Well, it looks like you have already started step one in the home buying process, research! It can feel daunting once you begin to realize the different aspects of purchasing a home. The good news is lenders and realtors are great resources to help you get into your dream home. With knowledge and the right people by your side, you will be able to close on your first house with confidence. Here are our tips to help you from start to finish. 

Step 1 Prepare Your Credit

Buying a home may not even be on your radar, but it is never too early to get your credit score in shape. You can improve your credit score by paying off existing debt. To calculate your debt-to-income ratio, you add up all your monthly debt payments, which includes installment debt, revolving credit debt, and your new mortgage payment (which includes principal, interest taxes and insurance and any  HOA fees), and then divide them by your gross monthly income. Your gross monthly income is generally the amount of money you have earned before your taxes and other deductions are taken out. For example, if you pay $1500 a month for your mortgage and another $100 a month for an auto loan and $400 a month for the rest of your debts, your monthly debt payments are $2,000 ($1500 + $100 + $400 = $2,000). If your gross monthly income is $6,000, then your debt-to-income ratio is 33 percent ($2,000 is 33% of $6,000).

Evidence from studies of mortgage loans suggest that borrowers with a higher debt-to-income ratio are more likely to run into trouble making monthly payments. The 43% debt-to-income ratio is important because, in most cases, that is the highest ratio a borrower can have and still get a Qualified Mortgage.

Making on-time monthly credit card payments and making more than the minimum payment due, as well as keeping your balance below 30% of your credit card limit, is also imperative in increasing and maintaining good credit. 

However, be wary about opening new lines of credit and taking out other large loans, as this can cause a dip in your credit. Having a higher credit score will help you qualify for lower interest rates and ultimately save you money in the end. Boosting your credit can take anywhere between a few months or a about year, depending on if you have severe derogatory credit events or if you are paying down balances, so get started today. Contact lenders to obtain a preapproval and get more advice on what program will be the best for you.

Step 2 Prepare Your Finances

Work towards building your nest. The sooner you begin saving for your down payment, and the unexpected, the smoother your home buying process will be. Start by knowing how much house you can afford. You may want to use a mortgage calculator to determine what the total payment will be on your mortgage and make sure your mortgage payment and other debt payments won’t be more than 43% of your gross monthly income.

Putting more towards your down payment and having a higher credit score can help you secure a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments, as you will start out with higher equity in your home. Other benefits include being able to avoid costs such PMI (private mortgage insurance), which protects the lender if you default on your loan. To avoid mortgage insurance, shoot to save for a 20% down payment.

Conventional loans offer a 3% down payment with restrictions. One program requires at least one borrower to be a first time homebuyer and the other program has income restrictions.

Research the possibility of VA, FHA loans that allow you to be eligible for a mortgage without a little or no money down payment or with other restrictions.

Another thing to keep in mind are closing costs. Closing costs can range from 3–5% of the home’s purchase price and often include fees for a credit check, appraisal, underwriting, title search, and lender fees, just to name a few. However, if these fees feel out of reach, there are resources to help make your dream home become a reality! 

Also, look to see if some parts of your closing costs are negotiable. There are many down payment assistance programs that may be available in your area. If the seller is looking to move out quickly or the market is not currently particularly competitive, the seller may be willing to pay for part. Alternatively, you could ask your lender if they could pay some of your closing costs. Plan for a higher interest rate if you choose this option.  

Step 3 Housing classes and Extended Resources

Now, that was a ton of information, and it is understandable to feel a little overwhelmed. We are here to help you get on the right track! To get the most comprehensive information and feel the most secure, consider taking an online homebuyer education class. In a homebuyer education class, you will learn about the entire home buying process further, so there will be no surprises from the beginning to end. Find an experienced lender to work with to advise you more about your financial concerns and other aspects of purchasing a home.   

