Choosing a mortgage lender can feel like a numbers exercise. But the human side matters too. When you need a quick answer about a rate lock or want to update your preapproval before making an offer, it helps to talk to someone who knows your file. Huntington Bank Mortgage tries to deliver that experience by pairing branch staff with an easy-to-manage online application. This guide covers the loan products Huntington offers, what makes them different, and what to gather before you apply.
What Is Huntington Bank?
Huntington was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Today it operates more than 1,000 branches across 11 states, mostly in the Midwest and parts of the South. With roughly $190 billion in assets, it ranks among the top 25 largest banks in the country. That scale gives it the capital for competitive jumbo mortgages, but the branch footprint still feels local.
Huntington leans into relationship banking. If you keep a qualifying checking account there, you may receive a rate discount on your mortgage. That helps if you plan to stay with the bank long-term. But even if you don’t bank with Huntington, you can still apply for a home loan. You simply won’t get the same perk.
Types of Huntington Bank Mortgage Loans
Conventional Home Loans
Huntington offers fixed-rate conventional loans in 15-, 20-, and 30-year terms. For eligible buyers, the down payment can be as low as 3%, although a 620 credit score is typically the starting point. If you put down less than 20%, you will pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). Once you build 20% equity, you can request to cancel PMI and lower your monthly payment.
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are also available if you do not plan to stay in the home long. A 5/1 ARM gives a fixed rate for the first five years, then adjusts once a year. A 7/1 ARM works the same way with a seven-year fixed period. These loans make sense if you expect to move before the low rate expires.
FHA, VA, and USDA Loans
Government-backed loans are a major part of Huntington’s mortgage menu. FHA loans require just 3.5% down and accept credit scores around 580 in many cases. You will pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium plus an annual premium, but the credit requirement is lighter than conventional.
Eligible veterans can get a VA loan with zero down and no mortgage insurance. Huntington also originates USDA loans in eligible rural areas, and those loans allow $0 down and moderate-income limits.
First-Time Homebuyer and Down Payment Assistance
Many first-time buyers assume they need a full 20% down. Huntington connects buyers with state-specific down payment assistance programs, many of which offer grants or low-interest second mortgages. In Ohio, for instance, the Your Choice program pairs a fixed-rate first mortgage with down payment help for eligible homebuyers. Michigan and Pennsylvania have comparable programs. Availability depends on your county, income, and purchase price, but a local Huntington loan officer can tell you exactly what you qualify for.
What Makes Huntington Bank Mortgage Stand Out?
Compared to online-only lenders, Huntington combines digital convenience with a real person you can sit across from. You can apply online in about 15 minutes, upload documents from your phone, and track the entire process through an app. But when you want a second opinion or need advice on an offer letter, your mortgage banker’s direct phone line is there.
The relationship discount is the most tangible benefit. If you open a qualifying Huntington checking account before closing and keep it open, you might receive a 0.25% rate reduction. On a $300,000 loan at 6.5% interest, that discount saves about $53 per month. Over 30 years, that is more than $19,000 in savings. Ask whether ongoing account status is required after closing; some banks only require you to have the account at closing.
- Local mortgage bankers who understand your neighborhood and housing market.
- A rate reduction up to 0.25% for qualifying checking account customers.
- A fully digital application with secure document upload and e-sign.
- Lock-and-shop options that protect your rate for 60 days while you search.
- Convenient closing in a branch or at a title office near you.
That last point matters more than people think. National lenders often close through satellite teams that do not know the local title agency or appraiser. Huntington works with a network of local title officers, which can help you avoid last-minute delays.
What to Have Ready When You Apply
Being prepared saves time and makes you look more credible to sellers. Gather these documents before you submit your application:
- Two most recent paystubs, plus W-2s from the last two years
- Two most recent bank statements from every account you will use for the down payment
- Federal tax returns if you are self-employed, freelance, or earn commission
- Copies of investment accounts, retirement statements, and gift letters if family is helping
- A government-issued ID with your current address
If you are refinancing, you will also need your current mortgage statement and homeowner’s insurance declarations page. Gather them before you get far into the process so your loan officer does not have to chase you.
The Mortgage Application Process Step by Step
The first step is a soft preapproval, which checks your credit without a full inquiry. Huntington will ask about your income, assets, and the price range you have in mind. If you meet the basic criteria, you receive a prequalification letter. That lets you start looking at homes, but it is not a promise from the bank.
Next comes a true preapproval. You choose a property, provide full documents, and Huntington’s underwriting team verifies your employment and credit. This letter carries more weight when you make an offer. In a competitive market, many real estate agents ask for proof that you have undergone full underwriting, not just a credit check.
Once your offer is accepted, your loan officer will place your file into processing. An appraisal is ordered, title insurance is reviewed, and your income and asset documents are checked one last time. If anything changes, such as a new car loan or a job change, tell your banker immediately. Most loans take 30 to 45 days from contract to closing. Huntington’s goal is to leave enough time for all contingencies without leaving you hanging.
Rates, Fees, and the Real Cost of Borrowing
Huntington advertises competitive mortgage rates, but the annual percentage rate (APR) matters more than the base rate. APR includes lender fees, mortgage insurance, and most closing costs, giving you an apples-to-apples way to compare offers. For purchase loans, expect to pay between 2% and 5% of the loan amount in closing costs, which covers underwriting, title insurance, appraisal, and prepaid taxes.
You can sometimes roll closing costs into your loan amount, but that increases your monthly payment. Compare the interest rate and APR side by side. Also ask about lender credits: if you accept a slightly higher rate, Huntington may offset some fees, which can help if you do not have enough cash on hand.
Should You Use Huntington for Your Next Home Loan?
If you value in-person service and plan to keep your banking in one place, Huntington deserves a spot on your shortlist. The checking account discount is tangible, and the local underwriting is a plus in markets where online lenders routinely miss deadlines. Borrowers with lower credit scores or irregular income may find the human guidance useful too.
But you should still shop around. An online lender might advertise a lower base rate, especially if you have pristine credit and a simple W-2 income file. The gap, however, may vanish once Huntington’s relationship discount is applied. It costs nothing to ask Huntington to match a competing good-faith estimate. Loan officers are often known to bring down fees or offer a small lender credit when they know you are serious about financing.
Start by asking a local Huntington mortgage banker what programs you qualify for based on your county and income. Those details change often and generic online calculators will not tell you if you can get a grant. Schedule a no-obligation conversation. If nothing else, you will have a solid baseline for comparing other offers.