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Infographic: Home Ownership Net Worth ComparisonSource: Forbes
Teacher Next Door’s stated mission is to increase home ownership, support community development and increase access to affordable housing, free from discrimination. So why is home ownership so important? The following research from multiple sources speak clearly to the importance of home ownership in America. KEY FACTS
“A safe, decent, affordable home is like a vaccine,” Dr. Megan Sandel of the Boston University School of Medicine testified to Congress. “It literally prevents disease. A safe home can prevent mental health and developmental problems, a decent home may prevent asthma or lead poisoning, and an affordable home can prevent stunted growth and unnecessary hospitalizations.”
Is Home Ownership Still Affordable?
Home prices have risen sharply over the past twelve months, which of course is why owning your own home represents such a good investment. However, despite the recent rise in prices, finding a home that works within your budget may not be as hard as you think.
In recent months, home prices have stabilized in many markets across the U.S., and even though the Federal Reserve has increased its benchmark interest rate, it was adjusted from near an all-time low, to a more typical level. So, mortgage rates today are still at an affordable level for most buyers and are far below some of the double-digit rates of the past.
Should I Wait to Buy a Home?
It may be tempting to want to wait for home prices or interest rates to drop, but that could prove to be a costly mistake. The fed has promised to boost interest rates again. And according to Steve Parks, National Director of Next Door Programs, “Even though home prices have stabilized, there’s no cliff dive on the horizon. The underlying fundamentals of the market ate still strong.”
“Even though home prices have stabilized, there’s no cliff dive on the horizon. The underlying fundamentals of the market ate still strong.”
The good news is, with the recent change in market conditions, many cash investors, including Zillow, have stopped, or slowed their home buying spree. Inventory has started to increase and there are less instances of purchase offers turning into bidding wars. In fact, Zillow recently announced plans to sell 7,000 homes, and according to Bloomberg, as many as two-thirds were being sold for less than the company paid for them.
So, despite some of the gloomy headlines, there are some tremendous opportunities in this market, and this may be an excellent time to buy. Purchasing a home now, could set you up for success in the future.
What Assistance is Available?
Available in all fifty states and DC, Teacher Next Door and Next Door Programs is the largest national home buying program in the United States, with access to over thirty-five different grant and down payment assistance programs.
GRANTS
Next Door Programs offers grants of up to $8,000.00. Grants never have to be repaid and may be comprised of any combination of state, Federal and privately funded programs.
Down Payment Assistance
Through Next Door Programs, you could qualify for down payment assistance of up to $10,681.00. Like the grants, the down payment assistance programs may be comprised of any combination of state, Federal and privately funded programs. Most down payment assistance programs require some form of repayment, although some state programs may offer a forgivable loan, after a certain period. (Three years in some cases.)
Examples:
Through the program, you may be able to qualify for a state-specific government program, such as Arizona Home in Five, California CalPLUS, Colorado FirstStep, Iowa IFA, Nevada NHD Home is Possible, Ohio Your Choice, Texas 5-Star Advantage or Utah UHC. Next Door Programs also utilizes national programs, such as Chenoa Fund, Home Ready and others. When you apply, a Next Door Certified Program Specialist will help you determine which loan and assistance programs will help you receive the maximum benefits and which programs may be combined.
Summary
While it’s true that home ownership will not solve every problem, home ownership still matters, possibly now more than ever. And with increasing inventory, fewer multiple-offer situations, and a wide variety of home buyer assistance programs, now may be an excellent time to buy. Next Door Programs is proud to help families across the United States realize their dream of becoming homeowners.
