Affordable Homeownership

Hello everyone,

I'm a teacher who decided to try out the mortgage industry (started July 2025 as a post closer), but it seems my educational background can't be held back! I see a need for better education and resources in our area (western Michigan) for low-income and first-time home buyers, and was wondering if anyone out there has started a mortgage-related resource center, has worked/volunteered at one, or just has some brilliant ideas. 

I've started to research, network and organize ideas into a presentation for my boss and other stakeholders, so any advice, commentary, or questions/scenarios to consider are ALL welcomed. 

If nothing else, perhaps answer this: If I could envision the "perfect" community resource center for home buyers in need, what would it include (or definitely not have)??

Here are some of my thoughts thus far:

1. Gather HUD (& other) data to show local stats and need for the center
2. Continue networking and reaching out to current resource centers
3. Research and start contacting potential stakeholders, grant possibilities, etc.

Educational ideas:

       1. Home-ownership class

       2. Program resources class

       3. Cover letter/Resume/Job interviewing classes

       4. GED certification/prep class

       5. English (ESL) classes

I have an MA in Education and about 15 years of teaching experience--most of that as an ESL professor--so I would really love to use that to push for positive change in this field! I appreciate your time and ideas!!

Joshua

------------------------------
[Joshua] [M]
[Post Closer/Lock Desk]
[My City Home Loans]
[GR] [MI]
(616) 622-4022
jmatthysse@mycityhl.com
------------------------------

Hello everyone,

I wanted to give an update on my goal of starting a mortgage community center for at-need, neglected groups. I presented the idea to my boss, but they said we're not in a position to invest much capital, time, etc. to the project currently. I then suggested starting with an ONLINE ONLY platform and building from there (as able/needed). My boss told me to come up with a business plan, so here I am!

As I continue brainstorming and networking, I'm open to any and all suggestions, connections, templates, direct assistance as possible. I plan on using Bloom614's website as a guide and have already contacted them with questions (waiting on response). If anyone has direct connections with the "bloomers", please let me know, as this would be a KEY touchpoint to make!

Additionally, please reach out with any comments, questions or other advice as it comes to you. Just like the community center itself, preparing and organizing for its development is a COMMUNITY effort! Thanks so much and I hope to start some wonderful conversations here!

Joshua

Hello everyone,

I'm a teacher who decided to try out the mortgage industry (started July 2025 as a post closer), but it seems my educational background can't be held back! I see a need for better education and resources in our area (western Michigan) for low-income and first-time home buyers, and was wondering if anyone out there has started a mortgage-related resource center, has worked/volunteered at one, or just has some brilliant ideas. 

I've started to research, network and organize ideas into a presentation for my boss and other stakeholders, so any advice, commentary, or questions/scenarios to consider are ALL welcomed. 

If nothing else, perhaps answer this: If I could envision the "perfect" community resource center for home buyers in need, what would it include (or definitely not have)??

Here are some of my thoughts thus far:

1. Gather HUD (& other) data to show local stats and need for the center
2. Continue networking and reaching out to current resource centers
3. Research and start contacting potential stakeholders, grant possibilities, etc.

Educational ideas:

       1. Home-ownership class

       2. Program resources class

       3. Cover letter/Resume/Job interviewing classes

       4. GED certification/prep class

       5. English (ESL) classes

I have an MA in Education and about 15 years of teaching experience--most of that as an ESL professor--so I would really love to use that to push for positive change in this field! I appreciate your time and ideas!!

Joshua

------------------------------
[Joshua] [M]
[Post Closer/Lock Desk]
[My City Home Loans]
[GR] [MI]
(616) 622-4022
jmatthysse@mycityhl.com
------------------------------

Hi again! For those who didn't read my other posts, I'm currently a post closer at a correspondent lending agency. I have a background in education and writing/editing, and have been researching what it would look like to start a local community resource and education center for low-income, minority, disabled & first-time home buyers.

UPDATE: I'm excited to share that I've received the green light from my leadership team to begin pursuing this project more seriously!

As I continue developing the project, I'm reaching out to organizations and professionals whose work aligns with this mission. I'm especially interested in learning from groups that have experience with community education initiatives, housing counseling, nonprofit collaboration, grant funding, accessibility, and outreach to underserved populations.

If you'd like to see my project proposal or other presentation materials to better understand my passions and goals, please ask!

I would love the chance to connect if this mission resonates with your organization in any way!

In community,

Joshua Matthysse
My City Home Loans

Hello everyone,

I wanted to give an update on my goal of starting a mortgage community center for at-need, neglected groups. I presented the idea to my boss, but they said we're not in a position to invest much capital, time, etc. to the project currently. I then suggested starting with an ONLINE ONLY platform and building from there (as able/needed). My boss told me to come up with a business plan, so here I am!

As I continue brainstorming and networking, I'm open to any and all suggestions, connections, templates, direct assistance as possible. I plan on using Bloom614's website as a guide and have already contacted them with questions (waiting on response). If anyone has direct connections with the "bloomers", please let me know, as this would be a KEY touchpoint to make!

Additionally, please reach out with any comments, questions or other advice as it comes to you. Just like the community center itself, preparing and organizing for its development is a COMMUNITY effort! Thanks so much and I hope to start some wonderful conversations here!

