July 2025 Lender News from AHFA | | Recent Graduate Takes First Step into Homeownership | | |
As we celebrate one year since the relaunch of AHFA’s First Step program, we’re honored to highlight stories like that of Michael Williams, a first-time homebuyer who made his dream a reality with the right team and the right tools.
After graduating with a finance degree from Auburn University at Montgomery and building a career in restaurant management, Michael wasn’t sure homeownership was within reach due to rising interest rates.
That’s when loan officer Hunter Beasley of Fairway Mortgage stepped in. Knowing about AHFA’s First Step program, Hunter introduced Michael to the opportunity of a lower interest rate—making the path to homeownership affordable and achievable.
With Jason Owens of Lucretia Cauthen Realty as the dedicated buyer’s agent, and Hunter guiding the financing every step of the way, Michael found the perfect home and the confidence to move forward.
| | Hunter Beasley of Fairway Mortgage (L) and Jason Owens of Lucretia Cauthen Realty (R) used AHFA's First Step program to open doors for AUM graduate Michael Williams. See current interest rates, income limits, and other program details at www.ahfa.com. | “We appreciate Hunter’s willingness to share this story,” said AHFA Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker. “It shows how the low interest rates and down payment assistance of our First Step program can put homeownership within reach, even for younger buyers.” | | ‘Bud’ Brings Financial Literacy Fun to Montgomery | | |
While most reserve Saturdays for relaxation, AHFA turned June 28 into a learning opportunity. Our Kids’ Financial Literacy Class brought kids together to focus on borrowing, lending, sharing, and caring. Mascot Bud helped energize the room and connect with participants aged 5-12.
“Camp counselors Daun and Helen led the way with interactive games and activities that made financial concepts fun and memorable,” said AHFA Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker. “The day was a true reflection of AHFA’s commitment to financial literacy and community engagement.”
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Top 3Q25 Lenders Awarded for Using AHFA Programs
Each quarter, AHFA applauds the individual lenders and the lending company who closed the most loans using the First Step and Step Up programs. Winners for the third quarter of the 2025 fiscal year are listed below. We’ll be highlighting them individually on social media in the weeks to come.
| | Justin Petrusson, SouthPoint Bank (1st Place) | | Miranda Kelley, Acopia, LLC (2nd Place) | | Carson Norman, Stockton Mortgage Corp. (3rd Place) | | |
Sunshine + Smiles:
2025 Art Contest Winners
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In celebration of National Homeownership Month, AHFA hosted its annual Kids’ Art Contest for 2025.
This year’s theme was “Sunshine and Smiles in Alabama Style.” Children ages 5–12 who live in Alabama were invited to showcase what makes the state a bright and happy place to call home. AHFA staff voted on their favorites below.
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1st Place: Sarai W., Montgomery, 1st Grade
“Sunny days, big smiles, and simple joys like fishing by the pond near our happy home. A depiction of the warmth and pride of growing up in the Heart of Dixie!”
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2nd Place: Avery F., Trussville, 6th Grade
“I think that what makes Alabama special is that it is smiley and sunny. Alabama is the balance of nature and the city.”
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3rd Place: Virginia M., 7th Grade
“Perfect sunny day swinging and snacking in the shade with my favorite pups at home sweet home.”
| | 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, simply email Alana Beaugez. | | June 24: Homebuyer education class with Assurance Financial | | June 25: Ribbon cutting with FirstBank, Huntsville | | June 25: Lender visit with MortgageRight, Birmingham | | June 25: Lender visit with Stockton Mortgage, Hoover | | June 25: Lender visit with DHI Mortgage, Hoover | | June 25: Lender visit with Union Home Mortgage, Birmingham | | June 26: CE Class with Keller Williams, Pelham | | June 27: Lender visit with Synovus Bank, Birmingham | | June 27: Alabama Realtist Women’s Council, Birmingham | |
Coming Soon!
AHFA Website Under Way
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AHFA is proud to announce the upcoming launch of our newly designed website. This updated platform has been carefully crafted to provide streamlined navigation, enhanced accessibility, and improved access to programs and resources for homebuyers, lenders, realtors and industry professionals.
While we’re not revealing the official launch date just yet, we encourage everyone to be on the lookout. The redesigned site represents a new chapter in how we connect and collaborate with you.
We look forward to sharing more details in the days ahead.
| |  | Recommend Our Services? Let Us Know! | We’re grateful for the continued partnership and dedication of our lenders, realtors, and industry professionals. Your feedback means a great deal to us, and we’d love to hear from you. If you have a moment, please consider sharing your experience by leaving us a Google review. It’s quick, easy, and helps others learn more about our commitment to service. | | 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: 6.00%
- CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.50%
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Step Up
- FHA / VA / USDA: 6.75%
- CONV-Freddie Mac: 7.00%
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