Rate Drop: Current First Step & Step Up Interest Rates | Below are the current interest rates for AHFA’s homeownership programs, newly reduced on February 19. Please note that rates are subject to change without notification. | | |
First Step
-
FHA / VA / USDA: 5.500%
-
CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.000%
| | |
Step Up
-
FHA / VA / USDA: 6.000%
-
CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.375%
| | Lenders, Loan Officers, Realtors, Home Builders and Processor Earn Top AHFA Recognition | | Our 2026 homeownership theme, “Together We Build Alabama’s Future,” was the focus of this year’s awards luncheon held February 12. We’re pleased to highlight the industry professionals whose leadership and service set the pace for our programs over the past year. | | |
Top Home Builder -
North & Central
Lennar Homes
| | |
Top Home Builder -
South
D.R. Horton
| | |
Top Processor
Jesslyn Tubbs, Peoples Mortgage
| | |
In the Top Lender Category, North Region, Fairway Independent of Birmingham earned honors for their exceptional borrower support and strong regional performance. The Central Region award went to Guild Mortgage of Prattville, recognized for their consistency, service, and deep engagement with the communities they serve. Embrace Home Loans of Mobile was named the South Region winner, standing out for their approach and dedication to guiding homebuyers with care.
Loan officers, Realtors and home builders also were recognized for their use of AHFA programs, as well as the loan processor with the highest number of error-free loan submissions.
“These organizations and individuals embody what it means to build together while supporting families, strengthening communities, and working collectively to expand access to homeownership all over the state of Alabama,” said AHFA Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker. “This year’s winners reflect the collaboration and commitment that continue to shape our shared success.”
| | Market Insights Webinar Recording Available | | |
AHFA hosted a February 11 webinar offering timely insights and an updated housing market outlook for our lending partners.
Stuart Norton, Director of the Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE), highlighted ACRE’s expanding role in supporting the industry through enhanced events and professional development opportunities. The session provided valuable perspective as market conditions continue to shift.
Missed the live webinar? You can watch the recorded session below.
| |
|
AHFA Shares Housing Resources at ‘Day of Action’
AHFA’s Tony Lee and Karlin Aultman recently represented AHFA at WSFA’s Day of Action at Selma High School. The event brought together vendors and service providers from across Alabama who support families throughout Dallas County and the Black Belt.
They connected with community members at the AHFA booth, shared information about our First Step and Step Up programs that make homeownership more affordable, and handed out AHFA swag while spreading awareness about available housing resources.
| | AHFA Connects Lenders with Motivated Buyers | |
While helping homebuyers boost their buying power, AHFA connects homebuyers directly with our network of participating lenders.
In 2025, AHFA referred 2,335 potential homebuyers to participating lenders across Alabama. These referrals strengthen pipelines, support deeper relationships within local markets, and help create more successful homeownership outcomes statewide.
By serving as a bridge between motivated buyers and trusted lending professionals, AHFA continues to play a key role in Alabama's affordable housing market.
| |  | Social Media Campaign Empowers Consumers | |
AHFA’s continuing social media series focuses on building financial literacy and empowering homebuyers. Each week, we highlight practical topics that help consumers make informed financial decisions and prepare for successful homeownership.
Recent themes have included strategies for protecting your home’s value, decluttering, moving with children and pets, and preventing frozen pipes. We’re releasing new segments regularly to expand the series for every stage of the homeownership journey.
Follow AHFA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest installments and to share these educational tools with your customers.
| |
Realtors and Lenders, 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 that covers borrower and property eligibility, processing, documentation, income calculations and more. Our “Your Path to Partnership: 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 fill out our online form. | | January 26: Lunch & Learn with Trustmark Bank, Fairhope | | February 9: Lender visit with Local Bank, Guntersville | | February 9: Lender visit with DSLD Mortgage, Huntsville | | February 9: Lender visit with SouthPoint Home Mortgage, Birmingham | | February 11: Education meeting with Virtuous Realty Global, Huntsville | | Let's Connect: Our business development team is ready to meet with you. Schedule your visit today! | | | | |
