Marcus Lefebvre
Five star rating, no written review.
Lewiston, Maine
Lewiston mortgage broker for buyers who want a real human.
Travis Penny, a mortgage broker with Vision Mortgage in Portland (NMLS 1649161), helps clients buy and refinance homes in Lewiston, Maine. I compare FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo and self employed options for your file and tell you plainly which one fits.
Reviewed by Travis Penny, NMLS 1649161
Last reviewed September 29, 2026
Lewiston is in the middle of its first citywide revaluation since 1988, which is resetting how assessed values compare to tax bills. That is one of the most important things a Lewiston buyer needs explained before making an offer, and most out of area lenders do not know it happened.
Travis Penny is a licensed mortgage broker (NMLS #1649161) with Vision Mortgage, LLC (NMLS #1286953), based at 352 Warren Avenue, Suite 6, Portland, Maine. He brokers FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo, and self employed home loans for buyers in Lewiston and Androscoggin County, plus DSCR investor loans in the states listed on my Licensing page. Started in 2004 and I'm still here. Call or text (207) 615-7770.
Which mortgages can a broker arrange in Lewiston, Maine?
Travis Penny is a mortgage broker with Vision Mortgage based in Portland, Maine. In Lewiston, I arrange conventional, FHA, and VA one time close construction loans, bridge loans for buying before selling, DSCR loans for qualifying rentals, physician and nurse loans, and bank statement or 1099 mortgages. I review the property and your plans before recommending a program.
All loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Program terms and availability can change. This page is for general education and is not a loan offer or a commitment to make a loan. Travis Penny, NMLS ID #1649161, is a mortgage broker with Vision Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #1286953. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Maine loans are what I do
Closing loans across Androscoggin County and the rest of Maine. Real local underwriting know-how, no call centers.
Every major program
FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo, and self employed bank statement loans. Matched to your file, not the easiest one.
One person, start to finish
You talk to Travis from pre approval through closing. No handoffs to a processor in another time zone.
Building in Lewiston and Auburn with a VA or FHA one time close construction loan
A Lewiston or Auburn build starts with the lot, site access, permits, builder contract, and completed home appraisal. A VA construction path also requires eligible service and a primary residence. FHA construction uses its own client and property standards. Read the VA construction guide or the FHA construction guide, then compare the statewide process in the Maine construction guide.
Bridge loans and DSCR rentals in Lewiston's multi unit stock
For a Lewiston multi unit purchase before another home sells, compare bridge and equity options with a plan for carrying both properties. A non owner occupied rental may instead use Maine DSCR financing based on documented property income. Unit condition, leases, taxes, and insurance need review for the specific property.
Loans I arrange in Lewiston
One time close construction (conventional, FHA, VA). A Lewiston or Auburn build needs lot and builder review. VA and FHA one time close eligibility differs from conventional construction.
Bridge loans for buying before selling. A Lewiston multi unit purchase before another home sells requires a careful plan for both properties' obligations.
DSCR investor loans. Lewiston's two to four unit stock makes leases, unit condition, and full property expenses important in a DSCR review.
Physician and nurse loans. Lewiston healthcare workers can compare physician and nurse options while reviewing an older home's condition.
Bank statement and 1099 loans. For a Lewiston self employed buyer, bank deposits or 1099 income should be reviewed with the property's appraisal needs.
Neighborhoods and villages in Lewiston
- Little Canada
- Downtown Lewiston
- Tree Streets
- Main Street and Frye Street Historic District
- Lower Lisbon Street Historic District
- South Lewiston
What to know about buying in Lewiston
- The city's first revaluation since 1988 is underway, updating assessed values to reflect current market value. Your tax estimate should use the new assessed value once it takes effect rather than an old bill.
- Largest employers include Central Maine Medical Center, Sisters of Charity Health Systems, Bates College and Walmart.
- Much of Lewiston is outside USDA eligibility. VA is the no down payment path here for eligible buyers with full entitlement.
- Lewiston has one of the larger stocks of two to four unit homes in Maine, which makes owner occupied FHA multi unit financing a common play here.
Official sources: Lewiston Assessor's Department
Loan programs available in Lewiston
- FHA. 3.5% down with a score of 580 or higher, or 10% down with a score from 500 to 579, on an eligible primary home.