There are also several Homebuyer Education courses that can help you learn more about the financial aspects of purchasing a home. In these courses, you will come to find that you are not alone in this journey and that thousands of others have the same questions and worries you do. Housing courses can also help you find and get approved for Down Payment Assistance Programs (DPA). 

DPA programs allow you to have all or some of your down payment covered by a forgivable or deferred second loan. Some DPA programs come in the form of a grant that does not need to be repaid. These options are great for first-time homebuyers who don’t believe they have the savings to purchase a house. Compare the different DPA programs available to see what you might qualify for. 

One example is the nationally acclaimed Chenoa Fund program. The Chenoa Fund program offers 3.5% down payment assistance that gets paired with an FHA first mortgage. This assistance comes in the form of a second lien, can be forgivable or repayable, and covers the entire down payment. The Chenoa Fund program also offers down payment assistance for FNMA conventional loans at 3.5% of the purchase price. Assistance for conventional loans comes in the form of a 10-year fixed rate mortgage with an interest rate 2% higher than the first mortgage. Visit Chenoa Fund’s DPA program page for more information on these programs and their requirements.

Reach Out to a Professional Today 

While the process may not always be straightforward, it is worth it and gratifying. Most importantly, you don’t need to go through it alone. Contact an On Q Financial mortgage consultant who can further help guide you through your biggest investment so far. The good news is that, if you familiarize yourself and follow these steps, you will be in great shape when the time comes to pick out your first house, and don’t be surprised when you start to find it fun! Get in touch with an expert today. 

*Not offered in North Carolina.

Loan Scenario 

The following loan scenario is only an example. Actual amounts, fees, and rates vary depending on each individual borrower’s situation and additional factors. Loan scenario is based on a fixed 30-year Conventional loan with a purchase price of $200,000, 3% down payment equaling $6,000, Interest rate of 4.000%, and APR of 5.155%. Additional estimated funds due at closing $6,302. Approximate monthly payment of $1,338. Loan scenario does not include additional costs/fees associated with monthly mortgage expenses such as HOA fee. All amounts shown are estimates and will vary for each loan. Rates and fees are subject to change at any time. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Loan approval is subject to applicant’s qualification for a loan program. These are two separate programs with different guideline restrictions & area limitations.

Please contact your Mortgage Consultant for specific information/details regarding the programs mentioned. Information is subject to change without notice. On Q Financial does not guarantee that each applicant will receive a loan. On Q Financial, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS 5645

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CBC Mortgage Agency is excited to announce an expansion to Chenoa Fund! Starting September 15^th, we are now allowing borrowers to receive 5% down payment assistance through our Rate Advantage product. Buyers, sellers, and lenders, let out a cheer! The current, crazy market is a seller’s market for sure, which can be very difficult for borrowers who need seller concessions in order to purchase a home. To help meet this need, we added 1.5% to the amount of DPA offered by our Rate Advantage program—which can go a long way to cover closing costs. This enables more borrowers get into homes, helps more sellers sell their homes, and gives lenders one more tool to serve low- to medium-income borrowers.

5% Down Payment Assistance through the Rate Advantage product?

You read that right! Borrowers can now choose between two different down payment assistance amounts when they pair our Rate Advantage product with an FHA loan: 5% or 3.5%. Other than the assistance amount, the only difference between a 5% DPA Rate Advantage product and a 3.5% DPA Rate Advantage product is the interest rate on the first mortgage (click here to go to our rates page). Since 5% down payment assistance is an expansion of the Rate Advantage product, not a new product, everything else is identical between a 5% DPA Rate Advantage loan and a 3.5% DPA Rate Advantage loan.

Is this assistance only for the down payment?

No, it is not. Any amount of the 5% down payment assistance offered through the Rate Advantage product can apply towards the down payment, closing costs, or prepaid items, or any combination of the three.

What are the requirements for the Rate Advantage product?

