![For many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s why, when asked what they find most difficult in the homebuying process, some buyers say it’s one of the hardest steps on the path to homeownership. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows: “For first-time home buyers, 29 percent said saving for a downpayment [sic] was the most difficult step in the process.” If you’re finding that your down payment is your biggest hurdle, the good news is there are many down payment assistance programs available that can help you achieve your goals. The key is understanding where to look and learning what options are available. Here’s some information that can help. First-Time and Repeat Buyers Are Often Eligible According to downpaymentresource.com, there are thousands of financial assistance programs available for homebuyers, like affordable mortgage options for first-time buyers. But, of the many programs that are available, down payment assistance options make up the large majority. They say 73% of the assistance available to homebuyers is there to help you with your down payment. And it’s not just first-time homebuyers that are eligible for these programs. Downpaymentresource.com notes: “You don’t have to be a first-time buyer. Over 38% of all programs are for repeat homebuyers who have owned a home in the last 3 years.” That means no matter where you are in your homeownership journey, there could be an option available for you. There Are Local Programs and Specialized Programs for Public Servants There are also multiple down payment assistance resources designed to help those who serve our communities. Teacher Next Door is one of those programs: “The Teacher Next Door Program was designed to increase home ownership among teachers and other public servants, support community development and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination.” Teacher Next Door is just one program that seeks to help teachers, first responders, health providers, government employees, active-duty military personnel, and veterans reach their down payment goals. And, most importantly, even if you don’t qualify for these types of specialized programs, there are many federal, state, and local programs available for you to explore. And the best way to do that is to connect with a local real estate professional to learn more about what’s available in your area. Bottom Line If saving for a down payment seems daunting, there are programs available that can help. And if you work to serve your community, there may be even more opportunities available to you. To learn more about your options, connect with a local real estate advisor and start your homebuying journey today.](https://assets.thesparksite.com/uploads/sites/886/2022/03/Down-Payment-Assistance-Programs-Can-Help-You-Achieve-Homeownership.png)
Stephanie Miller is a Nashville native with an extensive background in the local real estate industry and is excited to use that experience to help you achieve your homeownership and investment goals!
With family deeply rooted in the Nashville area since the early 1800’s and entrepreneurship ingrained in her by generations of small business owners, home builders, restauranteurs, and pioneers in their industries, it should come as no surprise that she truly loves her hometown and the opportunity to serve the residents of Middle Tennessee while continuing a tradition of entrepreneurship through a family business.
She has over two decades of experience working for some of Nashville's top real estate teams, effectively marketing thousands of homes in every price point and creating systems to streamline the real estate process. She has gained invaluable knowledge and insight along the way and her favorite opportunity thus far is working alongside her dad, Ron Rice, combining their experience to serve all of their family, friends, and clients together.
Stephanie lives in Wilson County with her husband Jason, two sons who are both very active in Scouts, and two rescue dogs.
Service
2012 - 2013 McFarlin Pointe HOA Board Officer
2013 - 2017 Rutherford County Schools Outreach Volunteer
2015 - 2016 Nolensville Cub Scout Pack 297 Committee Member
2017 - 2021 Lebanon Cub Scout Pack 643 Committee Member
2022 - present Scouts BSA Troop 2535 Committee Chair
Memberships & Certifications
National Association of REALTORS®
Tennessee REALTORS®
Greater Nashville REALTORS®
At Home with Diversity®
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Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs, there may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to
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