Personal Finance Resources: Financial Education & Literacy

Find Your Best‑Fit Mortgage – And the Local Team to Guide You

Written by PSECU | Mar 26, 2026 6:54:24 PM

Buying, building, or refinancing – no matter where you are on the path to homeownership, having the right loan and the right person beside you makes all the difference. With competitive rates, low up‑front costs, and personal support, we’re here to help you move with confidence.

“Our team’s success starts with service. We measure wins by how informed and confident our members feel – before, during, and long after closing. Education comes first, options come next, and we’ll walk with you every step of the way.”
— Todd Newpher, Lead Mortgage Originator Manager, PSECU

Our Mortgage Options at a Glance

First‑Time Homebuyer Program*

Make a strong first move. Our program features up to 100% financing, no PMI, and allowance for down payment assistance and seller help.

Conventional

A flexible, familiar choice with fixed‑ and adjustable‑rate terms (10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years) and clear, low up‑front costs, including no underwriting, processing, application, appraisal, or flood certification fees from us. Pair predictability with speed and personal guidance.

Jumbo

Shopping above conventional loan limits? Explore jumbo financing with multiple fixed‑rate options available for higher loan amounts – up to $2.5 million – so your dream home goals don’t have to wait.

Construction (One‑Time Close)

Building a new home? Finance land and construction with one loan, make interest‑only payments during the build, count eligible land equity toward your down payment, and consider a float‑down option at conversion if rates drop. We cover several typical fees (appraisal, processing, underwriting, builder draw inspections, credit report, flood certification) and keep the origination fee low.

Physician

Designed for medical professionals. Get up to 100% financing on purchases (95% on refinances), with deferred student loans excluded from debt-to-income ratio, and choose from fixed- or adjustable-rate options across multiple terms.

Refinance

Lower your payment, shorten your term, or tap equity with a refinance that gives you flexible terms (10–30 years, fixed- or adjustable-rate) and low closing costs.

Why Work With Our Mortgage Originators?

You bring the dream; we bring guidance. Our team is local, approachable, and truly helpful. Here’s what members say sets our team apart, and a quick reason to connect with each expert.

  • Aisha Lizardo: Known for personalized care and clear, steady guidance from prequalification to closing, Aisha is great for first‑time and repeat buyers.
  • Amy Heverly: A go‑to partner for first‑timers, pairing deep product knowledge with a friendly, down‑to‑earth style that keeps you feeling confident.
  • Geoff Longwell: Brings 20+ years in financial services and nearly 15 in mortgages. Geoff excels at tailoring solutions for starter homes, upgrades, investments, and getaways.
  • Heather Bange: Heather’s been with PSECU for 20+ years, with hands‑on experience across underwriting and processing. Keeps your file moving smoothly and your to‑dos simple.
  • Leni Rodriguez: Entered the mortgage industry after buying her first home, an experience that inspired her to deliver a smooth, stress‑free process for other buyers. Proudly supports both English- and Spanish‑speaking members.
  • Matthew Leitzell: Creative problem solver who simplifies choices, aligns loans to goals, and brings State College roots and reliability.
  • Scott Mayberry: Scott boasts 30+ years helping members and specializes in first‑time buyers and construction mortgages with a calm, no-stress approach.
  • Steve Bernstein: Former broker with a knack for creative financing solutions. Steve is great for unique scenarios and competitive markets.
  • William Helfrich: Steady, reassuring guidance from a seasoned pro (22 years in mortgages, 19 with PSECU) focused on peace of mind and a smooth process.
  • Helene Hogan: Blends mortgage expertise with accounting/marketing know‑how. She specializes in working with construction mortgages and excels at making the numbers make sense.
  • Julian Light: With Julian, a construction background meets lending expertise. He’s a strong guide for construction loans and traditional mortgages alike.

What Sets Us Apart (and Keeps Costs Low)

  1. Lower up‑front costs: We don’t charge underwriting, processing, application, appraisal, or flood certification fees on our mortgage products. That keeps more money in your pocket at closing.
  2. Flexible terms & options: Fixed‑ and adjustable-rate mortgage options across 10–30 years, including jumbo and construction financing.
  3. Education‑forward: From free homebuyer education for first-time homebuyers to resources that unpack closing costs and timelines, we help you feel ready, not rushed.
  4. Local + digital: Apply and manage your loan online, then lean on a real local expert for the moments that matter.

Ready to Get Started?

To get prequalified and shop with confidence, talk with a Mortgage Originator about today’s options and which term fits your goals.

* Additional options for first-time homebuyer products/terms available. PMI may be required. Contact one of our mortgage originators to find out which one is right for you. Loans are set up for monthly payments only and are not subject to balloon payments. Products and terms are subject to change without notice. All loans subject to credit approval.