Chenoa Fund offers very market-competitive requirements for the Rate Advantage product:

1. 640 FICO or higher
2. 50% DTI or less
3. Qualifying income equal to or less than 135% of the area median income for the home you will live in

Rate Advantage down payment assistance loans are available in all states except for New York.

Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer, and will I need homeownership education?

No to both questions!

How do I find a lender that offers Chenoa Fund?

Ask your loan officer if your lender offers Chenoa Fund! You can also reach out to info@chenoafund.org to request a list of lenders in your area that offer Chenoa Fund.

How can I learn more?

Email info@chenoafund.org with any questions you have.    

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Rates are low, and staying there; Purchase activity goes up, up, up; Refinance now, but don’t forget the purchase market

Looking for some direction in this insane market? Unfortunately, there are no big answers, but we can find plenty of small ones, and small answers can point us in the right direction for the long-term. Listen to the below DPA Audible by Rich Swerbinsky of The Mortgage Collaborative to get some quick insights on the industry. The mortgage industry might be crazy right now, but you don’t have to be.

This episode covers:

1. Rates: They are low, but will they stay that way?
2. Purchase Activity: Is it possible for it to keep rising?
3. Refinances: Should that be my focus right now?
4. Predictions: What does the future have in store?

The Mortgage Collaborative is an independent network of lenders united under the twin goals of improving their business and improving the mortgage industry as a whole. Visit TheMortgageCollaborative.com to learn more. 

To be featured in the DPA Audible, please reach out to Christine at christine.brewer@chenoafund.org. 

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Buying a home is one of the most expensive (if not THE most expensive) purchase you’ll make in your lifetime.

Homebuyer Education Webinar September 8, 2020 at 7pm MST

REGISTER HERE

Who is invited? Everyone! We’ll be focused on the end borrower, but if you are a loan officer or realtor looking for more information for your borrowers, this session will still be worth your time.

We’ll walk you through options for financing your first home purchase as well as down payment assistance options. Chenoa Fund provided by CBC Mortgage Agency has funded millions of dollars in down payment assistance to make the American Dream of homeownership possible for responsible buyers. Come learn how you can take advantage of these down payment assistance options on your mortgage.

Joined by correspondent lender partner OnQ Financial, we’ll cover:

-When is the right time to start getting ready to purchase a home?
-What are the basic requirements to financing a home?
-How do I know if I meet the qualifications of a mortgage?
-Down payment Assistance payment options
-What costs to expect when you are getting ready for a mortgage
-Q&A Session

This session is led by Cari Zwick, Corporate Account and Borrower Executive (Chenoa Fund) and Liz Owens, Branch Manager at OnQ Financial.

Presented by Chenoa Fund + OnQ Financial

About the speakers: 

Liz Owens, Branch Manager at OnQ Financial NMLS# 634638

I understand that the home loan process can be stressful and often an overwhelming experience. Whether I am working with a first-time buyer or a seasoned borrower, I rely on my years of lending expertise to guide you through On Q Financial’s Mortgages Simplified process. I pride myself on my honesty, my open communication and my accessibility. I make myself available to my clients even outside of regular business hours. My number one goal is to become your trusted mortgage adviser for life by providing an unparalleled level of service.

I love my family and the great outdoors! We live in Idaho at the confluence of the Snake River and the Clearwater River.  When I am not helping people achieve their dream of home ownership, I am on the river or in the mountains.  There is always something to do in all four seasons to give great memories and experiences for our family. I wish you the same!

Cari Zwick, Corporate Account Director at Chenoa Fund

Meet Cari Zwick! With over 25 years of Executive Sales Management experience in the mortgage and banking industries working with retail, correspondent, wholesale and call center organizations, she has played significant roles in mergers and acquisitions of retail branches, recruiting, call center creation with a special focus in establishing new divisions and rejuvenating lesser performing divisions.  Through her keen ability to communicate an energetic personality, she is able to lead teams past their goals on a consistent basis.  Cari believes the single largest key to success is education and support! She enjoys working with lenders of all size and can’t wait to help you on your journey to homeownership!

