Russell G. Lewis

A major lender made its affordable homeownership initiative ongoing after delivering >$15B in affordable home loans and grants nationwide to support qualified buyers.
The initiative has included >$600M in down payment and closing cost grants, reaching >57K homebuyers across the United States through targeted assistance.
Eligible buyers in select markets can receive down payment help capped at the lesser of $10K or ~3% of purchase price, with $7.5K closing support.
An executive said affordability remains a major ownership barrier, making responsible lending, targeted solutions, and counseling important for aspiring buyers in current conditions.
The lender plans to continue existing benefits, certified nonprofit counseling partnerships, and assistance coordination as elevated prices, higher mortgage rates, and limited supply persist.

US Homeownership Aid Becomes Ongoing

Credit card APRs average ~22%, while home equity loans and HELOCs average ~7%, creating potential savings for disciplined borrowers consolidating balances today.
Homeowners hold record equity after strong price growth, giving many a lower-cost tool for addressing high-rate revolving debt when their conditions fit.
The key tradeoff: unsecured card debt becomes secured by the home, so missed equity-loan payments can carry foreclosure risk if problems continue.
Consolidation can simplify several accounts into one payment, one rate, and one payoff date, helping reduce missed-payment risk and mental load for busy borrowers.
Before tapping equity, borrowers need a repayment plan, stable income, spending discipline, and careful numbers review, especially with variable-rate HELOC uncertainty today.