Recently, a powerful and informative webinar was held for first-time homebuyers eager to navigate the often complicated journey of homeownership. Hosted by the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA), the virtual event was a one-hour session filled with valuable insights from industry professionals, mortgage experts, and real estate specialists. The webinar, titled SONYMA, Grants & First-Time Homebuyer Educational Webinar, offered participants an inside look at the various tools and programs designed to assist first-time buyers in achieving the dream of homeownership.
The event began with a warm welcome from Dilfia Munoz, the Assistant Vice President and Business Development Officer at SONYMA. Dilfia, who has spent over 20 years in the financial and mortgage banking industries, shared her passion for affordable housing. Growing up in Queens, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of homeownership, which inspired her lifelong commitment to helping others. With her extensive experience working with non-profit organizations, financial institutions, and realtors, Dilfia offered a deep dive into the SONYMA programs available to potential homebuyers.
SONYMA’s offerings, including the Achieving the Dream and Low Interest Rate programs, have long been recognized for their impact on first-time homebuyers. Additionally, participants were introduced to the Home for Veterans program, as well as various down payment assistance options available through SONYMA. Dilfia emphasized that these programs can be combined with other grants and subsidies to maximize benefits. Furthermore, she highlighted the flexibility of SONYMA’s offerings, including the ability to utilize non-traditional credit and the option to finance home repairs into the mortgage.
Veronica Ferrero, Vice President and Community Lending Officer at Emigrant Mortgage, followed Dilfia’s presentation with her own expertise on the mortgage landscape. Veronica shared her deep knowledge of the various mortgage products available and how they could be tailored to meet the unique needs of first-time homebuyers. Having worked at Emigrant Bank for over 36 years, Veronica’s passion for financial literacy and helping clients make informed decisions shone through.
Next, Juliann Giuffre, a seasoned Mortgage Consultant and Community Lending Coordinator at Emigrant Mortgage, provided further insight into the process. With over 30 years of experience, Juliann emphasized the importance of long-term planning for homeownership. She explained how patience and persistence are essential when working toward purchasing a home, particularly for first-time buyers.
The final segment of the webinar brought in Dwain Carroll, a seasoned realtor with over 15 years of experience. Dwain’s presentation was particularly insightful for those unfamiliar with the nuances of the real estate market. As a Certified Buyer Representative, he emphasized the importance of knowing what to expect when shopping for a home, particularly in a competitive market.
Throughout the webinar, attendees learned about the Homebuyer Dream Program® (HDP®), a suite of grant programs offered by Emigrant Bank through limited funds made available by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. These grants are designed to assist with down payments and closing costs, offering first-time buyers much-needed financial relief.
The hour-long session was filled with rich content that empowered attendees with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about homeownership. From understanding SONYMA’s mortgage programs to navigating the complexities of grants and subsidies, first-time homebuyers walked away from the webinar with a wealth of information.
The expert panel provided a comprehensive overview of the many resources available to those ready to take the leap into homeownership. By the end of the session, attendees were not only better informed about mortgage options but also inspired to begin their journey toward purchasing their first home.
The event highlighted the power of collaboration between financial institutions, mortgage specialists, and real estate agents to help individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals.