REGISTER HERE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 22, 2020

CONTACT:

Jamie Morris (530) 545-9274

CBC Mortgage Agency Applauds Cedar Band’s Letter to Congress

Band’s Chairwoman Implores Members to Request HUD Consider Long-Term Ramifications of Pending Rule

 

CEDAR CITY, Utah – CBC Mortgage Agency this week applauded a letter sent to all 535 members of Congress, underscoring serious concerns about a “decision to limit national-scope governmental entities providing secondary financing” by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

The letter, signed by Delice Tom, Chairwoman of the Cedar Band of Paiutes, which owns Cedar Band Corporation (CBC) and which, in turn, wholly owns CBC Mortgage Agency (CBCMA), which provides the Chenoa Fund down payment assistance program, responds to HUD’s announced plans for a proposed rulemaking that would have a devastating impact on the Cedar Band, other tribal nations and the millions of minority borrowers who rely on DPA.

 

“At a time when the administration is quietly issuing rules that negatively impact the economic prosperity of current and aspiring homeowners across the country, members of Congress must be aware of what can result from further meddling in housing policy,” said Richard Ferguson, President of CBC Mortgage Agency.

 

In the letter, Chairwoman Tom states:

“It would be prudent for HUD to consult with the communities that rely on down payment assistance programs provided by federally chartered government entities, as well as collect and make public the default performance and loan pricing data for each federal, state, and local government entity before proceeding with rulemaking.”

“Limiting the scope and availability of DPA programs like CBCMA’s Chenoa Fund would do nothing to address the growing racial wealth gap perpetuated by decades of discriminatory housing policies that our program aims to address,” Ferguson continued. “We adamantly support Chairwoman Tom and the Band’s efforts to defend the availability of affordable DPA programs across the country to qualified homebuyers seeking the American Dream of homeownership, which is in jeopardy if HUD has its way.”

 

About CBC Mortgage Agency

CBCMA provides secondary financing to borrowers, who are receiving loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). CBCMA takes great care to ensure that the FHA loans perform well, including providing pre-purchase education as well as 18 months of counseling to borrowers after the purchase of their home. These services are provided at no cost to the borrower. In addition, CBCMA regularly reviews its credit and underwriting standards to ensure that the borrowers it assists are credit worthy. CBCMA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cedar Band Corporation, a federally chartered tribal corporation wholly owned by the Cedar Band of Paiutes, a federally recognized American Indian Band. For more information about CBCMA and its programs, visit chenoafund.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CBC Mortgage Agency Encourages Small-Balance Lending With Additional Lender Incentives

Leaders at down payment assistance provider inspired by New York Times story about difficulties minority homebuyers face obtaining small-balance loans

CEDAR CITY, Utah – Aug. 24, 2020 – CBC Mortgage Agency (CBCMA), a nationally chartered housing finance agency and a leading source of down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, is taking steps to increase financing availability in low-priced communities by making small-balance mortgages more lucrative for its network of correspondent lenders. 

The management team at CBCMA decided to contribute additional funds to small-balance mortgage transactions after reading a story, “Where a Little Mortgage Goes a Long Way,” by The New York Times reporter Matthew Goldstein. According to the story, home lenders are reluctant to write loans in areas where mortgages are too small to be profitable. The story noted that Blacks and Hispanics looking to buy homes in lower priced neighborhoods are particularly impacted by this trend.

Home lenders struggle with profitability on low-balance loans because of the high cost to originate a loan. In the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Quarterly Mortgage Bankers Performance Report, the trade group indicated that the average cost to originate a loan climbed to $7,982 in the first quarter of this year.

For loans up to $120,000, CBCMA’s correspondent lenders will earn up to an additional 200 basis points, or 2 percent, of the loan amount as additional profit. On a $100,000 loan, the contribution works out to $1,750.  The contributed percentage is highest on loans $85,000 or less. 

