'Feeling like a superhero at the end of the day is so rewarding!'

First Step Helps Lenders Put Best Foot Forward

With down payment assistance and mortgage interest rates as low as 5.5 percent, AHFA's First Step program has helped lenders provide unforgettable customer service to more than 700 borrowers in Alabama just this summer.

Anna Leigh DeLaire, a mortgage loan originator with First Federal Mortgage, uses First Step to assist homebuyers whose shoes she’s walked in herself.

“When I bought my house, five years ago in October, I was a single mom,” DeLaire explained. “No one told me about down payment assistance, so I just saved up and paid for it all myself.”

Now, as she nears the anniversary of her own home purchase, DeLaire is able to use her experience to help potential borrowers build equity through homeownership.

“It’s a passion of mine to help people who want to be homeowners and give them opportunities that I didn’t have,” she said. “I was in their place at one time. Mortgage loans can be challenging, not just for single parents, but for anyone in a one-income household.”

That enthusiasm led DeLaire to contribute to First Federal Mortgage’s recognition as AHFA's Top Participating Lender for the third quarter of 2024.

“I wouldn’t be successful if I didn’t have AHFA products,” she said. “All of my clients are special to me, and everybody has different needs. We have to keep the lines of communication open with the buyer and Realtor, and always have a backup plan. But feeling like a superhero at the end of the day is so rewarding!”

See current First Step interest rates, income limits, and other program details at www.ahfa.com.

Lenders, Realtors Learn How to ‘Build a Better Mortgage’

AHFA Co-Hosts August Event on Combining Homeowner Assistance

Tax Service Fee Increase Effective October 1, 2024

Please take note that a small price increase on the Tax Service Fee is coming soon. Effective on loans purchased as of October 1, 2024, ServiSolutions will begin deducting an $85 Tax Service Fee on all loans with loan amounts of $500,000 or less.

A $10 upcharge will be assessed for every $100,000 over a loan amount of $500,000. See the example chart below:

Please make all necessary changes for future loan closings. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Hunt at bhunt@ahfa.com.

Are you a mortgage or real estate professional who wants to know more about AHFA programs? AHFA offers on-site training on our programs that covers borrower and property eligibility, processing, documentation, income calculations and more. Our “Doing Business with AHFA” class qualifies for 3 CEUs, certified by the Alabama Real Estate Commission.

August 14: CE class hosted by Supreme Lending at REMAX Market Place, Trussville

August 20: Realtor Lunch and Learn hosted by Rate Mortgage, Pelham

August 21: Realtor Lunch and Learn hosted by Regions Bank, Tuscaloosa

August 30: CE class hosted by EXIT Realty, Gulf Shores

September 10: CE class hosted by Alabama Home Builders Foundation, Montgomery

September 12: Birmingham Association of Realtors trade show

Ensuring Program Compliance: Meet the Dream Team

AHFA's program compliance staff works to leave no stone unturned on your First Step, Step Up, and MCC loan submissions.

“Our Compliance Dream Team is a

dedicated group with a knack for solving complex challenges and a passion for keeping everything on track,” said Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker.

“They’re not just experts in AHFA guidelines; they’re your go-to agents for making sure all program compliance matters are handled with precision and care.”

Watch the video at left for your personal introduction to these masterminds on a mission.