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PennyMac mortgage review
Last updated:
finder.com’s rating: 3.8 / 5.0
★★★★★
It offers a wide range of home loans. But customer reviews skew negative.
PennyMac is among the nation’s largest digital mortgage lenders, offering multiple loans and an online application process. While it caters to most homebuyers, it specializes in helping those who otherwise may not qualify for a loan.
Details
| Loan products offered | Conventional, Refinance, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, HELOC |
|---|---|
| Minimum credit score | 620 for Conventional and VA loans 580 for FHA loans 700 for Jumbo loans |
| Minimum down payment | 3% |
| State availability | Not available in: NY |
| NMLS # | 35953 |
What types of loans does PennyMac offer?
PennyMac offers six types of loans that range from traditional mortgages to those backed by the government:
Conventional loan
These loans feature low down payments, fixed-rate options and flexible terms.
FHA loan
Popular for first-time homebuyers, this loan accepts down payments as low as 3.5% and requires a minimum credit score of 580.
VA loan
Eligible service members and veterans may qualify for these loans that offer low interest rates without the need for a down payment or PMI.
Jumbo loan
Eligible homebuyers can get a fixed-rate mortgage to cover homes priced from $484,351 and up to $2 million.
USDA loan
Best for those in rural areas who meet income restrictions, these loans feature low down payments and fixed-rate options.
Investment property loan
Invest in real estate with fixed-rate options, flexible terms and reduced origination fees.
PennyMac fees
Fees depend on loan type and whether you’re a PennyMac member:
- Origination fee: $0 for PennyMac VIP members; $1,100 for other applicants
- Appraisal deposit fee: $465 to $1,000
- Broker fee: $100 to $300, depending on loan type.
Are there any special programs?
Yes. Depending on your loan and circumstances, you may be eligible to choose from:
- Cash-out refinancing. Replaces your existing mortgage with a new one — often with a higher balance and sometimes with better terms. Available for Conventional, FHA and VA loans.
- Mortgage relief. If you find yourself unable to make a payment and face foreclosure, PennyMac can help you regain control to stay in your home.
- Loan modifications. Helps those experiencing financial hardship by restructuring the existing loan’s terms and conditions, rather than refinancing to a new one.
Do I qualify for a loan with PennyMac?
To qualify for a loan with PennyMac, you’ll need to have the following minimum credit scores:
- 620 for Conventional and VA loans
- 580 for FHA loans
- 700 for Jumbo loans
Requirements
Eligible homebuyers have a credit score of 620 or higher and are able to put down at least 3% of the home cost.
Documentation
PennyMac asks for your personal, financial and employment information while applying, including:
- Personal contact information
- Social Security number
- Paystubs for the past three months
- W-2 forms and 1099 statements
- Tax returns for the past two years
- Profit-and-loss statements, if self-employed
- Statements of assets, including real estate, vehicle titles, savings, retirement and investment accounts
- Statements of debts, including existing mortgages, car loans, student loans and home equity lines of credit
PennyMac reviews and complaints
PennyMac earns 4.1 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot based on more than 1,348 reviews as of November 2020, putting it near the bottom when compared to other mortgage lenders. At the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, PennyMac earns 3.76 out of five stars based on 486 customer reviews, although the BBB awards the company an A+ based on its internal criteria.
Most customer reviews warn of poor customer service, stating it’s hard to get reps to answer or return phone calls. Other reviewers report contradictory information from customer service representatives, misplaced monthly payments and damaged credit scores due to faulty reporting to the bureaus.
Pros and cons of PennyMac
Pros
This digital lender offers a fully online application process that includes prequalification and status updates through your online account, among other benefits:
- Multiple options. PennyMac offers conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo and flex-term options.
- Live mortgage rates. View the types of mortgage rates you can expect on PennyMac’s website.
- Free rate lock. Protect your loan against market fluctuations for a limited time.
- Low income requirements. Most loans don’t require a specific salary for eligibility.
Cons
Weigh the benefits of PennyMac against potential drawbacks:
- Not available in New York. If you live in the Big Apple or anywhere else in the Empire State, you’ll need to look elsewhere for a loan.
- Spotty service. Homebuyers through PennyMac report frustration in getting help after they’ve taken out a loan, among other issues.
- Application deposit. You may end up paying $100 to apply for select loans, though it’s credited to your loan after funding in most cases.
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How to get a home loan with PennyMac
Get preapproved for a loan or apply online through PennyMac’s Mortgage Access Center over four steps:
- Visit PennyMac’s website and click Apply Now.
- Sign up for a free PennyMac account by indicating a username and password.
- For preapprovals, click Get Pre-Approved. Otherwise, click apply for a loan.
- Enter your financial and personal details, continuing through the steps until you’ve completed your application.
What is PennyMac?
PennyMac is a digital mortgage lender that boasts originating some $22 billion in mortgage loans since its founding in 2012. From its California headquarters, it offers competitive conventional, FHA, VA, investment property and jumbo loans to a range of customers through a fully online system and help throughout the process.
While PennyMac caters to a wide group of customers, it claims to focus its efforts on helping aspiring homeowners who might need an extra boost through such loan modifications, mortgage relief, home retention and refinancing options.
Frequently asked questions
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Expert review
Review by
Cassidy Horton
cassidy.horton@findercrew.comCassidy Horton is a writer for Finder, specializing in banking and investments. She has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. Cassidy enjoys educating people about financial services, exploring the Pacific Northwest and watching endless reruns of The Office.
Expert review
PennyMac is a lender best for those looking for their first home and need flexible lending requirements, or help paying their current mortgage. Besides its government-backed loans, it offers specialty programs for mortgage relief and modifications to existing loans. But watch out for fees for applying — some loans come with fees that are tacked on.