June 2023 Lender News from AHFA

 

2023 Kids' Art Contest Now Accepting Entries

Please tell your customers that AHFA's 2023 Kids' Art Contest is now open to any kid ages 5-12 in Alabama! In celebration of National Homeownership Month, we're asking children to submit an original art piece (any medium) that illustrates a financial literacy concept like earning, saving, spending and giving, featuring AHFA’s popular blue mascot, Bud.


Then, with an adult’s help, they can upload their entries at https://woobox.com/mzz4r2 from June 1-30. Public voting runs July 1-9, and winners will be announced on July 11.

Contest entry is free, and the top three vote-getters will win deluxe art supply sets and Kiwi Crate subscriptions, which deliver monthly craft, STEM, and science activity kits to their doors.


For ideas on what to draw, check out the two-minute video starring “Bud” at right.

More contest details, rules and voting information are available on the downloadable poster to the left and at www.ahfa.com/ahfa-kids/ahfa-kids-art-contest-2023.


If you have any questions, email communications@ahfa.com. 


To learn more about AHFA Kids programs and financial literacy, visit www.ahfa.com/ahfa-kids.

New, Higher Income and Sales Price Limits Open Mortgage Savings Program to More Alabama Homebuyers

More homebuyers are eligible for AHFA's popular Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program, thanks to increased income and sales price limits.


Set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the new income limits rose over 2022 figures by as much as 17 percent due to growing median incomes and economic gains. Qualifying households now can earn up to $119,400 annually, depending on the home’s location and family size.


The MCC gives homebuyers an annual credit to reduce federal income tax. The credit is equal to a percentage of mortgage interest paid for every year of the life of the loan. The remaining annual interest can still be claimed as a mortgage interest deduction on the homebuyer's federal tax return.


Designed to make homeownership more affordable, the program is not as complicated as it sounds, said AHFA Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker.


“Taking advantage of the MCC can save homebuyers hundreds of dollars per month, and literally thousands of dollars on their tax bills each year. That savings frees up income so they can qualify for a nicer home,” said Hamaker. “More than 4,000 Alabama households have already used this federal incentive to boost their purchasing power.”


The statewide maximum sales price for the home purchase has risen as well, to $588,104 in “target” areas and $481,176 in “non-target” areas. These areas are set by the federal government to encourage economic development. AHFA will verify each property’s location and apply the appropriate limit on an individual basis.


MCCs may be combined with up to $10,000 in AHFA-administered Step Up down payment assistance or any other 30-year, fixed-rate, amortizing conventional, FHA, VA, Rural Development, or privately insured mortgage. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by a statewide network of more than 60 participating lenders.


Income limits are based on each area’s median income. Visit MCC Income Limits for a complete listing.


For more information on the MCC program, call AHFA at 800-325-2432 or click here.

Let's Connect! We'll Come to You!

Are you a mortgage professional or Realtor who wants to know more about AHFA programs? AHFA offers on-site training on our programs, covering borrower and property eligibility, processing, documentation, income calculations and more. 


To schedule an informational visit or training session, simply email Alana Beaugez at abeaugez@ahfa.com.

June 7: Lender visit with Cadence Bank, Mobile

June 7: Lender visit with Union Home Mortgage, Mobile

June 7: Lender visit with DHI Mortgage, Mobile

June 8: Lender visit with Synovus Bank, Mobile

June 8: Lender visit with ServisFirst Bank, Fairhope

June 8: Lender visit with Centennial Mortgage, Fairhope

June 9: Lender visit with SouthPoint Bank, Daphne

June 9: Lender visit with Trustmark, Mobile

June 9: Lender visit with Guaranteed Rate, Mobile

Holiday Office Closings


The AHFA offices will be closed on the following dates in observance of holidays: 

  • Juneteenth: Monday, June 19
  • Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4
Alabama Housing Finance Authority | www.AHFA.com
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