AHFA Lender Helps Grandson Purchase First Home with First Step

Sharon Thompson of Fairway Home Mortgage recently experienced one of the most rewarding moments of her career while helping her grandson, Malaki, and his wife purchase their first home. They shared how surprised they were to qualify through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority’s (AHFA) down payment assistance program. This unexpected opportunity opened the door to a new chapter in their lives.

For the couple, homeownership represents more than just a financial milestone; it is a lifestyle transformation. “We are comfortable and have our own space now,” Malaki's wife, Katie, said, expressing the sense of security and independence that comes with owning a home. He added that their young son, Carter, now has the freedom to run and play in the backyard. His wife reiterated how meaningful this change is, noting that they had never had a backyard while living in an apartment.

Sharon explained that her passion for mortgage lending stems from a desire to help others achieve their dreams. “I do what I do because I love helping others, so nothing feels better than being able to help a family member with the experience,” she said. Guiding her grandson and his wife through the process was not only a professional achievement but also a personal one, reinforcing why she does what she does every day.

The couple’s success was made possible through AHFA’s First Step program, which offers below-market, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans on conventional loans for first-time homebuyers. In addition to the low interest rate, borrowers are eligible for down payment assistance through Step Up. This assistance is provided through a 10-year second mortgage that is bundled with the 30-year mortgage, and both are consolidated into a single monthly payment serviced in-house.

Programs like First Step and Step Up are vital because they bridge the gap for families who are ready to buy but lack initial funds. Thousands of households have benefited from this program, helping families move from rental housing and into homes where they can create lasting memories. For Sharon’s grandson and his family, this program turned what seemed like an impossible dream into reality.