One Million Keys Turned: Opening Doors Nationwide with Low Down Payment Solutions
Throughout my time in the mortgage industry and when I first joined Freddie Mac seven years ago, I was always drawn to the transformative power of homeownership. Today, we’ve reached an extraordinary milestone – more than one million borrowers served – through our Home Possible® offering. That’s one million keys turned and families whose lives have been impacted by Freddie Mac’s low down payment solution.
More than a Mortgage: A Milestone Reached by Mutual Goals
This achievement isn't just a number. It's the culmination of 20+ years of dedication, nearly $190 billion mortgages financed and a shared belief amongst industry collaborators in the pursuit of homeownership. We’ve seen countless homes purchased in middle- to low-income areas, underscoring our commitment to responsibly making homeownership affordable and accessible for Americans everywhere.
These successes didn’t happen in isolation. They are the result of close collaboration with lenders, housing finance agencies, housing counselors, real estate professionals and other housing professionals.
Each transaction reflects the dedication of these experts who believe in our mission and work tirelessly to guide borrowers through the homebuying journey. Together, we’ve built a support network that makes access to credit a reality for those who may have once thought it out of reach.
Breaking Barriers to Homeownership
Through Home Possible, we’ve opened doors for borrowers who meet specific income limits. Roughly 80% of these borrowers are first-time homebuyers who may have good credit, steady jobs and a strong desire to purchase a home, but the cost of a down payment often stands in the way.
Saving for a down payment is a significant hurdle for many prospective homebuyers, especially for those who believe they need to put down at least 20% to buy a home. By offering solutions with down payments as low as 3%, we’re helping to dispel the “20% myth” and alleviate one of the most persistent barriers to homeownership.
In today’s challenging housing market, offering a flexible solution with competitive pricing is more crucial than ever. Home Possible remains a trusted option, supported by 650+ lenders nationwide. Furthermore, when lenders use solutions like DPA One®, it presents further options to bridge the down payment gap for borrowers. We’re also focused on responsible lending practices, borrower education and ongoing support through resources like CreditSmart® and My Home by Freddie Mac®.
But it’s not just about the purchase; it’s about sustainability. Home Possible allows homeowners to cancel mortgage insurance once they reach 20% equity. Our commitment is to ensure homeowners feel equipped well beyond the purchase of their home. After every closing, the door remains open to support.
Stories Behind the Keys
Each of the one million families served is a story of stability, security and opportunity to us. Consider the family who used Home Possible to buy their first home and later started a college fund for their children. Or the renter who transitioned to ownership, gaining financial stability and the ability to pass on their equity. These stories remind us of the long-term, multigenerational impact of our work.
Opening Doors to the Next Million
Reaching the one million mark is an incredible achievement, and we are steadfast in supporting the next million. As housing affordability remains a challenge for many, low down payment solutions can make a real difference for families who need it most.
Every home we help finance isn’t just a transaction, it’s a chance for a family to build stability and wealth, for neighborhoods to grow stronger and for communities to thrive. As we look to the future, I’m excited to keep working as a connected housing ecosystem to help even more families turn the key to homeownership.