July 2026

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2026 Income and Sales Price Limits Increase

More Homebuyers Now Qualify for AHFA Programs

Alabama lenders and Realtors can help more families achieve homeownership through AHFA’s First Step Mortgage Revenue Bond program, thanks to updated income and sales price limits that became effective June 24.


Based on figures released by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the revised income limits reflect changes in area median incomes across the state. Depending on household size and location, qualifying families may now earn up to $161,140 annually and still be eligible for assistance through AHFA’s programs.


Sales price limits also increased this year. Homebuyers purchasing in target areas may now qualify on homes priced up to $692,211, while the limit for non-target areas has risen to $566,355. See whether a property is located in a target or non-target area by visiting Target Map | AHFA.


“These updates keep our programs accessible for homebuyers across Alabama, despite changing housing markets and economic conditions,” said AHFA Single-Family Administrator Carrie Hamaker. “By expanding eligibility, we can help more families take advantage of AHFA’s affordable financing options.”

Income Limits Effective June 24, 2026

Young Artists Win ‘Draw Your Dream Home’ Contest

A fairy cottage, a pair of treehouses, and a cupcake hut were the winning entries for AHFA’s fifth National Homeownership Month art contest. Three young artists were recognized for their creativity and imagination.


This year’s theme, “Draw Your Dream Home,” invited children to design a home reflecting their ideas of comfort, creativity and possibility. The submissions’ imaginative features and thoughtful details highlighted how young

Alabamians envision the meaning of home.


The annual contest reflects AHFA’s ongoing commitment to promoting the value of homeownership and financial education. Through initiatives like this, AHFA Kids encourages young learners to explore big ideas and build a foundation for future success. Enjoy their winning entries below.

To learn more about AHFA Kids programs and financial literacy, visit www.ahfakids.com.

1st Place Winner

“My dream home is like living in my favorite books. It’s a cozy cottage with a princess tower for stargazing with dragons. I have a pond to fish with my gnomes and pixies. My porch is open for all fantasy creatures to visit and smell my magic flowers that grow year round.”


Virginia Morris, age 12, Enterprise

2nd Place Winner

“The Art Tree Houses.”


Scout Martin, age 11, Daphne

3rd Place Winner

“Home ‘sweet’ Home. A cupcake hut for a family with a sweet tooth. It has a cotton candy tree garden outside. The house has a candy cane door, toffee windows and a rainbow frosting roof with a wafer chimney.”


Nehara Bakshi, age 9, Vestavia

AHFA Connects Birmingham-Area Families to Housing, Financial Literacy Resources

AHFA recently participated in the 2026 Parent Leadership Academy hosted by Alabama DHR Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership in Birmingham, sharing valuable resources to help families build stronger financial futures. The business development team presented AHFA’s homebuyer and financial literacy programs. Attendees also visited AHFA’s booth to learn about homeownership assistance programs and explore free educational materials designed to help children develop smart money habits.

New ‘Let’s Talk Money’ Series Gives

Real-World Advice

AHFA’s newest social media series, called “Let’s Talk Money, Alabama,” is designed to reach adults with straight talk on basic financial topics. Weekly posts in June featured 90 seconds of casual, down-to-earth chats about credit scores, compound interest, inflation, and delayed gratification.


Follow AHFA on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn so you won’t miss a single episode, and be sure to share them to educate your customers.

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 fill out our online form at Training Resources | AHFA.

June 14: Ribbon cutting with Peoples Mortgage, Sylacauga

June 23: CE Class with Main Street Home Loans, Tuscaloosa

Let’s Connect: Reach out to abeaugez@ahfa.com and set up your visit or training today!

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: 5.750%
  • CONV-Freddie Mac: 6.250%

Step Up 



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

Alabama Housing Finance Authority | www.AHFA.com