Underserved Communities: Rocket Offers Programs To Help Buyers Secure Mortgages

By KIMBERLEY HAAS Leaders at Rocket Mortgage have been rolling out programs to serve potential homebuyers in underserved communities. They announced last week that the company is the first national lender to offer Freddie Mac’s BorrowSmart Access program, which has a $3,000 credit for first-time homebuyers to use toward their down payment. To qualify for this program, the buyer must have an income equal to or less than 140% of the area median income and meet all other Freddie Mac lending guidelines. The purchase must take place in an eligible county within one of 10 metropolitan areas. The cities include Detroit, where Rocket is headquartered, Atlanta, Chicago, El Paso, Houston, McAllen, Memphis, Miami, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. In December, Purchase…