The City of Houston Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) has recently released some new changes to its Down Payment Assistance program. For our clients that have participated in Avenue's First-Time Homebuyer Program, we wanted to communicate this information to you early in your home buying process: The HAP program will not...

The home buying process can be daunting for first time and veteran buyers alike. With so many individuals involved in the process it can be difficult keeping it all straight. That is why it is crucial you understand the process from beginning to end. Let's breakdown the important professionals involved...

One of the most important things to remember when buying your first home is your budget. We have written a lot about budgeting and sustainable homeownership. We want to emphasize the importance of not overextending yourself. Buying too much house with too little budget can lead to many problems. Shopping...

When Hurricane Harvey destroyed the home of Tomika Artis, she and her two daughters were no strangers to starting over. In the past decade, the girls lost their big sister and their father, as well as their great grandmother who also lived with them. In Tomika’s words, she credits her...

I remember when I bought my first home nearly 20 years ago. I had so many questions and did not know where to turn. The mortgage industry has changed many times in the 20 years since then and will continue to evolve. If you have ever thought about buying a...

A couple of generations ago most people got married and settled down while still in their early 20’s. This meant that they also purchased houses earlier in life. And, while marriage and children may not be on your mind, homeownership may be and that is a really good thing. The...

Avoiding Foreclosure The dream of becoming a homeowner is still at the top of the list for many people. In a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 75% of non-owners believe that homeownership is part of their American Dream.  It can take years to become a homeowner and...

Avenue is committed to helping Houstonians achieve the dream of homeownership in a sustainable way.   One of the ways we accomplish this is by offering a First Time Homebuyer class. Homeownership is one of the fastest ways to create generational wealth in the U.S. Owning a home also helps strengthen...

If you have been following the news lately, you probably know a couple of things when it comes to the housing market. First, interest rates have been rising and may rise more in 2019. Secondly, housing inventory is low. Taking a quick look at this information can dampen hopes of...

In a 2017 study by American Student Assistance, 55% of student loan holders said their debt is causing them to put off home ownership. Just this year, a study by the National Association of Realtors concluded that 80% of millennials do not own a home. Of those who do not own...