How community lending programs open the door to homeownership

Did you know 86% of renters say they cannot afford to buy a home? Often, traditional mortgage options might seem out of reach, but here’s some good news. Community lending programs offer a solution and provide accessible, affordable financing options for those who might not qualify for traditional home loan financing. But what exactly are these programs, who can qualify and what do you need to know? Keep reading and we’ll explain how community lending programs work.

Community lending programs are government-backed mortgage solutions that help individuals and families achieve homeownership through alternative lending paths. Community lending aims to bridge the gap between traditional mortgage products and the financial realities of those who may need a different kind of support, whether due to a lower income, less-than-perfect credit, limited savings or other difficulties.

Community lending programs are specifically designed to assist individuals and families who might otherwise find it challenging to secure a traditional mortgage. Here’s who can benefit:

1. Individuals and families with moderate incomes: If you earn less than the median income for your area, community lending programs can offer more flexible qualifying options and reduced down payment requirements.
2. First-time homebuyers: Buying a home for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to saving for a down payment or understanding mortgage loans. Community lending programs often include educational resources and financial assistance tailored to first-time homebuyers.
3. Minority communities: Historically, certain communities have faced systemic barriers to homeownership. Community lending programs work to address these disparities by providing support and offering everyone a fair chance at owning a home.
4. Residents of underserved areas: If you live in an area with limited economic opportunities, Community development lending can help by offering financing solutions aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering community growth.

Qualifying for a community lending program will require meeting certain criteria that demonstrate your financial need or lack of access to traditional mortgage programs. These might include:

• Income limits: Many community lending programs have income guidelines to ensure they’re serving those who need it most. Typically, to qualify, your income must fall below a certain percentage of the median income for your area, often around 80%.
  • For example, if the median income in your area is $100,000, you would need to earn less than $80,000 annually to be eligible for many community lending programs.
• Credit score requirements: While community lending programs offer more flexibility than Conventional loans, you’ll still need to meet certain credit score requirements. However, these programs may accept non-traditional qualifying criteria and are generally more understanding of past credit issues, such as late payments or collections.
• Down payment and savings: You might need to show that you have some savings or can provide a down payment. Some programs offer assistance with these costs, reducing the financial barriers to owning a home.

While community lending programs offer significant benefits, it’s important to know these facts upfront:

• Geographic focus: Some programs may limit the areas where you can buy a home, focusing on underserved communities to ensure that the benefits are directed where they’re needed most.
• Income guidelines: The income caps required to qualify for these programs might be restrictive, potentially disqualifying some who are close to the limit.
• Additional requirements: You might need to complete homebuyer education courses or meet other requirements before being approved for a loan. While these are generally beneficial, they can add time and cost to the process.
• Limited availability: Not all lenders offer community lending programs, so it’s important to find a lender who specializes in these options and can guide you through the qualification process.

Guild Mortgage is deeply committed to supporting the communities we serve through unique lending programs and homebuyer workshops that help make homeownership a reality for you, your family and the community at large.

For example, our St. Louis Community Lending Team has made a significant local impact by partnering with local non-profits to stage “Homeownership Rally” workshops for aspiring homebuyers and offering innovative programs designed to make homeownership accessible to everyone:

• The Guild Gateway to Homeownership program provides up to $5,000 in closing cost assistance to eligible buyers in the St. Louis area.
• The FNMA HomeReady First program offers up to $6,500 towards closing costs for St. Louis residents.

Direct community outreach efforts like these have helped make Guild Mortgage the #1 lender in St. Louis.

If you’re considering purchasing a home and think a community lending program might be the right fit for you, reach out to explore your options and take the first step toward achieving your dream of homeownership.