First time home buyers

Down payment assistance programs remain an important tool for increasing minority homeownership, but especially more so because of the pandemic.

But the coronavirus put a hold on the market in April and remains an overhanging cloud for the future.

With the average borrower needing over two decades to save a 20% down payment for the median-priced home, private-mortgage-insured loans experienced major growth in 2019.

Framework Homeownership CEO Danielle Samalin helped support consumer organizations after the housing bubble burst. Now she’s using that experience to help borrowers and homebuyers navigate new challenges.

From the Midwest to mid-Atlantic, here's a look at 12 housing markets where first-time homebuyers find the most affordability, according to NerdWallet.

In a study of four metro areas, housing supply and demand gained momentum in the second half of April, even where the COVID-19 curve continued to grow.

As the coronavirus takes a major toll on housing inventory and credit availability, pent-up buyer demand could lead to market recovery, according to Redfin.

The Federal Housing Administration has provided struggling homeowners with payment flexibility and explored other measures. At the same time, the agency is mindful of protecting itself against downside risks.

Efforts to calm lenders’ fears about coronavirus-related forbearance may not offset tightening standards, and the FHA is less likely to boost volume than it was during the financial crisis.

From the crossroads of America down to the bayou, here's a look at 12 housing markets where it's the most financially prudent to buy a home rather than rent, according to First American.