How Jason’s family bought a home when they thought they couldn’t
Jason moved his family to Utah last year for a great job opportunity. They were renting a place near good schools and had settled into the area, but with five kids and summer approaching, it was time to find something permanent.
Like a lot of people, Jason was making good money, but had not saved up for a down payment. He didn’t qualify for city or county grants because his income was too high, and the typical down payment assistance programs came with a catch— a second mortgage and a much higher monthly payment.
Here’s what that meant in real numbers:
If Jason used a traditional down payment assistance program, he’d need to drop his price point by $80,000 just to keep the monthly payment affordable.
Why? Because those programs come with higher interest rates and extra second loan payments.
At that lower price point, the only options were townhomes. Cramped, shared walls, and no yard—not exactly ideal for a family of seven.
Then we found a different program. No second mortgage. No repayment required. And after six months of on-time payments, the ability to refinance and lower the payment even further.
That one change meant Jason could buy a home $80,000 more expensive—and still have the same monthly payment.
That meant a single-family house with a yard instead of a small townhome.
That meant space to grow, room for the kids, and a place that felt like home.
At closing, Jason looked at me and said: “I never thought this would be possible.”
So, what’s the catch?
Honestly—there isn’t one. The down payment is a gift. No repayment. No second mortgage. No required number of years in the home.
Renting might seem cheaper today, but here’s the real question:
What will it cost you if you keep renting for the next five years?
If you’ve felt stuck because you haven’t saved for a down payment—there’s hope. We can help.
And if someone you care about is in that same situation, send them our way.
