In this very special edition of Mortgage Influencers, Sam Royer joins us to talk about the HELPER Act, which bridges the gap for first responders and educators, providing them with affordable homeownership options. With no down payment or monthly mortgage insurance, this bipartisan initiative empowers our local heroes to achieve their homeownership dreams.
Click HERE to find out more information about the HELPER Act as well as a sample letter to send to your Congressman and Senators.
Additional links and resources are listed below:
- Representative John Rutherford (R-FL-05) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) Video
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwqvbIHy6aI
- House Bill - H.R.3170 - https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3170
- Senate Bill - S.1514 - https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1514/
- Find Your Representatives - https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
- Official Support Website - https://www.PasstheHELPERAct.org
Homeownership for first responders and educators can often be a difficult goal to reach. Unfortunately, these high-stress and high-commitment careers don't come with high-paying salaries. That's where the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act comes in.
The HELPER Act will support those serving our communities by allowing them to afford a home. By offering affordable mortgage possibilities along with no down payment or monthly mortgage insurance, the HELPER Act is a true bipartisan effort to enrich the lives of our local heroes.
In May 2023, the HELPER Act was introduced in the Senate as S.1514by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). The House companion, H.R.3170, was introduced by Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL-05) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12).
Highlights of the Bill
● FHA Mortgage Option for First-Time Homebuyers (including those that have not owned a home for 3 years)
● No Down Payment / No Monthly Mortgage Insurance
● One-Time Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium
● Available to Police and Corrections Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics, EMTs, and PreK-12 Teachers
Resources
Representative John Rutherford (R-FL-05) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwqvbIHy6aI
House Bill - H.R.3170 - https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3170 Senate Bill - S.1514 - https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1514/ Find Your Representatives - https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
Official Support Website - https://www.PasstheHELPERAct.org
Sample Letter / Email to Send to Your Representatives
Subject: Support H.R. 3170/S. 1514, the HELPER Act - Give First Responders and Teachers Access to Affordable Homeownership!
Body: Dear [Official Title],
I urge you to support H.R. 3170/S. 1514, the Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act.
The HELPER Act supports those local heroes who have sacrificed to protect and uphold our communities by making homeownership more affordable.
The HELPER Act aims to provide ease of access and specialized mortgage resources for:
● Federal, state, local, and Tribal police and corrections officers
● Firefighters
● Paramedics/EMTs
● PreK-12 teachers
The HELPER Act allows these first responders and teachers access to housing benefits similar to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill grants qualifying first-time homebuyers access to FHA financing without a down payment or monthly mortgage insurance. Those savings will empower first responders and teachers to afford homes in the communities in which they serve.
For these reasons, I urge you to support the HELPER Act, H.R. 3170/S. 1514. Thank you,
Full Name
City and State