The additional payments are on top of existing contributions CBCMA already makes for low-balance transactions, which range from 1.50 percent to 2.50 percent on CBCMA’s Edge and Advantage loan programs.

CBCMA provides down payment assistance programs directly to consumers through its network of correspondent lenders across the country. A majority of its borrowers are minorities.

“Our mission is to make homeownership possible for more low-income consumers,” said CBC Mortgage Agency President Richard Ferguson. “After reading Matthew Goldstein’s article, we saw an opportunity to further our mission. We are proud that most of our customers would not have been able to become homeowners without our programs.”

Tai Christensen, director of government affairs at CBCMA and the subject of a story recently published by The Washington Post, had a more personal take on the contribution.

“In 1936, my great grandmother – who was the daughter of slaves – saved $500 and purchased a property in North Carolina,” Christensen said. “With the equity from that property and the mindset of homeownership, she inspired and helped finance the educations and home purchases of her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren.

“I am so proud that through my company I can help other people of color, who would otherwise be unable to achieve homeownership,” she added.

About CBC Mortgage Agency

Founded in 2013, CBC Mortgage Agency is a nationally chartered housing finance agency. As a leading source of down payment assistance, the company helps low-to-moderate income consumers, often in minority neighborhoods, achieve the dream of homeownership. CBCMA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cedar Band Corporation, a federally chartered tribal corporation founded by the Cedar Band of Paiute Indians. More information can be found at chenoafund.org.

Press Contact:

Sam Garcia
Publicist

Strategic Vantage Marketing & Public Relations

214.762.4457 | SamGarcia@StrategicVantage.com 

###

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

August 4, 2020

CONTACT:

Jamie Morris (530) 545-9274

CBC Mortgage Agency Hails Cedar Band of Paiute Indians’

Letter to White House

Cedar Band’s Chairwoman Implores President Trump to Halt Damaging HUD Restriction on Governmental Entities Providing Down Payment Assistance

CEDAR CITY, Utah – CBC Mortgage Agency today applauded a letter (attached) sent to President Trump and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Carson, calling on the administration to “Carefully consider the long-term ramifications” of its potential rule to limit the scope of governmental entity down payment assistance providers. The letter further calls on HUD to “Consult with the communities that rely on down payment assistance programs provided by federally chartered government entities…before proceeding with a rulemaking.”

The letter, penned by Delice Tom, Chairwoman of the Cedar Band of Paiutes, which owns the federally chartered tribal corporation, Cedar Band Corporation (CBC), and CBC’s subsidiary, CBC Mortgage Agency, which provides the Chenoa Fund down payment assistance program, responds to HUD’s announced plans for a proposed rulemaking that would have a devastating impact on the Cedar Band, other tribal nations and the millions of minority borrowers.

“If HUD were to implement its rule to severely restrict the availability of governmental entities providing DPA to borrowers within a specific geographic area, it would cause a devastating impact not only to the Cedar Band’s source of revenue, it would also exclude minorities and low-to-moderate income borrowers who rely heavily on governmental DPA programs like the Chenoa Fund,” said Richard Ferguson, President of CBC Mortgage Agency.

Chairwoman Tom highlighted the importance of the availability of governmental down payment assistance programs, including the Chenoa Fund, to minorities and low- to-moderate income homebuyers who lack the intergenerational wealth to rely on for down payment assistance, exacerbating the racial wealth and homeownership gap in the U.S.

“In the first quarter of 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported the country’s overall homeownership rate was 65.3 percent. Among white households, the homeownership rate is 73.7 percent. However, the black homeownership rate is only 44 percent, hovering near 50-year lows,” the letter continued.

In 2019, over 55 percent of CBC Mortgage Agency’s borrowers were minorities. Nearly 35 percent of those borrowers were the first generation in their family to ever own a home.

