December News

Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin  Youtube  

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.

“I do what I do because I love helping others.”


Sharon Thompson

Fairway Mortgage

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

“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

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. We thank you for your support and enjoy working with you in every season.

Stockton Mortgage Group

Hoover

Peoples Mortgage Company

Sylacauga

Assurance Mortgage

Birmingham

SouthPoint Bank Mortgage

Anniston

Trustmark Mortgage

Homewood

Acopia Home Loans

Oxford

Movement Mortgage

Tuscaloosa

DHI Mortgage

Huntsville

United Community Bank

Tuscaloosa

Barnes Cantrell Mortgage Group Huntsville

Regions Bank

Tuscaloosa

First Bank Mortgage

Huntsville

Fairway Independent Mortgage Huntsville

Assurance Financial

Madison

Heritage Mortgage

Huntsville

Trustmark

Madison

United Home Mortgage Birmingham

Stockton Mortgage

Huntsville

First Federal Mortgage Florence

Synovus Mortgage

Athens

Assurance Financial Florence

Fairway Mortgage

Dothan

Trustmark

Florence

Interlinc

Dothan

Lennar Mortgage

Huntsville

Guild Mortgage

Cullman

Stockton Mortgage

Cullman

Trustmark

Prattville

SouthPoint Bank Mortgage

Decatur

Guild Mortgage

Prattville

CMG Home Loans

Montgomery

Fairway Mortgage

Wetumpka

Synovus Bank

Montgomery

CrossCountry Mortgage

Wetumpka

Trustmark Bank

Montgomery

Movement Mortgage

Wetumpka

Academy Mortgage

Columbus

CMG Home Loans

Auburn

Fairway Mortgage

Columbus

CrossCountry Mortgage

Auburn

CMG Home Loans

Columbus

DHI Mortgage

Birmingham

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

  • Movement Mortgage

Birmingham

  • Assurance Financial
  • Fairway Mortgage
  • Guaranteed Rate
  • LoanDepot
  • Movement Mortgage
  • New American Funding
  • Princeton Mortgage
  • Prosperity Home Mortgage
  • Regions Bank

Clanton

  • Hamilton Mortgage

Columbus

  • PrimeLending
  • Synovus

Cullman

  • First Federal

Decatur

  • New American Funding

Dothan

  • ServisFirst Bank
  • Synovus Bank

Enterprise

  • Movement Mortgage

Huntsville

  • Atlantic Bay Mortgage
  • Cadence Bank
  • Hamilton Mortgage
  • Lennar Mortgage
  • Loan Depot
  • Regions Bank
  • The Mortgage Link
  • Trustmark
  • United Community Bank

Jasper

  • Prosperity Mortgage

Madison

  • Stockton Mortgage

Montgomery

  • Assurance Mortgage
  • Guild Mortgage
  • PrimeLending
  • Regions Bank
  • Renasant Bank
  • Trustmark Bank

Opelika

  • Movement Mortgage
  • SouthState bank

Prattville

  • Union Home Mortgage

Tuscaloosa

  • BankFirst
  • First Bank
  • Main Street Home Loans
  • Stockton Mortgage

Realtors and Lenders, Let’s Connect!

AHFA offers on-site training that covers borrower and property eligibility, processing, documentation, income calculations and more. To schedule an informational visit or training session, fill out our online form here.

Current First Step & Step Up Interest Rates

Please note that rates are subject to change without notification.

First Step



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

Step Up 



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

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 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.

Alabama Housing Finance Authority | www.AHFA.com