Happy National Homeownership Month! Whether you’re looking to purchase your first home, buy a vacation home, or simply celebrate homeownership, we’ve got you covered.
We understand that homeownership is more than just having a place to live—it’s about building stability, investing in your future, and creating a space that’s truly your own. Our goal is to help you with your homeownership goals, no matter what they are. Read on for some common first-time homebuyer programs as well as some fun ways to celebrate the exciting milestone of homeownership.
Common First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Not all of these programs are exclusive to first-time homebuyers but are commonly used by first-time homebuyers:
Down Payment Assistance loans (DPAs). These are second mortgages that can help cover your down payment and/or closing costs. Oftentimes, DPAs do not have to be paid back until the first mortgage is paid off or if the home is sold, refinanced, or is no longer owner-occupied.
Grants. These may help cover closing costs and/or down payments and are not required to be paid back.
HomeReady and Home Possible. These programs allow qualifying borrowers to put as little as 3% down on their home purchase.
FHA. An FHA loan allows qualifying borrowers to put as little as 3.5% down and may be a good option for borrowers with less than perfect credit.
VA. Qualified active and retired military members could purchase a home with 0% down.
USDA. For qualifying borrowers looking to buy in rural areas, a USDA loan could allow you to purchase a home with 0% down.
Contact your Granite Bank loan officer for more information on any of these products.
How to Celebrate National Homeownership Month
Already a homeowner? Here are 5 ways you can celebrate!
Be a tourist in your own town. Try a new restaurant, go to the park, or check out some shops you’ve never visited. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for your town.
Get involved in your community. Try a book club, historical society, or another organization that suits your interests. This is a great way to get to know your neighbors.
Spruce up your space. For example, you could paint a room a different color, get some new accent pillows, plant some flowers, or even splurge on a new piece of furniture. Your space is yours to do with as you please!
Help others become homeowners. You can donate to organizations like Habitat for Humanity or your local homeless shelter so that others may one day become homeowners.
Throw a block party with your neighbors. Or if parties aren’t your thing, you could introduce yourself to a neighbor you haven’t yet met.
Let’s Make This a Great National Homeownership Month!
Whether you’re celebrating being a homeowner or looking to buy your first home (or your 10th!), we hope you feel informed and empowered to take the next step with confidence. We would like to support you with your homeownership goals every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Granite Bank loan officer with any home buying questions.
