October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the strength of survivors, raise awareness about the resources available, and celebrate steps toward independence and safety. For many survivors, particularly single parents who have spent years as homemakers in challenging circumstances, rebuilding life often means finding stable housing. This year, a key policy from Fannie Mae makes that path a little brighter, offering a renewed chance at homeownership even if traditional timelines don’t align. If you’re a single parent navigating life after domestic violence, or if you know someone who is, this blog is for you. We’ll explore how Fannie Mae’s longstanding (but often overlooked) guidelines for “first-time homebuyers” can apply to displaced homemakers and single parents—potentially qualifying you for programs like low-down-payment loans and down payment assistance. No, there wasn’t a dramatic overhaul in September 2024, but recent updates to related programs (like the HomeReady mortgage) have amplified these benefits, making now the perfect time to act. Let’s break it down.

Understanding “First-Time Homebuyer” Status: It’s More Inclusive Than You Think

Under standard mortgage rules, a first-time homebuyer is someone who hasn’t owned a principal residence in the past three years. This opens doors to perks like Fannie Mae’s 97% loan-to-value options (meaning you could put down just 3% on a home) and waived loan fees for qualifying low-income buyers.

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But here’s the game-changer for single parents and homemakers: Fannie Mae explicitly includes displaced homemakers and single parents in this definition—even if the three-year clock doesn’t fully reset.

• Displaced Homemaker: This applies to someone (often a stay-at-home parent) who has lost their primary source of financial support due to divorce, separation, or the death/incapacitation of a spouse. If you’ve been out of the workforce caring for your home and family, and now you’re stepping back in as the main breadwinner, you may qualify.
• Single Parent: Defined as a parent raising a child (or children) alone, without a co-owner spouse. Crucially, if your previous homeownership was only joint with a spouse (e.g., your name wasn’t on the title solo), it doesn’t count against you.

In essence, if you had no individual ownership interest in a principal residence during the three years before your new purchase—aside from that joint spousal setup—you’re considered a first-time homebuyer. This isn’t new, but it’s a lifeline for survivors who may have left a shared home due to abuse, without personal title or financial control.

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Why does this matter during Domestic Violence Awareness Month?

Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the U.S., with single-parent households often facing the steepest barriers to housing stability. Leaving an abusive situation can mean starting from scratch—renting in high-cost areas, juggling childcare, and rebuilding credit. Qualifying as a first-time homebuyer can unlock tools to break that cycle, fostering long-term security for you and your kids.

Recent Fannie Mae Updates: Building on the Foundation

While the core definition for displaced homemakers and single parents has been in place for years, Fannie Mae has been actively expanding support for first-time buyers. In September 2024, their Economic and Housing Outlook highlighted forecasts for easing mortgage rates (potentially dipping below 6% by 2026), alongside commitments to affordable lending.

More tangibly:

• HomeReady Mortgage Expansion: This program, tailored for low- to moderate-income buyers, now includes a $2,500 credit toward down payments or closing costs for very low-income first-time homebuyers. It’s extended through at least March 2025, and it considers non-traditional income (like alimony or child support) to help qualify.
• 97% LTV Financing: First-time buyers can finance up to 97% of a home’s value with flexible credit requirements—no need for perfect scores if your story shows stability.
• Homeownership Education: Programs like Fannie Mae’s free HomeView® course (online and self-paced) are required for higher LTV loans but count as a strength-builder, covering budgeting, maintenance, and avoiding pitfalls.

These aren’t abstract policies—they’re real pathways. For a single parent earning 80% or less of their area’s median income, HomeReady could mean owning a home with family boarders (like grandparents) contributing to affordability, without income limits biting as hard.

A Real-World Story: From Survivor to Homeowner Consider Maria (name changed for privacy), a single mom of two who left an abusive marriage in 2023. As a full-time homemaker for a decade, she had no individual homeownership history. Traditional lenders initially balked at her three-year gap, but under Fannie Mae guidelines, she qualified as a displaced homemaker and first-time buyer. With HomeReady, she put down just 3% on a modest three-bedroom, using the $2,500 credit and child support as qualifying income. Today, she’s building equity in a safe neighborhood, close to her kids’ school. Stories like hers remind us: Homeownership isn’t just bricks and mortar—it’s reclaiming control.

How to Take the Next Step: Practical Tips for Survivors Ready to explore? Here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Assess Your Eligibility: Gather docs like divorce decrees, proof of single-parent status, and income statements. Use Fannie Mae’s online tools to check if you fit the displaced homemaker criteria.
2. Connect with Experts: Reach out to HUD-approved housing counselors (free via 1-800-569-4287) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) for tailored guidance. They can link you to survivor-specific grants.
3. Shop Lenders: Look for HomeReady-approved providers. Pre-approval takes 30-60 minutes and shows sellers you’re serious.
4. Build Your Support Network: Enroll in HomeView® today—it’s empowering and fulfills education requirements.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: October is about awareness, but every step toward stability honors your resilience.

Homeownership can be a cornerstone of healing, offering privacy, equity, and a fresh start. If this resonates, share it with a friend who needs hope. And remember: You’re not just buying a house—you’re building a legacy of safety. For more resources, visit Fannie Mae’s homebuyer education page or contact a local lender.