content you are about to view is produced by a third party website that is unaffiliated to Pentagon Federal Credit Union. PenFed takes no responsibility for the content of the page.


IMPORTANT NOTICE

You are leaving PenFed.org and entering a third party site. PenFed Title, LLC is wholly owned by PenFed and this referral may provide PenFed a financial or other benefit.


For more information about the relationship between PenFed and PenFed Title, LLC, see the Affiliate Business Arrangement Disclosure.


CONTINUE OR CANCEL

Member Login

Please enter a valid username.

I need help logging in

Having Trouble?
Forgot Username
Forgot Password
Forgot Username and Password
Unlock Account


First time logging in?

Create an online account

Not yet a member?

Become a member and take advantage of products and exclusive offers!

Join Now

Get Started

×

LOGIN

JOIN
Dismiss
PenFed App
PenFed PenFed, Inc FREE - On Google Play