Next Door Programs:
Certified Online Reviews
Most Recent Certified Buyer Reviews
Helpful and Pleasant! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Mark GallowayTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Joshua Paz "Joshua was so helpful and pleasant to work with. He answered my questions each step of the way. He explained everything well and in a way that made it easier to understand. He explained the numbers and the home buying lingo very well. I feel more knowledgeable about the home buying process now that I’ve gone on this journey with him. I love that I was able to text him when needed. That made things more convenient for me. Joshua, thank you for your patience with me. Thank you for your guidance. You made this process so easy, and I do appreciate you checking in on me along the way." Betty ReedDoraville, GA Teacher Next Door Review 6/01/2023
Great Job! Officer Next Door Realtor: Keisha SellersOfficer Next Door Loan Officer: Bryan Friedman "Bryan was very accessible from the very beginning and explained every part of the process to my husband and me. He and his team did a great job making sure we weren't in the dark about what was happening now and what would happen next." Emmanuel Adlain Arlington, TX Officer Next Door Review 6/01/2023
Amazing! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Ameenah AbdullaNurse Next Door Loan Officer: Phillip Prince "Phillip was amazing! Our introductory call lasted at least an hour because he patiently answered every question that I had. After that, he was there every step of the way and my texts never went unanswered. He worked really hard to help get us the best rate possible. I appreciate all that he did." Kaneesha Joe Flossmoore, IL Nurse Next Door Review 6/01/2023
Thank you! Firefighter Next Door Realtor: Dennis Amundson Firefighter Next Door Loan Officer: Phillip Prince "When we were looking into a new home, Philip and his team helped my partner and I find a great home. I really appreciated the amount of help they gave, and we couldn’t be happier. Thank you Philip." Eric Astorga Whittier, CA Firefighter Next Door Review 6/01/2023
Above and Beyond! Public Servant Next Door Realtor: Jenessa Schreuder Public Servant Next Door Loan Officer: Ricardo Manza "Ricardo worked very hard to assist me with my home purchase. he went above and beyond for me and thanks to him! Yes, I finally have my dream home." Kimberly Thomas Gladstone, MO Public Servant Next Door Next Door Review 6/01/2023
Incredible Help! Soldier Next Door Realtor: Bryan Jones Soldier Next Door Loan Officer: Drew DiMassa "Drew was an incredible help as this was our first time buying a house and we had no realtor involved. He answered any questions I had and made the process as quick and painless as possible. 10/10 recommend!" Nichole Novak Amarillo, TX Soldier Next Door Review 6/01/2023
Fantastic! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Scott Kennedy Teacher Next Door Loan Officer: Sheff Brisbin "We purchased our home through the Teacher Next Door Program. Everyone we dealt with, from Sheff Brisbin who was our primary point of contact to Bryan Friedman and his team who helped us through the loan process, were fantastic. Thank you for all your hard work!" Justin Lane Crowley, TX Teacher Next Door Review 6/01/2023
More Reviews
Amazing! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Ashleigh CappsTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Brian Cohrt "Brian was amazing! He made sure to explain every bit of the process and made sure we were getting the best options available. I would recommend Brian to anyone! He was a blessing to have helping us!" Lawrence SimmonsRocky Mount, NC Teacher Next Door Review 3/02/2023
Extremely Helpful! Officer Next Door Realtor: Sonia CassonOfficer Next Door Loan Officer: Kendall Grady "Kendall was extremely helpful and informative. He and his team walked us through every step of the process and were extremely valuable in making our dream of home ownership come true!" Rachel Alexander Fort Pierce, FL Officer Next Door Review 3/02/2023
Smooth! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Dana Latimer Teacher Next Door Loan Officer: Crystal Hoyt "My experience with Crystal was outstanding. She ensured that the entire process went smoothly. Never missed a detail." Timothy Ennis Orlando, FL Teacher Next Door Review 3/02/2023
Easy to Understand! Soldier Next Door Realtor: Monica Henman Soldier Next Door Loan Officer: Bryan Friedman "Bryan was timely with his communication and explained things in a way that was relatable and easy to understand." Travis Tolka Raleigh, NC Soldier Next Door Review 3/02/2023
10 Outta 10! Public Servant Next Door Realtor: Kimberly Bousquet Public Servant Next Door Loan Officer: Crystal Hoyt "Very nice and knowledgeable. 10 outta 10!" Remington Foley Savannah, GA Public Servant Next Door Review 3/02/2023
True Blessing! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Veronica Lewis Nurse Next Door Loan Officer: Laura Owens "Working with Laura was a true blessing. Laura was very knowledgeable. She kept us informed and up to date on all our necessary paperwork and documents. Laura was very patient and if she didn't know the answer, she would find it out." Tawanda Hurley Atlanta, GA, Nurse Next Door Review 3/01/2023
Super Awesome! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Cyndi Ward Nurse Next Door Loan Officer: Marquez Rawls "Marquez Rawls and his entire team were super awesome to work with! We live a few states over from where they are located so it was completely remote. They really do walk you through the entire process and have answers for all questions. They are always extremely friendly and patient. We truly appreciate this team! " Sarah Fahnert Dalhart, TX Nurse Next Door Review 3/01/2023
Congratulations to the Harris Family, on your beautiful new home in Louisiana! Thank you for the 5-star review! We were excited to be part of your journey!
Richard works in the Shreveport araa, and was able to take advantage of the Next Door Program grants and benefits. Here is what he had to say about his experience with the program.
