(Arkansas City, KS February 3, 2023) — Inflation, limited housing opportunities, and a fluctuating rate environment combine to represent a considerable challenge for those in the market for a new home. Combined with inadequate funds to pay for the standard costs of purchasing a home, many would be first-time home buyers find themselves unable to make a change. To assist, Union State Bank has partnered with Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) Topeka to offer up to $7,500 in grant opportunities for qualified first-time home buyers.
The grant program is offered in partnership with FHLBank members, such as Union State Bank. FHLBank does not work directly with homebuyers. Members work with qualified homebuyers to submit documents to FHLBank and provide the grant funds at closing.
Kandis Gray is Union State Bank’s Director of Mortgage Processing and Servicing. Within her role, Gray coordinates applications for the grants through what is formally known as the Homeownership Set-aside Program (HSP).
“The HSP Grant Fund program is a wonderful benefit USB utilizes for their customers, it takes the financial burden off of the families and allows them to achieve their dream of homeownership,” Gray said.
Grant funds may be used for down payment, closing cost and repair assistance to first-time homebuyers earning at or below 80% of the area median income for households purchasing or constructing homes in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
“The HSP is a great program for first-time homebuyers with low to moderate income. The process to apply is simple, and funds don’t have to be paid back if the buyer maintains ownership of the home for five-years,” explained Marcene Carstensen, VP Mortgage Loans for Union State Bank.
Additional grant requirements mandate that at least one adult household member complete a homebuyer education course and provide proof of household income. All of Union State Bank’s mortgage officers are trained to assist first time home buyers in understanding and completing the grant requirements.
For more information about the HSP grants, contact the mortgage expert at your nearest Union State Bank location or visit us online at www.myunionstate.bank/first-time-home-buyer-program.
About Union State Bank: Founded in 1908, Union State Bank has banking locations serving communities of Arkansas City, Newton, Udall, Winfield and Wichita in Kansas and in Bartlesville and Edmond, Oklahoma. Union State Bank offers a full range of electronic, deposit and cash management services, as well as business and agriculture, commercial real estate, construction, mortgage, residential and consumer loans. To learn more, visit their website at www.MyUnionState.Bank.