Think Homeownership Isn’t Achievable? Let’s Talk About Your Options.
A recent report from Realtor.com found that 20% of Americans don’t believe homeownership is within reach. Maybe you feel the same way. With rising costs on everyday essentials, saving for a home—especially your first one—can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go at it alone. There are real solutions to help first-time buyers enter the market, even if your savings aren’t where you want them to be or your credit isn’t perfect.
If you’re in Savannah, where the real estate market remains competitive but more inventory is opening up, now could be the perfect time to take a closer look at your options. Here are two powerful tools that could help you buy a home sooner than you think.
1. FHA Loans: A Flexible Path to Homeownership
If your down payment and credit score aren’t quite where you’d like them to be, an FHA loan might be the solution. Backed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), these loans come with two big advantages:
✅ Lower Down Payment Requirements – You could put down as little as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price. That’s a big help when saving up feels like an uphill battle.
✅ More Flexible Credit Score Guidelines – FHA loans are designed for buyers who may not qualify for conventional loans, opening the door for more people to buy.
The first step? Connect with a local lender who can walk you through your options and see if you qualify.
2. Homeownership Assistance Programs: More Help Than You Think
Did you know there are over 2,000 homebuyer assistance programs across the U.S.? Many of them are specifically designed to help with down payments and closing costs.
Here’s why these programs are worth looking into:
💰 Financial Support – The average buyer who qualifies receives around $17,000 in assistance. That’s a game changer.
📈 Stackable Benefits – Some programs can be combined, meaning you might qualify for multiple sources of assistance at the same time.
Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource, explains:
“Some of these programs can be layered. And so, in other words, you may not be limited to just one program.”
And here’s something specific for Savannah buyers—there are Georgia-based programs that could provide additional assistance. Programs like Georgia Dream Homeownership Program offer down payment help for first-time buyers, military service members, and those in certain public service jobs.
Not sure where to start? A trusted local agent (that’s me!) and a knowledgeable lender can help you navigate the process.
Bottom Line
If you’ve been feeling like homeownership is out of reach, it’s time to take another look. With more homes coming on the market in Savannah and real options to help with financing, now’s the time to explore what’s possible.
Let’s talk about your goals and build a plan to get you into a home—sooner than you think.