Joshua

Hello everyone,

I'm a teacher who decided to try out the mortgage industry (started July 2025 as a post closer), but it seems my educational background can't be held back! I see a need for better education and resources in our area (western Michigan) for low-income and first-time home buyers, and was wondering if anyone out there has started a mortgage-related resource center, has worked/volunteered at one, or just has some brilliant ideas. 

I've started to research, network and organize ideas into a presentation for my boss and other stakeholders, so any advice, commentary, or questions/scenarios to consider are ALL welcomed. 

If nothing else, perhaps answer this: If I could envision the "perfect" community resource center for home buyers in need, what would it include (or definitely not have)??

Here are some of my thoughts thus far:

1. Gather HUD (& other) data to show local stats and need for the center
2. Continue networking and reaching out to current resource centers
3. Research and start contacting potential stakeholders, grant possibilities, etc.

Educational ideas:

       1. Home-ownership class

       2. Program resources class

       3. Cover letter/Resume/Job interviewing classes

       4. GED certification/prep class

       5. English (ESL) classes

I have an MA in Education and about 15 years of teaching experience--most of that as an ESL professor--so I would really love to use that to push for positive change in this field! I appreciate your time and ideas!!

Joshua

------------------------------
[Joshua] [M]
[Post Closer/Lock Desk]
[My City Home Loans]
[GR] [MI]
(616) 622-4022
jmatthysse@mycityhl.com
------------------------------

Dear Joshua,

I am in! When I read your note, I was wondering if you were familiar with the CDFI Fund model and advantages for resi lending that it confers on modest means folks? Lending + "Development services" = QM exception and non-bank FHLB membership.

I also spent about 2 years of my life trying to make a better model for LOs on housing counseling and lead gen before running into a brick wall- which landed me back in the law firm world and public policy/lobbying world. 

I would love to share my learnings with you and help you get introduced to smart people who are endeavoring in the exact same way you are. My first stop may be to introduce you to some of the smartest folks I know in housing counseling- some who are operating in the HUD certified area (HomeFree USA) and some who are leaning out over the bow on normal GSE behaivor (Frameworks). The shared equity guys are also terribly interesting on this particular demographics (1st time home buyers of modest means). 

Zoom coffee chat?

Warmly,

Kara Ward

Hi again! For those who didn't read my other posts, I'm currently a post closer at a correspondent lending agency. I have a background in education and writing/editing, and have been researching what it would look like to start a local community resource and education center for low-income, minority, disabled & first-time home buyers.

UPDATE: I'm excited to share that I've received the green light from my leadership team to begin pursuing this project more seriously!

As I continue developing the project, I'm reaching out to organizations and professionals whose work aligns with this mission. I'm especially interested in learning from groups that have experience with community education initiatives, housing counseling, nonprofit collaboration, grant funding, accessibility, and outreach to underserved populations.

If you'd like to see my project proposal or other presentation materials to better understand my passions and goals, please ask!

I would love the chance to connect if this mission resonates with your organization in any way!

In community,

Joshua Matthysse
My City Home Loans

Hello everyone,

I wanted to give an update on my goal of starting a mortgage community center for at-need, neglected groups. I presented the idea to my boss, but they said we're not in a position to invest much capital, time, etc. to the project currently. I then suggested starting with an ONLINE ONLY platform and building from there (as able/needed). My boss told me to come up with a business plan, so here I am!

As I continue brainstorming and networking, I'm open to any and all suggestions, connections, templates, direct assistance as possible. I plan on using Bloom614's website as a guide and have already contacted them with questions (waiting on response). If anyone has direct connections with the "bloomers", please let me know, as this would be a KEY touchpoint to make!

Additionally, please reach out with any comments, questions or other advice as it comes to you. Just like the community center itself, preparing and organizing for its development is a COMMUNITY effort! Thanks so much and I hope to start some wonderful conversations here!

Joshua

Hello everyone,

I'm a teacher who decided to try out the mortgage industry (started July 2025 as a post closer), but it seems my educational background can't be held back! I see a need for better education and resources in our area (western Michigan) for low-income and first-time home buyers, and was wondering if anyone out there has started a mortgage-related resource center, has worked/volunteered at one, or just has some brilliant ideas. 

I've started to research, network and organize ideas into a presentation for my boss and other stakeholders, so any advice, commentary, or questions/scenarios to consider are ALL welcomed. 

If nothing else, perhaps answer this: If I could envision the "perfect" community resource center for home buyers in need, what would it include (or definitely not have)??

Here are some of my thoughts thus far:

1. Gather HUD (& other) data to show local stats and need for the center
2. Continue networking and reaching out to current resource centers
3. Research and start contacting potential stakeholders, grant possibilities, etc.

Educational ideas:

       1. Home-ownership class

       2. Program resources class

       3. Cover letter/Resume/Job interviewing classes

       4. GED certification/prep class

       5. English (ESL) classes

I have an MA in Education and about 15 years of teaching experience--most of that as an ESL professor--so I would really love to use that to push for positive change in this field! I appreciate your time and ideas!!

Joshua

------------------------------
[Joshua] [M]
[Post Closer/Lock Desk]
[My City Home Loans]
[GR] [MI]
(616) 622-4022
jmatthysse@mycityhl.com
------------------------------