December 2024 Lender News

First Step Home Buyer Finds Reason for Holiday Gratitude

While masses of shoppers were hunting for sales after Thanksgiving, one future homeowner found the best bargain of all – a discounted mortgage rate from AHFA.

With help from FirstBank Loan Officer Deja White, Huntsville resident Tamika Knighten locked in a loan reservation on the day after Thanksgiving to become a first-time home buyer.

The Knightens with Loan Officer Deja White (R)

With good credit and no debt, Knighten was the ideal candidate for AHFA’s First Step program, said White.

“She just needed a lower interest rate,” White explained. “She’s always wanted to purchase a home, and when her Realtor referred her to me, I knew First Step was the right choice.”

As a family self-sufficiency coordinator for the Huntsville Housing Authority, Knighten has long helped place others in housing they can afford. Now she is taking her turn after renting the same apartment since 2013.

“There were literally no obstacles in the loan process,” said White. “Having a borrower who’s willing to work with us and is as responsive as she was helps a loan officer a lot. And thanks to AHFA’s First Step program, her mortgage payment is what she wanted it to be and what she can afford.”

See current First Step interest rates, income limits, and other program details at www.ahfa.com.

Two AHFA Leaders Earn Industry Honors

Rutland Inducted into Alabama Building Industry Hall of Fame

Jimmy Rutland of Montgomery, vice chair of the AHFA Board of Directors, has been inducted into the Alabama Building Industry Hall of Fame, the highest honor presented by the Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA).

Rutland is a third-generation home builder and developer with more than 30 years of experience in the residential construction industry. He began working with Lowder New Homes in 1999 and has led the company as president since 2014.

A longtime member of the Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association, Rutland has served on its Board of Directors in numerous capacities, including as its president in 2005. He also served as HBAA president in 2018 and has been particularly active in governmental affairs at both the local and state levels.

Dean Named HBAA Remodeler of the Year

AHFA Board Member Joshua Dean has been named HBAA’s Remodeler of the Year for 2024.

Dean, president of Precision Homecrafters, is a member and former president of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders. Dean is a multi-year winner of the Alabama Remodeling Excellence Awards, HBAA’s annual remodeling and custom build competition.

He was instrumental in founding GBAHB’s Young Professionals Council, providing an outlet for younger members to connect with their peers. A true advocate for the homebuilding and remodeling industry, he has volunteered his time to speak to students, teachers and guidance counselors about careers in the industry and judged student carpentry competitions.

“Serving alongside both of these gentlemen is an honor, and we are grateful for their willingness to share their expertise on AHFA’s Board of Directors,” said AHFA Executive Director Robert Strickland. “We congratulate them on their well-deserved accomplishments.”

Pretzel Deliveries Spread Holiday Cheer

AHFA elves have been circling the state in November and December to thank our lenders, HFH affiliates, and others for another successful year of working together to help homebuyers.