About this episode

This episode discusses the role of down payment assistance programs in facilitating homeownership amidst affordability challenges.

Recorded live at the 2025 MBA Annual in Las Vegas, this special episode of Market Pulse explores how down payment assistance programs can help unlock homeownership amid today’s affordability challenges. Joel Rickman of Equifax sits down with Rob Chrane, Founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource, to discuss how lenders, real estate professionals, and technology can better connect buyers to thousands of available programs—and why awareness, education, and alignment are key to getting more families into homes. In this episode: What is down payment assistance, and how does it help homebuyers? Down payment assistance (DPA) includes grants, forgivable loans, and other programs that help cover down payments and closing costs. These programs can significantly reduce upfront cash requirements and make homeownership more accessible—especially for first-time buyers and middle-income households. How many down payment assistance programs exist today? According to Down Payment Resource’s latest Homeownership Program Index, there are more than 2,600 active homeownership assistance programs nationwide, administered by over 1,300 state, local, and nonprofit organizations. Who qualifies for down…

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