🏡 Can You Really Afford That Dream Home in Bloomsburg Right Now? Here's the Breakdown
Can You Really Afford That Dream Home in The Central Susquahanna Right Now? Here's the Breakdown
If you’ve been toying with the idea of buying or selling in the area, you're not alone. Summer’s heating up-and so is the local real estate market.
Whether you're looking to upsize, relocate, or get a great deal as a first-time buyer, the big question is always: Can I afford this right now? And the answer might surprise you-especially with the right programs on your side.
Average Mortgage Rates Right Now
As of this week, mortgage rates for borrowers with average credit scores in the area are hovering around 6.75% to 7.00% depending on the lender and loan type.
While those rates might sound high compared to a few years ago, here’s where things get interesting...
Average Home Price in Bloomsburg: $235,000
Current 30-Year Mortgage Rate: ~6.85% (based on a 680–699 credit score)
5% Down Payment: $11,750
Estimated Monthly Payment: ~$1,775
(Includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance)
What It Looks Like to Upsize to a $500,000 Home
Let’s say you're currently in a smaller home and dreaming of more space. If you’re upsizing to a $500,000 home with 5% down:
Down payment: $25,000
Monthly payment (est.): Around $3,300-$3,600 (including taxes & insurance)
Loan type: Conventional
Don't panic yet-this is where it gets good...
No Full 5% Saved? You’re Still in the Game…
Did you know there are mortgage programs that can help cover your down payment?
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers programs that give you 5% of the purchase price-up to $15,000-toward your down payment and closing costs. That could cover a HUGE chunk for buyers! If you need to bring even less to the closing table an FHA loan has a minimum of 3.5% down and combined with PHFA makes ownership a reality!
It’s designed specifically to make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned in a few years.
Translation: You could get into your dream home without waiting years to save that 3.5%- 5%.
Sellers: Buyers Are Looking. Are You on the Market?
With programs like these available, the buyer pool is much larger than many sellers realize-especially for move-in ready homes in the $250K–$500K range.
If you're thinking of listing soon, you’ll want to work with a local agent (hi, that’s me 👋) who understands:
What buyers in The Susquehanna Valley are really looking for
How to price your home to attract offers fast
How to get buyers pre-approved (and yes, we help guide them to the best financing options with Lenders with a wealth of knowledge).
Whether you’re:
A buyer wondering what you qualify for
A homeowner thinking about selling (and maybe cashing in on your equity)
Or just real estate-curious and like to window-shop on Zillow
Let’s talk. A quick chat could save-or make-you thousands.
➡️ Contact Me Today to see how close you actually are to your next move.
Local. Honest. Strategic. And maybe a little sarcastic.
I’m here to help you win in Real Estate without all the stress.
