'Easy to Use and Easy for Borrowers to Understand':

September 15, 2023

Huntsville Lender Shares First Experience Closing Loan with AHFA's Step Up Program

Karley Sutton with Victorian Finance in Huntsville is the subject of AHFA’s latest Lender Spotlight. Sutton has been in the mortgage business for three years and was promoted to a loan officer position about a year ago.

She recently closed her first loan using AHFA’s Step Up financing product and is planning a realtor outreach event targeting new buyer business in the Decatur area later this month.

Q. How did you hear about our programs?

A. I first heard about your programs in 2020 when I started, but just recently had the opportunity to utilize the Step Up program for the first time.

Q.  As a lender new to AHFA's programs, what did you find most surprising?

A. The program is very easy to use and easy for borrowers to understand. It doesn’t add much time to the overall loan process and is a great tool for anyone ready to buy a home but needing help with their down payment.

Q. What helped you decide that Step Up would be a good fit for your customer?

A. The borrower I utilized this program for was exactly that, a great borrower who was only needing help with down payment assistance. The property was FHA-eligible and that made the decision easy to go with AHFA.

Q. What do you think is the greatest benefit of Step Up for homebuyers?  

A. The greatest benefit of Step Up for homebuyers is the ability to get in a home months, if not years, sooner than they would if they had to wait until they could save up the additional down payment funds.

Q.  What makes you recommend Step Up to your customers? 

A. The ease of use and staff at AHFA make the program 10/10 for me and my borrowers.

Q. What are you hoping to accomplish with the upcoming Realtor lunch & learn in September?

A. I’m hoping to bring this program to a brokerage and show them how they can overcome hurdles getting their buyers to the closing table.

Q. What is the best advice you can give to first-time homebuyers? 

A. To any first-time homebuyers, I say take your time finding a Realtor and loan officer you trust. If you work with a team you wholeheartedly trust, the process will be a breeze. Be honest about your wants/needs/expectations. No question is too little when it comes to your financial future and home.

Q. What do you find most rewarding about your job? 

A. My favorite part of my job is when a borrower and I build a path to homeownership, overcome all obstacles, and then get to sit down at the closing table together knowing all that went into it!

Q. What makes you a great lender? Why should customers call you? 

A. I pride myself on my ability to overcome challenges and will always find a path to homeownership if it exists. Whether it be right now or a year down the line, I will continue to work with my borrowers until they reach the closing table. My team and I don’t give up easily and always work hard for our borrowers.