AHFA Lender Helps Grandson Purchase First Home with First Step | |
Sharon Thompson of Fairway Home Mortgage recently experienced one of the most rewarding moments of her career while helping her grandson, Malaki, and his wife purchase their first home. They shared how surprised they were to qualify through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority’s (AHFA) down payment assistance program. This unexpected opportunity opened the door to a new chapter in their lives.
For the couple, homeownership represents more than just a financial milestone; it is a lifestyle transformation. “We are comfortable and have our own space now,” Malaki's wife, Katie, said, expressing the sense of security and independence that comes with owning a home. He added that their young son, Carter, now has the freedom to run and play in the backyard. His wife reiterated how meaningful this change is, noting that they had never had a backyard while living in an apartment.
Sharon explained that her passion for mortgage lending stems from a desire to help others achieve their dreams. “I do what I do because I love helping others, so nothing feels better than being able to help a family member with the experience,” she said. Guiding her grandson and his wife through the process was not only a professional achievement but also a personal one, reinforcing why she does what she does every day.
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“I do what I do because I love helping others.”
Sharon Thompson
Fairway Mortgage
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The couple’s success was made possible through AHFA’s First Step program, which offers below-market, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans on conventional loans for first-time homebuyers. In addition to the low interest rate, borrowers are eligible for down payment assistance through Step Up. This assistance is provided through a 10-year second mortgage that is bundled with the 30-year mortgage, and both are consolidated into a single monthly payment serviced in-house.
Programs like First Step and Step Up are vital because they bridge the gap for families who are ready to buy but lack initial funds. Thousands of households have benefited from this program, helping families move from rental housing and into homes where they can create lasting memories. For Sharon’s grandson and his family, this program turned what seemed like an impossible dream into reality.
| See current interest rates, income limits, and other homeownership program details at www.ahfa.com. | | Reaching First-Time & Underserved Homebuyers | As AHFA's top participating lender for 4Q25, Guild Mortgage lenders are finding ways to connect with first-time and underserved homebuyers, from hosting educational workshops to partnering with local organizations. They shared how AHFA programs help them position themselves as trusted homeownership experts in their communities, offering affordable financing options and guidance that make the dream of owning a home more attainable. | | |
“AHFA gives many options to serve the community. First Step or Step Up, there is usually an option that fits and enables those who may not have thought they could become homeowners. The majority of my business is first-time homebuyers, and they are always pleasantly surprised with the options from AHFA. As time has moved forward, it has gotten easier and much quicker to go from contract to close!”
Patrice Cali, Guild Mortgage
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“We actively engage with first-time and underserved homebuyers through homebuying seminars and setting up consultations with each one of our clients to ensure they understand the homebuying process. AHFA’s Step Up and First Step programs offer affordable financing and down payment assistance, which allows me to present real, tangible solutions to clients who might otherwise feel homeownership is out of reach.”
Kylee Hogan, Guild Mortgage
| | | Purchasing a Manufactured Home with AHFA Programs | | |
AHFA’s First Step and Step Up homeownership programs may be used when purchasing a manufactured home. These programs are designed to help make homeownership more affordable and achievable for families across Alabama.
To help explain how this works in detail, Karlin Aultman, AHFA Business Development Specialist, has recorded an educational training session that covers financing considerations, program features, and where to begin.
| | Realtors and Lenders, Let’s Connect! We Want to Meet You! | | 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, fill out our online form here. | | November 5: AMPA event, Hoover | | November 7: CE Class with United Community, Tuscaloosa | | November 14: Lunch and learn with Cornerstone First Mortgage, Jasper | | Christmas Goodie Bags Bring Joy to Lenders | | AHFA elves have been crisscrossing the state, delivering holiday greetings and sweet treats to the lenders on our nice list. | | |
Stockton Mortgage Group
Hoover
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Peoples Mortgage Company
Sylacauga
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Assurance Mortgage
Birmingham
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SouthPoint Bank Mortgage
Anniston
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Trustmark Mortgage
Homewood
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Movement Mortgage
Tuscaloosa
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United Community Bank
Tuscaloosa
| Barnes Cantrell Mortgage Group Huntsville | | |
First Bank Mortgage
Huntsville
| | Fairway Independent Mortgage Huntsville | |
Assurance Financial
Madison
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Heritage Mortgage
Huntsville
| | United Home Mortgage Birmingham | |
Stockton Mortgage
Huntsville
| | First Federal Mortgage Florence | | Assurance Financial Florence | | | |
Lennar Mortgage
Huntsville
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Stockton Mortgage
Cullman
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SouthPoint Bank Mortgage
Decatur
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Guild Mortgage
Prattville
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CMG Home Loans
Montgomery
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Fairway Mortgage
Wetumpka
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CrossCountry Mortgage
Wetumpka
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Trustmark Bank
Montgomery
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Movement Mortgage
Wetumpka
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Academy Mortgage
Columbus
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Fairway Mortgage
Columbus
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CrossCountry Mortgage
Auburn
| | | While we didn’t get to see everyone in person, we wanted you to know we stopped by and appreciate all you do. Your participation matters, and we look forward to connecting in the new year! | |
Athens
Birmingham
- Assurance Financial
- Fairway Mortgage
- Guaranteed Rate
- LoanDepot
- Movement Mortgage
- New American Funding
- Princeton Mortgage
- Prosperity Home Mortgage
- Regions Bank
Clanton
Columbus
Cullman
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Decatur
Dothan
- ServisFirst Bank
- Synovus Bank
Enterprise
Huntsville
- Atlantic Bay Mortgage
- Cadence Bank
- Hamilton Mortgage
- Lennar Mortgage
- Loan Depot
- Regions Bank
- The Mortgage Link
- Trustmark
- United Community Bank
Jasper
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Madison
Montgomery
- Assurance Mortgage
- Guild Mortgage
- PrimeLending
- Regions Bank
- Renasant Bank
- Trustmark Bank
Opelika
- Movement Mortgage
- SouthState bank
Prattville
Tuscaloosa
- BankFirst
- First Bank
- Main Street Home Loans
- Stockton Mortgage
| | Annual Report Release Ahead | |
Our Annual Report is coming in January, and this year’s theme is “The Sky’s the Limit.” It’s a celebration of ambition, growth, and the incredible heights we’ve reached together.
Get ready to explore the highlights that inspire us all to keep aiming higher. You won’t want to miss it!
| | | Merry Christmas from AHFA | |
Our offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25 in observance of the Christmas holidays. We will reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, December 26.
Our offices will also be closed on Thursday, January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day. We will reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, January 2.
| | 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: 5.750%
- CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.250%
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Step Up
- FHA / VA / USDA: 6.250%
- CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.625%
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