Home Buyer Tips Archives - Michael Inkman

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and spotlight the many programs designed to help first-time buyers turn that dream into reality. For many Americans, the biggest challenge to buying a home is coming up with the funds for a down payment or qualifying for a loan. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of mortgage options and assistance programs available to make homeownership more achievable.

FHA Loan
One of the most widely used mortgage programs for first-time buyers is the FHA loan, backed by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans typically require lower credit scores and offer down payment requirements as low as 3.5 percent. This makes them an excellent choice for buyers who may not have perfect credit or a large amount of savings.

VA Loan
Another valuable option is the VA loan, available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves. VA loans do not require a down payment or private mortgage insurance, which can save borrowers thousands of dollars upfront and over time. These loans are a strong way to thank those who have served our country while helping them build stability through homeownership.

USDA Loan
USDA loans also support first-time buyers by offering zero-down payment options in qualifying rural and suburban areas. Designed to promote homeownership in less densely populated communities, these loans are income-based and come with competitive interest rates.

Additional Loan Options
Beyond these federal programs, many state and local governments offer down payment and closing cost assistance to help first-time buyers get into a home. These programs may include grants, deferred-payment loans, or forgivable loans that reduce the financial burden of homebuying. Some also offer matching savings programs to help future homeowners reach their goals more quickly.

National Homeownership Month is the perfect time to explore these opportunities. Real estate markets often pick up in the spring and summer, and many buyers aim to move before the new school year begins in the fall. Starting your homeownership journey in June gives you time to get pre-approved, explore your options, and find the right home with confidence.

If you are considering buying your first home, contact us to help you understand the programs available in your area. The right guidance can open doors you did not know existed and put you on the path to becoming a homeowner sooner than you think.

Homeownership builds equity, stability, and a sense of pride. National Homeownership Month is a celebration of those values and a reminder that with the right support, it is possible for more families to achieve this important milestone.

Lee Vanvolkenburg

15:43 23 Nov 23

Michael and his team were wonderful to deal with. They were excellent with communication and always available to answer questions. Thank you all!

williams lovos

22:54 16 Nov 23

We close on the house tomorrow! Thank you David and Michael for making my first home buying a smooth process. I had several out of the ordinary situations that would had easily not been possible to get the loan in the time that they were able to approve it. My wife and I are forever grateful for the work the team did. Thank you again!

Mario Silvestri III

16:45 16 Nov 23

Rex Perkins

16:56 15 Nov 23

Everything had been going well over the past two years since refinancing an existing mortgage. The application process, approval, servicing website, everything had been very smooth, nothing but the best service. I then had a minor issue arise. We had a wind loss claim on our home and, unfortunately, I had put off getting the check cosigned until the last minute. An issue arose as part of a minor miscommunication in terms of where the check was to be forwarded for endorsement.

To make a long story short, I feared that this miscommunication and misdirected check coupled with my procrastination were going to result in the check expiring and a huge hassle on my part to go through the process again. Mr. Inkman nor his branch were in any way involved with my account or account management, yet, the check inadvertently ended up in their draft loss department and I feared this would further delay things. I was a bit frantic.

One of those that I emailed was Mr. Inkman. In an era when customer service is not as valued as in the past, I was very skeptical I would meet the deadline. But, to my surprise, Mr. Inkman took it on his own to personally get things done and get the issue resolved. It appears that he tracked down the overnighted check personally, directed it for signature, packaged and overnighted the check back to me. All the while remaining professional and pleasant and providing consistent email updates on the status. It doesn't even look like he delegated, rather taking the initiative and seeing it through on his own.

To me, that's not just doing a job, that's going above and beyond in terms of leadership, professionalism, and customer service. We could not be more happy. And, as a further sign of good will, the Fairway CEO actually emailed me personally to follow-up and assure resolution. Been very happy with Fairway since my refinance, Mr. Inkman's efforts only further reinforce that opinion.

Samer Fallouh

15:01 15 Nov 23

Debbie Salas

21:47 03 Oct 23

This transaction probably would not have happened without Michael. Whenever we hit a stumbling block, he found a way around it! He kept us informed and was a positive light all the way through to the end and beyond.
Thanks

Eric Kieffer

22:46 16 Aug 23

Did business with Michael about 20 years ago and he was happy to help us again. He and his team did a great job. See you in another 20.

Celebrating National Homeownership Month and How First-Time Buyer Programs Make It Possible

Quick Links

Office Location