Lender Spotlight: Stephen-Michael Washington, FirstBank

April 02, 2018

Stephen-Michael Washington is the Community Development Lending Manager at FirstBank in Birmingham. The nearly 15-year veteran of the mortgage business joined FirstBank a little more than a year ago. Washington is currently pursuing the Accredited Mortgage Professional and Certified Mortgage Banker designations.

Q: What was your experience working with AHFA's homeownership programs?

A: I first learned about Step Up and Mortgage Credit Certificates about six years ago. These days, I'd say approximately 20 percent of my business utilizes the programs.

Q: What do you think is the greatest benefit of AHFA's programs?

A: It aides in stabilizing low- to moderate-income communities by providing affordable housing solutions. The programs give opportunities to those who, in other circumstances, would not be able to purchase or own a home. These programs also allow us to reach and establish a whole new market of buyers.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: Making dreams come true. I think it's so rewarding to be able to touch lives and transform where people are in their lives with one transaction. Changing the outlook of a community is an honor.