{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Market Pulse","title":"Clearing the Down Payment Hurdle: DPA’s Role in Unlocking Homeownership","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1662,"description":"Recorded live at the 2025 MBA Annual in Las Vegas, this special episode of Market Pulse explores how down payment assistance programs can help unlock homeownership amid today’s affordability challenges. Joel Rickman of Equifax sits down with Rob Chrane, Founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource, to discuss how lenders, real estate professionals, and technology can better connect buyers to thousands of available programs—and why awareness, education, and alignment are key to getting more families into homes.\nIn this episode:\nWhat is down payment assistance, and how does it help homebuyers?Down payment assistance (DPA) includes grants, forgivable loans, and other programs that help cover down payments and closing costs. These programs can significantly reduce upfront cash requirements and make homeownership more accessible—especially for first-time buyers and middle-income households.\nHow many down payment assistance programs exist today?According to Down Payment Resource’s latest Homeownership Program Index, there are more than 2,600 active homeownership assistance programs nationwide, administered by over 1,300 state, local, and nonprofit organizations.\nWho qualifies for down payment assistance programs?Eligibility varies by program, but many programs serve more than just low-income buyers. Some programs:Have no household income limitsSupport middle-income and “missing middle” buyersApply to manufactured homes and multifamily (2–4 unit) propertiesAre available nationally or in high-cost housing marketsWhy don’t more buyers use down payment assistance?The biggest barrier isn’t funding—it’s awareness. Many buyers (and even industry professionals) don’t know these programs exist. Fragmentation, lack of standardization, and fear of complexity have historically limited adoption.\nHow do lenders and loan officers use Down Payment Resource?Down Payment Resource provides tools that:Match borrowers and properties with eligible assistance programsIntegrate with loan...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/KL7pzgqOuzAsfb84PAuuPDFaRooifWnN1jo7UJlgVKg/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzE0MjE3LzE3MDQy/MTQyMTUtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}