Realtors often meet prospective buyers who are ready for the responsibilities of homeownership but are concerned about the cash needed to get started.
They may have steady income, an established credit history, and a clear goal of purchasing a home. Yet, without enough saved for a down payment, they may believe they need to put their plans on hold.
For real estate professionals, that can mean a motivated client—and a potential transaction—stalls before the home search even begins.
That stall doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation. In fact, it can be just the beginning.
How Can Down Payment Assistance Change the Conversation?
Many potential homebuyers may qualify for down payment assistance but simply don’t know it. When a prospective buyer says they haven’t saved enough, Realtors can steer to conversation toward “here’s what might already be available.”
One of those options is the Chenoa Fund program by CBC Mortgage Agency, a nationwide provider of down payment assistance offered through approved lender partners. The Chenoa Fund program helps qualified homebuyers address one of homeownership’s most common barriers: the down payment required for an eligible FHA loan.
Rather than assuming a buyer is not ready, Realtors® can encourage them to speak with a participating lender about their financing options.
Why Does Down Payment Assistance Matter for Realtors?
Understanding how down payment assistance programs work helps agents serve buyers more confidently and keep more homeownership conversations moving.
When Realtors know where to direct buyers who are concerned about cash to close, they can:
- Support clients who may be financially ready but short on savings
- Help first-time and repeat buyers explore available financing options
- Keep potential buyers engaged rather than losing momentum
- Strengthen partnerships with lenders who can assess program eligibility
- Serve a wider range of clients and generate more referrals
The result is more informed buyers, more deals that are likely to actually close, clients who are more likely to come back or send a referral.
How Can Agents Help Clients Take the Next Step?
Because every buyer’s situation is unique, the most direct way to help is to put the buyer in touch with a lender approved to offer the Chenoa Fund down payment assistance program. A conversation with an approved lender can help buyers understand their options and decide on the appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chenoa Fund program?
Through CBC Mortgage Agency, the Chenoa Fund is a program that expands access to home ownership for low-to-moderate income homebuyers by making down payment assistance available for local lenders to offer directly to buyers. This supports economic stability for home-buying families in diverse communities.
Who qualifies for down payment assistance through the Chenoa Fund program?
Eligibility depends on factors including credit, income, debt, property details, and loan guidelines. An approved lender can review a buyer’s specific circumstances.
Is assistance available only to first-time buyers?
No. The Chenoa Fund program helps both first-time and repeat buyers explore available financing options.
How can Realtors help homebuyers access assistance?
Rather than assuming a buyer isn’t ready, Realtors can encourage them to speak with a participating lender about the Chenoa Fund down payment assistance program to see what options they qualify for.
Does the Chenoa Fund program work with FHA loans specifically?
Yes, the Chenoa Fund program is offered alongside eligible FHA home loans through approved lender partners.
Learn More
Visit the Chenoa Fund program website to learn about the down payment assistance and connect with an approved lender partner.
CBC Mortgage Agency – NMLS 1186381. For licensing information go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Terms and conditions of programs and guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice. This is not a commitment to lend. This is for industry professionals only. This is not intended for or directed at consumers. Equal housing opportunity.
