Not many hopeful homebuyers realize there are legitimate—and surprisingly simple—ways to reduce or even eliminate some of the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home. Closing costs tend to be one of the biggest hurdles. They can feel like a moving target, and for many buyers, they’re the very thing that delays getting into the market. But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: there are programs available that don’t require aggressive negotiation tactics or luck to access.
One of the most versatile options available today is Fannie Mae’s HomeView program. This free online homeownership education course is designed for first-time buyers, as well as those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years. It’s geared toward buyers purchasing a primary residence, which aligns with how most people begin their homeownership journey.
HomeView isn’t just a box to check—it’s a comprehensive course that walks buyers through the entire process, from budgeting and credit to loan options and what to expect during escrow. The content is self-paced, easy to follow, and built around real-world scenarios that help demystify what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming process. More importantly, it aligns with national industry standards for pre-purchase education, which
Means it satisfies requirements for many mortgage products.
So where do the savings come in? Many lenders offer incentives—often in the form of lender credits—when buyers complete an approved homebuyer education course like HomeView. These credits can be applied toward closing costs, directly reducing the amount of cash needed at the closing table. In some cases, this can mean thousands of dollars in savings.
While there are state and local assistance programs available, such as CalHFA and other down payment assistance options, those often come with limitations. Funding can be capped, availability may fluctuate, and some programs operate on a lottery system. HomeView, on the other hand, is consistently available and not dependent on limited funding pools, making it one of the more reliable tools in a buyer’s toolkit.
Since March 2025, when Director Pulte assumed office, more than 100,000 homebuyers have completed the HomeView course—a clear sign that awareness is growing and buyers are taking advantage of opportunities to better position themselves financially.
The bottom line is this: closing costs and upfront expenses don’t have to be the barrier that keeps you from moving forward. With the right preparation and knowledge, there are ways to ease that burden without adding stress to the process.
If you’re thinking about buying, your next step should be a conversation. Sit down with your local Realtor of choice and go over your options. From lender credits to education-based incentives, there may be solutions available that you didn’t even know to ask about—and they could make all the difference in getting you across the finish line.
Theresa Grant is a real estate broker and columnist covering Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, Running Springs, and the surrounding mountain communities. Reach her at (909) 442-1345 visit www.HomesInLakeArrowhead.com, and follow her on social media @TheresaGrantRealtor. Theresa is a Broker Associate with REAL Broker Technologies. DRE#01202881.
0 Comments