August 2025 Lender News from AHFA

Husband-Wife Duo Help First-Time Homebuyers with AHFA Programs

Two heads really are better than one: Jason and Diana Will are a husband-wife duo who serve as a Realtor and lender for their home-buying clients.

Diana, a senior loan officer at MortgageRight in Birmingham, works closely with clients to find options for home loans tailored to their needs.

“Every Alabama Housing story to me is special,” said Diana. “Buying a home is scary but it doesn't have to be. People, a lot of times, don’t want to take the first step.”

As a former Realtor, Diana knows how to use AHFA programs like First Step and Step Up to get her homebuyers down payment assistance. “I think what makes me special in the industry is that I have sold real estate,” she explained. “I know what goes into it. I know what Realtors do and I know what their days look like. And so I get to be a complement to come alongside people I already know, like, trust, and want to do business with.”

She recalled a recent transaction in which friends were set on exploring the options of new construction, but did not want to make a down payment. “I knew their story and I knew that they really didn’t want to put money down,” said Diana.

Through the First Step program’s down payment assistance, Diana was able to get her clients assistance through AHFA, even with a new build.

“They’re newlyweds and they got to keep their nest egg,” said Diana. “Cash is hard to come by these days, and life is expensive. Being able to take these first-time home buyers in any situation and pop them into Alabama Housing programs with no cash to close [makes them] so happy. They're so grateful. And they've just made their first payment.”

While Diana works on loan options, Jason, the qualifying broker at Blueprint Realty, has the opportunity to explore different homes with his clients. “I love first-time homebuyers; they are so humble and grateful, and it’s really a joyful event,” said Will.

Together, Diana and Jason make sure the homebuying process is smooth and cost effective for people taking the leap into homeownership.

“We are grateful to have a team like Diana and Jason representing AHFA programs. Their combination of compassion and expertise really shows their commitment to homebuyers,” said AHFA Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker.

“I’m so grateful to Alabama Housing and their loan programs, and I know my clients are too because in most cases, it’s been the only option that they can rely on to help them buy that first home,” said Jason.

Click the video above to hear more from the Wills. See current First Step interest rates, income limits, and other program details at www.ahfa.com.

3Q25 Leading Lenders Announced

Congratulations to our outstanding leading lenders for the third quarter of FY2025. We are thrilled to announce that Justin Petrusson, Vice President and Senior Mortgage Banker at South Point Home Mortgage, has been recognized as our top leading lender.

Miranda Kelley, Branch Sales Manager at Acopia Home Loans, and Carson Norman, Mortgage Banker at Stockton Mortgage, tied for second place.

“Their dedication and expertise truly set a high benchmark in the industry,” said AHFA Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker. “We greatly appreciate these lenders who are helping Alabama families reach new heights in homeownership.”

Justin Petrusson awarded Leading Lender, 1st Place

Miranda Kelley awarded Leading Lender, 2nd Place (tie)

Carson Norman awarded Leading Lender, 2nd Place (tie)

Don’t miss AHFA’s free webinar, “Industry Insights: Finance, Files, and Freddie” on Sept. 11. We’ll be featuring AHFA Business Development Specialist Alana Beaugez, Jim Hall of Freddie Mac, and Dr. Agnitra Roy Choudhury, associate professor of economics at AUM. Topics will include common file submission errors, an overview of Freddie Mac updates, and the current economic environment.

Alana Beaugez, AHFA

Jim Hall, Freddie Mac

Dr. Agnitra Roy Choudhury, AUM

AHFA Teams Hit the Road for Outreach Events

Jump Start Conference Promotes Financial Education

AHFA Business Development Manager Cathy James and Engagement & Education Specialist Daun Long recently volunteered at the 2025 Jump Start Conference in Mobile, hosted by Career Tech Education (CTE) and Alabama Jump Start. The event brought together educators, financial professionals, and community leaders from across the state to promote financial education and empowerment.

Cathy and Daun represented AHFA at a colorful booth filled with swag and stacks of AHFA Kids Financial Literacy books. They were able to connect with educators and share information about AHFA programs that support affordable homeownership.

AHFA Highlights Homeownership Programs

at Renasant Mortgage Lending Expo

AHFA Business Development Specialist Alana Beaugez and our newest team member, Compliance Examiner Karlin Aultman, recently attended the Renasant Bank Mortgage Lending Expo in Montgomery.

Alana connected with Realtors to share valuable information about AHFA’s homeownership programs—First Step, Step Up, and the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)—all designed to make buying a home more affordable for Alabama families. Meanwhile, Karlin held down our swag station, handing out program brochures and fun AHFA giveaways. It was a great day meeting with industry leaders like:

• Brett Dickey, Renasant Mortgage – Mortgage Production Manager

• Barbara O. Williams – Community Lending Mortgage Banker

• Darryl Ward – Mortgage Community Lending Manager

• Jarvis Morehead – Community Lending & Relationship Director

AHFA is proud to partner with professionals who share our mission of expanding access to homeownership in Alabama.

Realtors and Lenders, Let's Connect!

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 .