“We strongly support Chairwoman Tom and other efforts by the Cedar Band to defend the availability of affordable DPA programs across the country to potential homebuyers seeking the American Dream of homeownership, which is at serious risk if HUD has its way,” concluded Ferguson.

About CBC Mortgage Agency

CBCMA provides secondary financing to borrowers, who are receiving loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). CBCMA takes great care to ensure that the FHA loans perform well, including providing education as well as 18 months of counseling to borrowers after the purchase of their home. In addition, CBCMA regularly reviews its credit standards to ensure that the borrowers it assists are credit worthy.

CBCMA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cedar Band Corporation, a federally chartered tribal corporation wholly owned by the Cedar Band of Paiutes, a federally recognized American Indian band. For more information about CBCMA and its programs, visit chenoafund.org.

See full press release here: WH ltr_Chairwoman Delice Tom_DTomsig_Final_FE[1]

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CBCMA invites you to join us in a discussion panel sponsored by The Mortgage Collaborative entitled: Bridge the Wealth Gap While Growing Your Business: DPA is the Key. (Click the link to register for the webinar.) This discussion panel will focus on how we as an industry can play a role in assisting minorities to become homeowners, which must happen in order to eventually eliminate the wealth disparity in our nation. Ideas will be shared on how to encourage this largely untapped demographic to apply for a home loan.

Thank you, CBC Mortgage Agency

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Author: Christian Olin, VP of Direct Lending at OnQ Financial 

Unless you plan on living with your parents forever, you’ll need to explore housing options. One of the first decisions you need to make is whether to rent or buy. There are a few factors that play into this choice. Think about how long you’re planning on living in the area, the cost of the area, and your down payment. 

Advantages of Buying

When you purchase a house, every monthly mortgage payment you make builds your equity. By owning a home, you’re adding to your worth. With higher equity on your home, you can apply for things like an equity loan or line of credit if you need it.

Another substantial financial advantage of owning a home is that property taxes are tax-deductible. You can also deduct your mortgage interest in your tax returns. Tax deductions can add up quickly, and when tax season rolls around, you could see a hefty return!

With home improvement shows rising in popularity, it’s hard to avoid the renovation itch. While there are options to improve your rental property’s appearance with things like peel-and-stick wallpaper or cabinet covers, these are temporary and can seem like a waste of money. By owning a home, you can invest in long-term improvements that make your house feel like a home. 

Finally, by owning your house, you don’t have to deal with landlords. While some landlords have minimal contact with their tenants, some may be a bit difficult to deal with if they are breathing down your neck. Renting can sometimes feel like you don’t have much privacy in your own home, and who wants to feel like that?

While these are all considerable advantages to purchasing a home, there are also situations where renting is a better option. We’ll dive into those later.

Look at Rent or Buy Calculators for Your Area

Many people think that having a mortgage is more expensive than renting, but this is a myth. The difference in cost does depend on your area, but in many areas it is cheaper to buy a home. If you are wanting to compare the prices of buying or renting in your area, there are a few calculators you can use to help you.

Trulia has a great page where you can enter your zip code, target monthly rent, target home price, and the down payment amount you have available. It’ll give you a graph comparing the costs of buying and renting and tell you at what point buying becomes cheaper than renting. 

Nerd Wallet has a similar calculator, but it also includes the interest rate and length of the loan. This can be helpful if you’re wanting to explore different loan options and are looking to weigh out the benefits of each. 

Consider How Long You Want to Stay

A big factor to take into consideration is how long you want to stay in the area. While it may save you money after a few years to buy, it doesn’t make sense to invest in property if you’re planning on leaving before you hit the breakeven mark. The calculators mentioned previously are excellent tools to utilize to see if buying a house is sensible with your projected timeline. 

A mortgage is a significant responsibility and should take a lot of consideration. You’ll know you’re ready to buy if you’re willing to invest in that area. 

