National Homeownership Month Archives - Page 2 of 6

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to spotlight the programs that make owning a home more accessible to more people. While many potential buyers believe they need perfect credit or a large down payment, programs like HomeReady® and Home Possible® prove otherwise. As a mortgage originator, I see firsthand how these affordable loan options can turn homeownership from a dream into a reality.

Understanding HomeReady and Home Possible
HomeReady® is offered by Fannie Mae and is designed for low-to-moderate-income borrowers. Home Possible®, offered through Freddie Mac, serves a similar purpose. These programs are especially powerful for first-time buyers, younger households, and families who may be living in high-cost or underserved communities.

The goal of both programs is simple: to help more people qualify for financing by providing flexible credit guidelines, low down payment options, and reduced mortgage insurance requirements.

Why They Matter This Month
National Homeownership Month is about increasing access to homeownership and helping people understand what’s available to them. That is exactly where HomeReady and Home Possible shine. These programs provide solutions for buyers who are ready to take the next step but may not meet the strict requirements of a conventional mortgage.

By highlighting these programs during National Homeownership Month, we can help more families understand that a lower income or smaller savings account does not have to be a barrier.

What Sets These Programs Apart
Both HomeReady and Home Possible offer:

Down payments as low as 3 percent
The ability to use co-borrower income (even if they do not live in the home)
Credit flexibility including consideration for non-traditional credit
Reduced private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Homebuyer education courses to prepare borrowers for success

These features make a big difference for buyers who are financially responsible but may not fit into a one-size-fits-all mortgage box.

Real-Life Impact
I have worked with buyers who thought they needed years to save for a down payment or that their moderate income would prevent them from qualifying. With HomeReady or Home Possible, those same clients were able to purchase homes much sooner than they expected. That impact is life-changing, especially for families trying to build roots and financial stability.

The Power of Smart Guidance
The key is knowing which program is the best fit and how to use it strategically. That is where a knowledgeable mortgage originator comes in. During National Homeownership Month, I encourage buyers to reach out, ask questions, and find out what might be possible for them today, not someday.

Homeownership builds equity, provides stability, and creates opportunity. Thanks to HomeReady and Home Possible, more people can experience those benefits and take that first step toward long-term financial growth.

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.

How HomeReady and Home Possible Mortgages Open Doors During National Homeownership Month

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