Making Homeownership More Affordable
Homeownership can have many lasting benefits, from financial stability to a sense of community. We believe homeownership should be possible for everyone, and offer a range of assistance programs to help you on your homebuying journey.
Affordable Products
Learn about some of the affordable mortgage products we offer that could help you buy a home.
All loans are subject to credit approval. Income and property restrictions may apply. Program guidelines are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all markets. Other restrictions apply.
Bell Moving Forward Advantage
Provides a first mortgage program for minority borrowers* who may not qualify for a mortgage under traditional credit terms.
*Available for borrowers identifying as a minority as defined by regulatory designations listed on the initial loan application.
Bell Moving Forward Down Payment Assistance
Down payment assistance loan that provides eligible borrowers up to a 4% monthly payment loan to help with their down payment and closing costs.
Bell Moving Forward 140
A conventional first mortgage program for borrowers who currently live in or move to an eligible minority census tract.** Income limits up to 140% Area Median Income (AMI).
**As indicated by the U.S. Census Tract data on the FFIEC website.
Bell HomeAssist
A first mortgage program that offers a lower interest rate for first-time home buyers who meet income requirements.
Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac BorrowWise
3% down, conventional first mortgage for first-time borrowers whose income is at or below 50% AMI that provides a $2,500 grant that can be used for down payment, closing costs or to buy down the rate!
Freddie Mac BorrowSmart®
3% down, conventional first mortgage for borrowers whose income is between 50.01%-80% AMI that provides a $1,250 grant that can be used for down payment, closing costs or to buy down the rate!
Freddie Mac Home Possible®/ Fannie Mae HomeReady®
3% down conventional first mortgage programs for low-to-moderate income borrowers. Can pair with Bell's exclusive down payment loan to reduce the borrower investment to just 1% down!
Down Payment Assistance
Buying a home can be expensive, and that’s why we offer programs to help with initial down payment or closing costs, usually called DPA programs.
It’s important to work with a lender who not only knows about these programs but can actually use them successfully. When you work with us, we’ll show you which programs you’re eligible for to help you save money on your home purchase.
The main types of DPA programs include:
- Grants: Grants are free money, which means they don’t require repayment.
- Loans: Loans are the most common type of down payment assistance. Not all loans are the same and repayment terms vary. Loans could be repayable and deferred, forgivable and deferred, or have a monthly payment over a regular payment term.
Get Started Today
Bell is committed to investing in down payment assistant programs (DPA’s) because we understand that homeownership is essential for creating vibrant and healthy communities for you, your family, and future generations. Are you ready to begin the conversation?
Homebuyer Education
Each program has different homebuyer education requirements. Contact a loan officer near you to find the right program for your situation.
- Freddie Mac Credit Smartundefined
- Fannie Mae HomeViewundefined
- Framework Online Educationundefined
- Home Stretch In-Person Classesundefined
Bell Helps First-Time Homebuyer Yvonne
Yvonne always dreamed of having a place to call her own, where she could create memories and build her future. When she decided to take the leap into homeownership, she knew she needed a partner she could trust – and she turned to Bell Bank Mortgage. Learn about Yvonne’s experience working with Bell.
Additional Resources
Mortgage 101: 5 Factors to Consider
Make informed decisions and turn your homeownership dreams into reality. Learn about five factors involved with the mortgage process.
How to Buy a Home With a Modest Income
Here’s what to know about the homebuying process, and what steps you should take.