Focused, Professional, Determined!
Next Door Program Realtor: Charlotte Ducote Next Door Program Loan Officer: Becky Patton
"If I had to describe Becky in 3 words they would be focused, professional and determined! It’s a blessing to have someone that is working on your behalf almost as if they were going to personally live in the house! ”Richard Harris Shreveport, LA
More Next Door Program Reviews
Thank you to all who took part in our 2021 Next Door Programs, National SOS Drive! This year we included all our AMAZING First Responders and Nurses, as well as all the FABULOUS Teachers, across this great nation of ours.
Very special shout out to Preferred Realtor Leon McKinney, in Las Vegas, for organizing the SOS Drive in his area! Thank you for all you do to help others in the community!
Next Door Program Reviews
Follow the links below for more information on Next Door Program grants and down payment assistance available in your area.
Program Reviews
Congratulations to the Treme Family of Boston, on your beautiful new home! Thank you for the kind words in your letter. Best wishes in the new year!
Program Review:
The home buying process can be extremely overwhelming and stressful especially when you’re a couple buying a home for the first time and in very competitive market that is the greater Boston area. When we found the Teacher Next Door Program, Shannon and I we’re both skeptical at first because on paper, it seemed to good to be true. We spoke with James Ward who gave us a basic rundown of the program and put us in contact with Jesse Mason (Realtor). After our first meetings with James and Jesse, Shannon and I decided to try the program out and we could not be more thrilled with the results. James could not have been more helpful with the mortgage side of the process. He spent hours going over the terms, numbers, and different options that we had making sure we understood everything perfectly. He also helped put our minds at ease when we started to nervous because of how large the numbers looked on paper. James always put things in perspective for us but made sure we knew our options but never made us feel pressured. Jesse was an outstanding Realtor who accompanied us on every open house and had a very keen eye for things that added or subtracted to the value of the house that others might not have noticed. Both Jesse and James really worked to make sure that we were safe, comfortable and happy with our purchase. Both James and Jesse were upfront and honest throughout the entire process and it seemed as though you are working friends instead of a used car salesman. Together through the Teacher Next Door Program and the team of James Ward and Jesse Mason we not only purchased our first home, but enjoyed the adventure of finding a home. This program is excellent, and we would highly recommend anyone looking for a home to use this program. There are no surprises and no gimmicks just a great program and a great team working to put you into the home of your dreams.
Sincerely,
Shannon David & TremeBoston, MA
5 stars isn't enough!!!! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Nichole CiecierskiTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Phil Resmer "5 stars isn't enough for Phil!! They helped me so much throughout the entire process. Phil was extremely patient and very responsive to any questions or concerns I had. I couldn't be more grateful for all of the assistance they provided." Sabrina ThomasSayreville, NJ Teacher Next Door Review 1/08/2021
A Breeze! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Travis MerrittsTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Danny Yale "Danny made my home buying process a breeze. He was available every step of the way for me. He knows his business well and was able to explain the process, so I was able to understand it. He is very personable, and I felt that he really cared. I am so grateful to have my home and that I used the Teacher Next Door program. I would highly recommend Danny and the Teacher Next Door program to anyone looking to buy a home." Polly Price Florence, SC Teacher Next Door Review 1/07/2021
Extremely Helpful! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Michael DaleNurse Next Door Loan Officer: Danny Yale "Danny was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive. His professionalism, expertise and excellent interpersonal skills work synergistically to make him a wonderful representative for anyone attempting to purchase or sell a home. This was my first purchase and he always checked on me to make the process easier. Danny does an excellent job making sure the families he works with understand the process of buying or selling, important deadlines and makes sure that there are no unexpected issues with the closing. I would recommend him wholeheartedly." Juanita Matthews Durham, NC Nurse Next Door Review 1/02/2021
Extremely Easy! Public Servant Next Door Realtor: Thea HolyfieldPublic Servant Next Door Loan Officer: Steven Ehrlich "Steven made the home buying process extremely easy and was helpful every step of the way!" Cierra Grace Washington, DC Public Servant Next Door Review 1/2/2021
Friendly Team! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Mark LesterNurse Next Door Loan Officer: Rahmun Aung Khin "Rahmun and his team were extremely helpful, professional, and just such a friendly team!! We are so grateful for all you did to make our dream home become a blessing in 2020!! Thank you so much!" Rhonda Otlo Casa Grande, AZ Nurse Next Door Review 1/02/2021