February 2025

Guild Mortgage Named Top Producing Lending Company

On February 5, Guild Mortgage was celebrated at the AHFA offices, receiving awards, Homeownership Expert t-shirts, and more. Their unwavering dedication to Alabama homebuyers earned them the title of AHFAs top participating lending company for FY2024. Thank you, Guild Mortgage, for your outstanding service!

AHFA Programs Help Guild Lenders Reach More Customers

Megan Graham


“AHFA Programs, such as Step Up, First Step, and the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC), allow me to reach more customers by addressing common barriers to homeownership.”


“By offering these tailored solutions, I can help more families achieve their dream of homeownership while setting myself apart as a trusted resource for affordable financing options.”

Harris Baker


“AHFA programs are perfect for helping borrowers overcome common barriers to homeownership. I’ve seen them work especially well for first-time buyers, moderate-income families, and even veterans.”


“For me, AHFA programs have been a great way to serve a wider range of customers and provide unique products that meet their specific needs.”

Aaron Folta


“We have found that a variety of borrowers can benefit from the programs offered by AHFA – not just first-time homebuyers. With the rate of inflation and high costs for living, more and more borrowers struggle to access a sizeable down payment. The Step Up and First Step programs are perfect for those who need to reduce their out-of-pocket costs, while still accessing competitive interest rates and reasonable payments.”

Cliff Daugherty


“AHFA programs are ideal for borrowers who need competitive mortgage rates and down payment assistance to achieve homeownership without depleting their savings. Unlike some assistance programs, AHFA serves the entire state without restricting eligible properties by location, making homeownership accessible to more Alabamians. Many of these borrowers are hardworking individuals in an economy that has faced challenges, yet housing remains essential.”

More than Half of Eligible Borrowers Leave

Down Payment Help on the Table, Study Shows

Many homebuyers aren’t taking advantage of down payment assistance (DPA), according to an analysis by National Mortgage Professional.


The study refers to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

showing that just under 60 percent of FHA loans were originated for borrowers without down payment help.


On the flip side, that means that about 40 percent of FHA mortgages came with some form of DPA. Of those who received some form of DPA, nearly 19 percent of that aid came from governmental entities and about 21.5 percent came from relatives.

AHFA offers up to $10,000 DPA

as a second mortgage

to qualified borrowers who use

our First Step and Step Up programs.

AHFA offers up to $10,000 DPA as a second mortgage to qualified borrowers who use our First Step and Step Up programs. Those earning less than 80 percent of AMI may also receive an additional Affordable Income Subsidy Grant for help with closing costs.


“Many potential homebuyers feel discouraged, thinking they’ll never save enough for a down payment,” said Carrie Hamaker, AHFA’s single-family administrator.


“We’re grateful for the experienced lenders and Realtors who use AHFA’s down payment assistance to better serve their customers. We encourage those who may not be familiar with our programs to reach out—we are here to guide you every step of the way.”



For more information, visit Only Half Of FHA Borrowers Eligible For DPA Receive It – NMP.


See details on AHFA's current down payment assistance offerings at www.ahfa.com.

AHFA Staff Tours HFH Affiliates Statewide


AHFA hit the road early this year, visiting several Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state to learn more about their impact. These on-site meetings highlighted existing partnerships and informed participants on the combined funding sources used in Habitat homebuilding. To date, AHFA‘s long-standing arrangement with Habitat has funded nearly 600 homes for Alabamians in need.

Habitat for Humanity, Anniston

Habitat for Humanity, Birmingham

Habitat for Humanity, Tuscaloosa

Habitat for Humanity, Decatur

Habitat for Humanity, Morgan Co.

Habitat for Humanity, Huntsville

Current First Step & Step Up Interest Rates

Below are the current interest rates for AHFA's homeownership programs. Please note that rates are subject to change without notification.

First Step

  • FHA / VA / USDA: 5.50%
  • CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.00%

Step Up 

  • FHA / VA / USDA: 6.75%
  • CONV-Freddie Mac: 7.00%
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Alabama Housing Finance Authority | www.AHFA.com

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