“They know the state programs are there, but they don’t know about the other programs. And it reminds me very much of the homebuyers, the actual consumers out there, how little knowledge they have that down payment assistance programs exist.”
Because there was such a lack of knowledge of these programs all the way down to the consumer level, Adams knew she wanted to take her education on the road, rather than just reaching out to corporate leaders.
“For me, it’s about going out there and hosting homebuyer events to educate, getting into the communities, to teach consumers, as opposed to business-to-business,” Adams said. “Teaching consumers about the availability of down payment assistance programs was a big thing for me, and it was eye-opening to learn that it’s not just the consumers, it’s also realtors and brokers.”
One message she urged consumers to heed as they prepare to work with a broker or lender is to speak up about down payment assistance and not wait for a broker to offer it. This presents an opportunity for brokers who are well-versed in the programs available for their customers.
“I tell them to advocate for themselves,” Adams said. “Get with a lender that you trust, a loan officer that you trust, and a realtor. That way, you can better advocate for yourself and understand what’s happening in the process.”