If You’re Looking at an Expensive Area, Consider Renting

Housing shortages and surpluses occur in different areas across the nation. With a shortage, housing prices will skyrocket since you’re in a market where sellers have the upper hand. On the flip side, housing surpluses can cause prices to drop, and it would be more financially reasonable to buy a house then while it’s inexpensive.  Check out areas with a housing shortage here.  

Some areas have rent gaps, where it is significantly cheaper to own than rent. Urban did a study of some major metropolitan areas around the country to show the percent difference in average price. In cities like Miami and Detroit, it can be over 10% cheaper to buy. In San Francisco on the other hand, it’s over 40% more expensive to purchase a home. Make sure to look into these gaps in your area to determine which is best for you and your family.

Will You Have a Down Payment?

A down payment is one of the most overwhelming parts of buying a home. It’s a large chunk of change! It’s essential to save for a down payment to lessen your monthly mortgage costs later on. Explore different loan options to see what’s available with the down payment you’re comfortable paying. 

Home buying courses are also available both online and in-person and can help you navigate through this process. You can learn valuable information to help you make informed decisions. If you’re looking for a tool to help figure out your down payment, you can check out this calculator.

Make the Best Choice for You

Owning a home comes with many advantages, but it is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. There is no single answer to the question of whether you should rent or buy, given so many factors that play into it. Utilize tools available to you, such as courses and calculators, to help find what’s best for you.

Renting can save you money if you’re planning on living in a more expensive urban area, or if you’re planning on moving soon. Buying may be your better option if you want to build equity, invest in property in a specific area, or want to use property taxes and interest as tax deductions. In some places around the country buying a home is 26.3% cheaper than renting. So it may all depend on where you choose to live.  Don’t forget the appeal of the freedom of renovating as well! 

Renting and buying both have their benefits and drawbacks, but by becoming more informed on each option, you can make the decision that is best for you and your family.

Meet the Author:

Christian Olin, VP of Direct Lending at OnQ Financial 

Christian started his career right out of college as a rookie on Wall Street with Morgan Stanley. After cutting his teeth there, he was quickly poached by a private investment bank, which is where his love of finance grew into a lifetime obsession. With over 20 years of experience, he has become a specialist at sales management, strategic business development, building best of breed teams, and cross-functional selling. In particular, his experiences in emerging finance technologies have been useful in his current role as Vice President of the direct lending team at On Q Financial. A place where he continues to create new opportunities for mortgage lenders and their partners while improving the bottom line.

The post To Buy or Rent? What is the Best Option? appeared first on Chenoa Fund – Down Payment Assistance.

“We gotta buy the land we walk on.” Not everybody knows this, but Waka Flocka Flame, the infamous rapper, is also a strong advocate for black homeownership. He bought his first home in 2009 and wasn’t even aware of how wealthy that home was going to help make him—he just knew that he wanted a place away from his parents, a place where he could party with his friends. Years later, Waka found himself in financial trouble and risked having to live on the street. That’s when a Realtist friend taught him about home equity, how to use wealth to make more wealth. He took money out of his home, funded his record, bought more homes, and continued to educate himself. He now tries to help other African Americans learn about how homeownership can benefit them.

Waka met with other industry leaders and black community leaders in a virtual panel discussion hosted by the Cleveland Realtist Association. Also present was Miki Adams, executive vice president of CBC Mortgage Agency. She spoke about millennials and homeownership, how millennials were buying homes later and later and how this pattern may stunt the wealth accumulation of the millennial generation. She also spoke of the importance of educating borrowers and homeowners, particularly first-time homeowners.

This panel event was full of exciting and passionate discussion, including a Q&A session with all speakers. Viewers were able to submit questions to Waka, Miki, and others, and questions ranged from student loans to credit and education.

You can find the entire video linked below, along with selections relevant to Chenoa Fund and down payment assistance.

The post “We gotta buy the land we walk on”: Waka Flocka Flame, Miki Adams, and others talk Black Homeownership with the Cleveland Realtist Association appeared first on Chenoa Fund – Down Payment Assistance.