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Celebrating National Homeownership Month and How First-Time Buyer Programs Make It Possible

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and spotlight the many programs designed to help first-time buyers turn that dream into reality. For many Americans, the biggest challenge to buying a home is coming up with the funds for a down payment or qualifying for a loan. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of mortgage options and assistance programs available to make homeownership more achievable.

FHA Loan 
One of the most widely used mortgage programs for first-time buyers is the FHA loan, backed by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans typically require lower credit scores and offer down payment requirements as low as 3.5 percent. This makes them an excellent choice for buyers who may not have perfect credit or a large amount of savings.

VA Loan 
Another valuable option is the VA loan, available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves. VA loans do not require a down payment or private mortgage insurance, which can save borrowers thousands of dollars upfront and over time. These loans are a strong way to thank those who have served our country while helping them build stability through homeownership.

USDA Loan
USDA loans also support first-time buyers by offering zero-down payment options in qualifying rural and suburban areas. Designed to promote homeownership in less densely populated communities, these loans are income-based and come with competitive interest rates.

Additional Loan Options
Beyond these federal programs, many state and local governments offer down payment and closing cost assistance to help first-time buyers get into a home. These programs may include grants, deferred-payment loans, or forgivable loans that reduce the financial burden of homebuying. Some also offer matching savings programs to help future homeowners reach their goals more quickly.

National Homeownership Month is the perfect time to explore these opportunities. Real estate markets often pick up in the spring and summer, and many buyers aim to move before the new school year begins in the fall. Starting your homeownership journey in June gives you time to get pre-approved, explore your options, and find the right home with confidence.

If you are considering buying your first home, contact us to help you understand the programs available in your area. The right guidance can open doors you did not know existed and put you on the path to becoming a homeowner sooner than you think.

Homeownership builds equity, stability, and a sense of pride. National Homeownership Month is a celebration of those values and a reminder that with the right support, it is possible for more families to achieve this important milestone.

The Emotional Rewards of Homeownership and Why It’s Worth Celebrating in June

June is National Homeownership Month, a time not only to talk about the practical steps toward owning a home but also to reflect on the emotional rewards that make the journey worth it. As a mortgage professional, I spend a lot of time working with numbers such as credit scores, down payments, and interest rates. But the most powerful part of homeownership is what cannot be measured with a calculator.

Pride in Ownership
Owning a home brings pride. There is something deeply satisfying about unlocking your front door and knowing that it belongs to you. Whether it is your very first home or the one you have been dreaming about for years, that sense of ownership carries emotional weight. You are not just investing in property. You are investing in your future and in something that reflects your effort, your goals, and your dreams.

Freedom to Make It Yours
Homeownership also brings freedom. As a renter, you are limited by rules that are not your own, like restrictions on decorating, pets, or even how many guests can visit. When you own your home, you can paint the walls any color you like, plant a garden, or renovate the kitchen. It is your space to shape, and that creative freedom can be incredibly empowering. Your home becomes a true extension of who you are.

A Sense of Stability
Then there is the sense of stability. A fixed-rate mortgage offers predictability that renting rarely provides. You are not at the mercy of a landlord’s decisions or unexpected rent increases. You have control over your housing costs, and that can create peace of mind, especially in uncertain times. For families, that stability means children can stay in the same schools, build friendships, and grow up in a consistent environment that feels safe and familiar.

Connection to Community
Owning a home also creates a sense of belonging. Neighborhoods become communities when people put down roots. Whether it is waving to a neighbor, attending a block party, or supporting a local school, homeownership helps people feel connected. That emotional connection often leads to stronger, more resilient communities. And that is worth celebrating during National Homeownership Month.

A Place Where Life Happens
Of course, the emotional rewards go hand-in-hand with the financial benefits of building equity and long-term security. But for many buyers, it is the intangible value that makes the most lasting impact. A home is where milestones are celebrated, where holiday traditions are created, and where life happens every day.

Helping Others Find That Joy
As a mortgage originator, I am privileged to help people take that first step. I see the joy when an application is approved, the excitement when the offer is accepted, and the pride when keys are finally in hand. Each of those moments reflects the emotional core of what homeownership means.

Celebrate More Than a House
This June, during National Homeownership Month, let’s celebrate not just the homes people buy but the lives they build inside them. The value of homeownership is much more than the price tag. It is in the pride, freedom, and sense of place that owning a home brings.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 16th, 2025

The CPI and PPI have yet to reveal the impacts of the tariff policies that were placed temporarily, which gives some potential insight that there might be a path forward for the Federal Reserve to look at potential rate cuts. However, economists across many industries are expecting inflation to increase temporarily as an impact for the policies that were put in place.

Significant uncertainty remains across many import and export markets, with major players opting to err on the side of caution while awaiting a final decision from the administration regarding its policies. Consumer sentiment has shown a slight improvement for the first time in six months, offsetting the largely negative outlook that has dominated the market since the onset of the trade wars.

Consumer Price Index
Top Federal Reserve officials and Wall Street economists still think higher U.S. tariffs will cause prices to increase over the summer, however. The evidence was thin in May. The consumer-price index rose a mere 0.1% last month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday. That was a tick below Wall Street’s forecast. The 12-month increase in consumer prices edged up to 2.4% from a four-year low of 2.3%.

Producer Price Index
Americans have yet to feel any sting of inflation from the Trump tariffs when they go shopping. Now, a new look at wholesale prices suggests the coast might be clear for at least a little while longer. The producer-price index rose a scant 0.1% in May, the government said Thursday, coming in below the Wall Street forecast.

Consumer Sentiment
The University of Michigan’s closely watched gauge of U.S. consumer sentiment rose to 60.5 in a preliminary June reading from 52.2 in the prior month. This was the first improvement in six months. The gain was larger than forecast. Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal had expected sentiment to rise to 54 from the month-earlier reading of 52.2.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
o 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.02% for this week, with the current rate at 5.97%
o 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.01% for this week, with the current rate at 6.84%

MND Rate Index
o 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.02% for this week. Current rates at 6.45%
o 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.03% for this week. Current rates at 6.47%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 248,000 compared to the expected claims of 246,000. The prior week landed at 248,000.

What’s Ahead
The next FOMC Rate Decision is up ahead next week. Nothing is expected from this rate decision, as the Federal Reserve has stated repeatedly they have no plans to change things until policies are settled. Leading indicators have also been a significant player in the latest releases with many things being very uncertain.