Homewise - A Valuable Partner for REALTORS®
Make Homewise part of your REALTOR® toolkit to help clients overcome barriers and achieve confident, lasting homeownership.

Homewise is a nonprofit organization based in Santa Fe and Albuquerque that helps New Mexicans become successful homeowners through education, financial coaching, affordable lending, and community development. With a mission to strengthen neighborhoods and improve long-term financial well-being, Homewise supports a wide range of buyers, including those with lower credit, first-time buyers, and ITIN holders, through bilingual services and creative mortgage solutions.

Fair Housing Month is the perfect time to refresh your knowledge of this local resource. As we focus on equal access to housing, organizations like Homewise play a key role in breaking down barriers, expanding opportunities, and helping ensure that the dream of homeownership is available to everyone in our community.

Several 2024–25 GAAR Leadership Development Program graduates visited Homewise in Albuquerque to explore local real estate resources. The following article reflects their insights and takeaways after meeting with Sandy Hernandez, Chris Quintana, and the Homewise Team.

Unlocking Homeownership: How Homewise is Transforming Our Albuquerque Community

For over three decades, Homewise has been on a mission to help individuals and families achieve homeownership, improve their long-term financial well-being, and strengthen neighborhoods across New Mexico. Since launching in Santa Fe in 1986 and expanding to Albuquerque in 2014, this nonprofit has become an essential ally in the real estate community, offering education, financial coaching, real estate services, and lending support to those traditionally left behind by conventional systems.

Homewise is a far-reaching local organization, and during the LDP's visit to their office, Petra Boileau noted that REALTORS® “learned about all the different ways they help the community and individuals.”

A One-Stop Resource 

"Homewise offers a range of services, including free bilingual education classes, coaches who are HUD-approved certified, and financial fitness credit repair through 1:1 consultations," shared Jihan Hanna. “Their dedication and success make Homewise a valuable asset to our real estate community, enhancing opportunities for homeownership and community development.”

More than a lender, Homewise is a full-spectrum support system. They assist clients with everything from credit building and budgeting to securing down payment assistance and finding a home. Their in-house brokers, mortgage lenders, and advisors work collaboratively, but they also welcome partnerships with outside REALTORS® —about one-third of their transactions involve outside brokers.

"Wow! Homewise offers a lot," declared Sam Ybanez. "They want to help people achieve the dream of homeownership, with the goal to improve their long-term financial goals and build stronger communities. Offering free classes on financial fitness or homebuying is essential to building a stronger community and building generational wealth. One program that is worth noting is the Credit Building Savings Program."

Through Homewise's Credit Building Savings Program, JP Morgan Chase deposits $1,000 into an escrow account, which participants repay by saving $83.33 monthly for a year. Upon completing all deposits, they receive a 4:1 match, totaling $5,000, if used toward a home purchase. Otherwise, the match is 1:1. Homewise reports these savings as a loan to credit bureaus, helping participants build credit along the way.

Homewise offers three key real estate education courses—available in both Spanish and English—designed to guide individuals through every stage of the homeownership journey. “Financial Fitness” helps participants strengthen their credit and develop smart money habits; the “Home Buyer Education Course” prepares first-time buyers to navigate the purchasing process with confidence; and “New Home, Now What?” provides essential information for maintaining and managing a new home after closing.

Kelly Roda Taliaferro shares, " Interestingly, Homewise participants have an incredibly low delinquency rate of 1.6%. The average national rate for home loan delinquency is 3.5 to 4.5%. FHA delinquency rates are 4.5-5%. VA delinquency rates are 11%. Homewise credits this success rate to creating healthy loans combined with education."

Homewise Supports Business Development.

"They are not limited to just helping people purchase homes, they expand into helping people obtain the American dream of starting their own businesses, too! They can provide business loans for those aspiring to become business owners," said Katya Gomez. " Homewise has also worked its way into contributing to communities with spaces for business growth and development, like community kitchens. Homewise has put it all together to make it a one-stop shop for anyone aspiring to become a homeowner and/or business owner."

Why REALTORS® Should Pay Attention

"For REALTORS®, Homewise is an invaluable partner,” explained Cassandra Morrison. “By leveraging Homewise's services and expertise, REALTORS can help their clients achieve their homeownership dreams while contributing to the development of vibrant, sustainable communities."

From offering low down payment options with no PMI to ITIN-based loans and home improvement financing, Homewise presents creative solutions that extend far beyond what traditional banks can offer. Their approach also results in fewer delinquencies, with a loan default rate significantly below the national average, thanks to mandatory homebuyer education and post-purchase counseling.

Monica Martinez-McNeil emphasized, “They require classes so borrowers understand the responsibility they are taking on. If a borrower struggles, Homewise steps in to help them get back on track.”

"Homewise is an organization that realtors need to know about because it can help their clients begin the first step in homeownership," stated Minerva Rivas.

Serving the Underserved: The ITIN Mortgage Program

A standout feature of Homewise’s offerings is their mortgage program for ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number) holders—an option rarely available through traditional lenders.

"I frequently recommend it to my Spanish-speaking clients, many of whom use ITINs for their taxes,” shared Beatriz Hernandez. “Homewise allows my clients to purchase a home with as little as 10% down, compared to the 30% or more required by most traditional lenders. This program has opened doors to homeownership for immigrants, allowing them to build credit and take steps toward the American Dream.

What I appreciate most is how Homewise truly understands the unique challenges faced by these communities. It brings me so much joy to hand them the keys—you see them holding back tears, and then the biggest smiles on their loved ones' faces. That is the best part.”

Building Communities, Not Just Homes

“Homewise isn’t just about homes—it’s about community,” said Steve Palmer. “They operate art galleries, participate in local art walks, and even provide business loans and community kitchens in underserved neighborhoods.”

Carmen Cavnar shared that Homewise "also works to bridge the gap in affordability by partnering with builders and is currently developing a townhome community in Albuquerque." With plans underway for a 74-unit townhome project near 98th and Gibson, Homewise is actively creating affordable housing solutions that align with city and state initiatives. Karen Jimenez pointed out that Homewise services nearly all their loans locally, meaning clients always know who they’re working with from start to finish.

"Homewise is deeply invested in the community development right here in Albuquerque," said Sonya Oguin. "What a wonderful asset to our community!"

A Guiding Hand Toward Homeownership

Homewise supports buyers with unique needs, including those needing ITIN loans. “This, along with down payment assistance and non-commission-based real estate services, makes Homewise truly unique in the real estate landscape,” said Talia Freedman.

And beyond the numbers, Jenn Rodgers captured what many feel: “This is something to really be proud of in New Mexico. I can connect my clients who need help with credit issues or help with down payments. ”

A Partner in Real Estate and Community Impact

For REALTORS®, Homewise is more than a referral—it’s a partnership that opens doors. With education, financial tools, inclusive lending practices, and a commitment to community revitalization, Homewise is a game-changer for New Mexicans.

“Homewise helps our real estate community by providing buyers who may have never thought it possible the opportunity to purchase homes,” said Nicole Prill. “This allows us as REALTORS to help our clients achieve their dream of homeownership and in turn start them down the path of generational wealth.”

"Homewise New Mexico is more than just a nonprofit—it’s a game-changer for people who dream of owning a home but face financial obstacles,"  states Steve Palmer. 

Make Homewise part of your REALTOR® toolkit for supporting clients on their path to homeownership. Their wide range of programs and personalized support can help more of your clients overcome barriers and achieve long-term financial stability, while you remain their trusted guide throughout the transaction.

How to Connect with Homewise Albuquerque: