NAMB president also discusses successes in recent event on Capitol Hill
For many first-time buyers, the down payment is the wall they cannot get over, even when the monthly payment is well within reach.
It is a problem brokers deal with constantly, and with the federal government pulling back from several special-purpose loan programs this year, knowing what alternatives exist has become more important than ever.
With affordability continuing to be challenging, especially for those stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of renting a home or apartment, access to down payment assistance programs could be that critical step that gets someone into their own home.
Kimber White, president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers and a producing originator with more than 40 years in the business, said too many brokers are still leaving tools on the table.
"Unless you really are into that space, heavy in DPAs, you really don't understand what DPA is or how DPA works," White told Mortgage Professional America. "And I think this is really another tool that is really important to have in the toolbox."
Increasing DPA awareness
White said the awareness problem around DPA runs deeper than most people realize. It was part of what drove NAMB to announce a partnership with the Chenoa Fund. The hope is to increase awareness of DPA programs.
"The Chenoa Fund is a great partnership. They've been doing it for years. I just don't think a lot of people know about Chenoa," White said. "It just worked out to be a great partnership with NAMB, to be able to educate brokers on what Chenoa is and to help them get these first-time home buyers into homes."
Miki Adams, president of CBC Mortgage Agency, said the partnership is built for the long term.
"Mortgage brokers are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and play a critical role in helping borrowers make some of the most important financial decisions of their lives," Adams said. "That's why we see this as a long-term partnership between CBCMA and NAMB. By working together, we can better support brokers, strengthen advocacy and education, and create real, measurable value for both organizations while helping more families and communities thrive."
The Chenoa Fund, administered by CBC Mortgage Agency, offers down payment assistance through repayable and forgivable second mortgages in 49 states. Through the partnership, NAMB members get access to Chenoa Fund products, training, and joint education on how to use them.
Taking the message to Washington
In addition to this new partnership, NAMB and the Broker Action Coalition co-hosted Advocacy in Action: Better Together, a joint fly-in held from April 20 to 22 at the National Press Club in Washington.
It was the first time the two organizations had partnered on a joint event. Nearly 200 brokers lobbied together on shared priorities, including credit reform, FHA life-of-loan MIP, LO compensation, and new FHFA condo reserve requirements.
"What I took away from the moment was the impact of doing things together," White said. "You can be in disagreement on things or how you're going to get there, but the end result is working together."
VantageScore’s acceptance was announced while the group was in Washington. White said congressional offices have since reached out to NAMB for input on flood mitigation tax credit legislation.
"They're really listening," White said. "Do I think some stuff will get resolved? I do. The trigger leads bill took eight years. You just have to keep on keeping on."
White also mentioned another huge event on the horizon. NAMB National 2026 runs from October 16 to 19 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and early registration is already open for brokers. White said that in a year that has been challenging for some, the event will provide both education to weather the storm and a chance to recharge for the end-of-year push.
"I don't like to be a gloomer, but I am a realist," White said. "By October, you're going to need those tools in your toolbox. And it's also a way to really recharge your batteries, get into a social circle, and get in with like-minded peers."
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