October 2025 Realtor News from AHFA

AHFA Takes Lead at Upcoming MBAA Luncheon


AHFA is the lead sponsor of an upcoming event for the Mortgage Bankers Association of Alabama, featuring the newest member of AHFA’s Business Development Team, Karlin Aultman. Three key speakers will focus on some of the most pressing topics in today’s housing and mortgage industry.


Connor Hogan of Country Financial will tackle the trends driving rising insurance premiums, market capacity challenges, and what lenders and homeowners should anticipate in the coming year. This is vital information in understanding today’s homeowners insurance market.


Another important topic to be discussed is the new VantageScore Model and what lenders will need to know moving forward. Zakk Stringer of CIC Credit will lead this discussion and teach how the latest model changes credit scoring, impacts underwriting, and improves borrower access to mortgage credit.


Karlin Aultman of AHFA will focus on the financing of manufactured homes with AHFA’s First Step and Step Up programs. Step-by-step guidance will be provided on the successful processing and underwriting of these loans.


The event will take place on Tuesday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location is the first floor of the Homebuilders Association of Alabama building at 7515 Halcyon Summit Drive in Montgomery. Registration is $35 for MBAA members and $45 for non-members, with lunch provided. You can register below.

Bridging States and Building Homeownership

Just across the Dillingham Street Bridge in Phenix City, Alabama, Georgia-based lenders are making a meaningful impact by helping Alabama families achieve the dream of homeownership.


We recently had the opportunity to speak with Tammy White of Academy Mortgage, powered by Guild Mortgage. Tammy has partnered with AHFA to utilize our down payment assistance programs, bringing valuable resources to families throughout the region.

Joined by AHFA Business Development Specialist Alana Beaugez, Tammy discussed how AHFA’s First Step and Step Up programs are helping make homeownership more affordable in the communities she serves. View the video above to meet Tammy and learn more.

Introducing ‘Hearts Behind Homes’


We’re proud to launch Hearts Behind Homes, a new video series on social media that celebrates the dedicated individuals within AHFA’s single-family division who help make homeownership possible for Alabama families.


Each installment highlights the people working behind the scenes, sharing their roles, their passion, and the impact they make every day. Through their stories, we hope to give you a closer look at the heart of our mission.


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Realtors and Lenders, Let’s Connect!

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. To schedule an informational visit or training session, simply email Alana Beaugez.

September 15: AMPA event at the Hoover Country Club

September 16: Lunch and Learn with Keller Williams Realty, Homewood

September 16: Lender visit with Prosperity Home Mortgage, Mountain Brook

September 17: Lender visit with Prosperity Home Mortgage, Inverness

September 17: Lender visit with Fairway Home Mortgage, Foley

September 17: Lunch and Learn with Keller Williams, Huntsville

September 18: CE class with Keller Williams, Daphne

October 2: Huntsville Area Association of Realtors Expo, Huntsville

October 7: Birmingham Association of Realtors event, Birmingham

New Website Has Launched!


We’re excited that AHFA’s newly redesigned website has launched! Built with our partners in mind, the updated AHFA.com offers improved navigation, streamlined access to program information, and a refreshed look to better serve you and the families you support.


We’d love to hear your thoughts. If you have feedback or suggestions, please email us at communications@ahfa.com. Your input helps us continue improving how we serve Alabama’s homebuyers and housing professionals.

Holiday Closing Scheduled

AHFA will be closed Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day. We will reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12.

Current First Step & Step Up Interest Rates

First Step



  • FHA / VA / USDA: 5.750%
  • CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.250%

Step Up 



  • FHA / VA / USDA: 6.250%
  • CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.625%

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

Alabama Housing Finance Authority | www.AHFA.com

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