- VA. No down payment required for eligible service members, veterans, and qualifying surviving spouses with full entitlement, with no monthly mortgage insurance.
- USDA. No down payment required for eligible buyers on eligible rural and suburban addresses within household income limits.
- Conventional. 3% down for eligible first time buyers, typically 5% otherwise, 10% for second homes, and 15% to 25% for investment properties. Putting 20% down avoids PMI.
- Jumbo. for loan amounts above the county conforming limit.
- Self employed. bank statement and 1099 programs that don't punish you for tax write offs.
Other Maine city guides
How to start
The fastest first step is a five-minute scenario call. Bring your target purchase price, your down payment plan, and any credit concerns. I'll quote a realistic rate, payment, and cash-to-close range on the spot.
Androscoggin County loan limits
For 2026 HUD sets the FHA one unit floor at $541,287 and FHFA sets the conforming one unit baseline at $832,750 (HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23, December 11, 2025; FHFA release, November 25, 2025). This county sits at the floor, so those two numbers are your FHA and conventional ceilings for a single family home. Two to four unit limits are higher.
Lewiston mortgage questions
What should I know about home prices in Lewiston, Maine?
Prices vary between the Tree Streets and downtown, the historic Main Street and Frye Street district, and the more suburban South Lewiston. The city's ongoing revaluation is also changing how assessments compare across neighborhoods. I pull current sales for the exact street before you make an offer.
What is happening with Lewiston property taxes?
The city is completing its first revaluation since 1988, which is updating assessed values citywide. Your payment estimate has to use the new assessment once it is in place, not an old bill. I confirm the current figures with the assessor's office on every file.
Can I buy a multi unit in Lewiston with FHA?
Yes. Owner occupied two to four units with FHA at 3.5 percent down with a score of 580 or higher, rental income counted toward qualifying, subject to the FHA self sufficiency test on three and four units. I run that test before you offer.
Is Lewiston USDA eligible?
Essentially no. VA is the no down payment path if you are eligible with full entitlement, and I review every option for reducing cash to close.
What should I know about older Lewiston homes?
Lead paint, knob and tube wiring, older heating systems and wet basements are the common appraisal items. I get inspections lined up so nothing surprises the appraiser.
Can I commute to Portland from Lewiston?
About 45 minutes on the Turnpike. Many buyers do it to get more house for the money.
What loan limit applies in Lewiston?
Androscoggin County sits at the 2026 national floor: $541,287 for FHA and $832,750 conforming on a single family home. Multi unit limits are higher.
Why use a broker in Lewiston instead of the local bank?
Because the revaluation and the multi unit rules both reward someone who has done this here before and can shop the file across lenders instead of fitting you into one menu.
Can I use a VA or FHA one time close loan to build in Lewiston or Auburn?
Travis Penny, a mortgage broker with Vision Mortgage based in Portland, Maine, can review VA or FHA one time close construction plans in Lewiston and Auburn. Eligibility, lot, builder, appraisal, and lender requirements all need review before approval.
Can I use a bridge loan to buy in Lewiston before selling?
Travis Penny with Vision Mortgage in Portland, Maine, can compare a bridge loan, a HELOC, and qualification while carrying both homes for a Lewiston purchase. The right path depends on equity, timing, and the new property's requirements.
Are DSCR loans available for Lewiston multi unit rentals?
Travis Penny, a DSCR mortgage broker with Vision Mortgage based in Portland, Maine, can review a Lewiston rental's leases, property condition, insurance, and full expenses. Eligibility depends on the investor loan program and the property.
Quick checklist
- FHA
- VA
- USDA
- Conventional
- Jumbo
- Self employed
Keep exploring
This information is general education, not a loan offer or a commitment to lend. Down payment and credit requirements vary by client, property, and lender, and program guidelines change. For your own numbers, call or text me at (207) 615-7770 or email Travis@travis.mortgage.
What clients say
Read all reviewsLaPlace Sallis
Travis was great to work with. We were able to close in less than three weeks.
Steven Retalic
Travis by far is the best Mortgage Broker I have ever worked with. I am happy to refer Travis to friends and family.
Want a real human to walk you through this?
I'll lay out your options in plain English. No pressure, no scripts.