What if the only thing standing between you and homeownership… isn’t money at all?

In this episode of The Mortgage Athlete Podcast, Tracy and Tom uncover a little-known path to homeownership through Planet Home Lending’s Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA). Forget what you’ve heard… no, you don’t need 20% down, and no, DPA programs don’t have to be slow, restrictive, or filled with gimmicks. With up to 5% in assistance, no income limits, and eligibility for non-first-time buyers, this program is transforming dreams into addresses.

Tom and Tracy share real-life success stories, break myths about FHA loans, manual underwriting, and second mortgages, and provide critical insight into how buyers, even those with low credit or student debt, can still achieve homeownership. This episode is packed with strategic advice for agents, buyers, and anyone ready to move from “just looking” to “just closed.”

Ready to unlock the front door to your future home? Reach out to Tom, Tracy, or your local Planet Home Lending MLO today. Share this episode with someone who thinks they “can’t buy a home”, and show them they absolutely can.

Highlights:

00:00 – 01:06 The Zero Down Payment Myth Debunked

· You don’t need a down payment

· Introducing the Planet DPA Program

· Up to 5% toward down payment or closing

· No gimmicks, no third-party delays

· A breakthrough for sidelined buyers

01:06 – 03:00 FHA Myths & Planet DPA Flexibility

· Not just for first-time homebuyers

· No income limits or FHA-only rules

· Go up to 105% loan-to-value

· No overlays, standard DU/LP approvals

· Planet controls the entire process

03:00 – 05:00 How Real Estate Agents Win with DPA

· 3.5% FHA covered + up to 1.5% more

· Covering full closing costs

· Collaborating with sellers

· 360° win for buyers and agents

· Getting to the table with $0

05:00 – 07:00 Credit Scores, Manual Underwriting & Success Stories

· No credit score floor

· 599+ possible with approval

· Single mom pharmacist success

· Manual underwrite wins the day

· Closing in 32 days with tears of joy

07:00 – 09:00 Using OPM for Homeownership

· Manufactured home buyer story

· Saving $20K while buying

· Putting money into improvements

· Strategy for updates post-closing

· Teaser for the renovation episode

09:00 – 13:33 Terms, Costs & Qualifying Details

· Second mortgage setup explained

· 2% higher rate, 10-year amortization

· $80/month on $6,000 loan

· No prepayment penalty, no delay

· 5-minute video + fast approval

Quotes:

“You don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer. That’s probably the first myth I’ll throw out there.” – Tom Reber

“She achieved something that most people aren’t able to do… and she’s done a great job.” – Tracy Hayes

“The gold is always in the cracks.” – Tracy Hayes

“We got to peel the onion back and put you in the best program possible.” – Tom Reber

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Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com

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