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
Great Experience! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Galheil DillardTeacher Next Door Loan Officer: Ricardo Manzo "We had a great experience with Ricardo and the Teacher Next Door Program. The process went smoothly and quickly, and Ricardo and his team helped us every step of the way. I would highly recommend this program to any first-time home buyers!" Emma KeefeModesto, CA Teacher Next Door Review 7/07/2022
Helpful, Responsive! Officer Next Door Realtor: Adrianna GassawayOfficer Next Door Loan Officer: Brain Cohrt "Brian was all the things you want – knowledgeable, helpful, responsive, encouraging, but beyond that he was easy to talk to and made sure I understood everything that was presented to me. His team was also very helpful and responsive. The level of care, attention to detail, and professionalism demonstrated by Brian surpassed my expectations. His team stays on top of every detail and is there for you every step of the way to answer any questions and address any concerns. I received professional and helpful service with my first home purchase and definitely recommend you have him on your side!" Michaela McDowell Columbia, SC Officer Next Door Review 7/07/2022
Extremely Helpful! Teacher Next Door Realtor: Linda Hill Teacher Next Door Loan Officer: Steven Ehrlich "Extremely helpful throughout the entire process." Dustin Folds Valdosta, GA Teacher Next Door Review 7/07/2022
Wonderful Team! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Wayne Sellers Nurse Next Door Loan Officer: Tatum McKissack "Wonderful team I had! My realtor Wayne, loan originator Tatum, along with Francisco and Joshua really made me feel comfortable through the whole process. I know they truly worked hard to make sure I was able to accomplish my goal of homeownership in this tough market. Just want to say Thank you all for all your help! " Nakeisha Martin Willingboro, NJ Nurse Next Door Review 7/07/2022
Extremely Thorough! Public Servant Next Door Realtor: Mason Ballard Public Servant Next Door Loan Officer: Aubri Fallon "Aubri and her team were extremely thorough throughout the entire process! She kept us updated on the status of our loan, answered any questions via text and email ASAP, and offered her assistance whenever possible. She made this process truly enjoyable. We highly recommend Aubri and hear team for your next home purchase." Esther Gomez San Diego, CA Public Servant Next Door Review 7/07/2022
Definitely Recommend! Nurse Next Door Realtor: Labrita Dews Nurse Next Door Loan Officer: Angel Diaz "Labrita is awesome at what she does. A little testimony as our home buying process was a lengthy one with many obstacles. Labrita stuck with us throughout the entire process provided knowledge, her expertise, she also provided support. We're very proud of the choice we made and are so very Thankful Labrita Dews took the journey with us. We love our brand new home. I will definitely recommend Labrita" Marsha Davis Glenn Heights, TX Nurse Next Door Review 7/06/2022
Excellent Service! Firefighter Next Door Realtor: Raymond Brophy Firefighter Next Door Loan Officer: Bryan Friedman "Bryan and Dani both worked very hard and kept me in the loop as much as they were able in order to make this closing happen. They provided excellent service above and beyond." Jon Astin Galloway, NJ Firefighter Next Door Review 7/03/2022
More Reviews
It's Teacher Appreciation Week for the 2021-2022 school year! We would like to thank all of the amazing teachers for all your hard work and dedication throughout the year! Thank you teachers, school staff and all educators!
Congratulations to Shavar and Chantel, on your beautiful new home in Pennsylvania! Thank you for the 5-star review! We were excited to be part of your journey!
Shavar and Chantel are both teachers in the Philadelphia area, and were able to take advantage of the Teacher Next Door grants and benefits. Here is what they had to say about their experience with the program.
Major Blessing!
Teacher Next Door Realtor: Nichole Hudson Andrews Teacher Next Door Loan Officer: Brian Cohrt
"Brian Cohrt has by far been a major blessing and has really worked hard in helping me buy a home. Brian has made the whole process easier and was in constant communication, giving updates, and explaining everything so well. I definitely would love to work with him, if I was to buy another home in the future. Very happy and very thankful for Brian!"Shavar Nunes Philadelphia, PA
More Teacher Next Door Reviews
Congratulations to the Scharff Family on your beautiful new home in Georgia! Just in time for Thanksgiving. Suzie (Mom) still managed Thanksgiving dinner, after moving in just days before. Thanks for letting us be part of your journey! :)
Teacher Next Door Reviews
Congratulations Ekaterina on your beautiful new home in Illinois! Thank you for being a teacher! We are happy to be part of your journey.
Congratulations Tunez family on your new home in sunny Miami, FL!
Special thanks to Teacher Next Door Preferred Realtor Sherri Purcell Perry and Program Specialist Will Preecs!
Next Door Program Reviews
Congratulations to the Mcclinton family on your beautiful new home! We hope you enjoy many happy new memories! Britney is a nurse in the Durham, NC area. It was our please to work with her and to give back to someone who does so much for others!
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