Awards and Honors, Business

Down Payment Resource’s Veronica Khandelwal named to National Mortgage Professional’s 2024 Women of Inspiration list

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that Vice President, Housing Finance Authority (HFA) Relations, Veronica Khandelwal, has been named to the 2024 Women of Inspiration list by National Mortgage Professional, an American Business Media publication.

Khandelwal combines her passion for affordable lending with broad mortgage product development experience to help lenders connect consumers with homebuyer assistance programs nationwide. She was brought on by DPR to manage its HFA relationships, and she has since been promoted twice for her exemplary leadership. More recently, Khandelwal has helped hire, train and manage DPA and HFA experts dedicated to taking the industry-first homebuyer assistance platform to the next level, nearly doubling the size of the team.

Prior to Down Payment Resource, Khandelwal worked in mortgage product development at Fifth Third Bank, where she was the go-to subject matter expert for all affordable lending programs.

"We are extremely proud of Veronica and agree wholeheartedly that she's an exemplary woman of influence on many fronts," said Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource. "Her passion for helping historically underserved homebuyers is only matched by her passion for helping lenders uplift buyers by training them on programs designed to help consumers afford the upfront costs of a mortgage loan - one of the most significant financial barriers to homeownership."

"Being recognized on the Women of Inspiration list is a profound honor and a testament to the collective effort of our team at Down Payment Resource," said Khandelwal. "This accolade not only highlights my personal commitment to making homeownership more accessible but also shines a light on the importance of affordable lending programs in empowering consumers and transforming lives. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this mission and to be part of a movement that champions inclusion and equality in the mortgage industry. Together, we are breaking down barriers to homeownership and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future."

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business, RISMedia Newsmaker

Down Payment Resource CEO Rob Chrane honored as 2024 RISMedia Newsmaker

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that its Founder and CEO Rob Chrane has been named a RISMedia 2024 Real Estate Newsmaker. Newsmakers are recognized for their contributions to the real estate industry and their efforts to positively impact the consumers and communities they serve.

Chrane was honored in the Crusader category for his relentless commitment to "championing a better way." By developing technology that helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, he has profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals and families striving to achieve homeownership.

Chrane is a 30-year veteran of the housing industry. In 2008, he founded DPR to help people clear the largest hurdle to their homeownership dreams: down payment and closing costs. With his team, Chrane has built the only comprehensive database of homebuyer assistance programs in the nation. To date, DPR has connected more than 6 million unique users with homebuyer assistance program information.

"Sustainable homeownership feels out of reach for many, especially those in underserved communities," said Chrane. "Connecting potential homebuyers with lenders and programs that can help them build wealth and stability is one of the most fulfilling goals I have chased, and I look forward to continuing to support equitable homeownership across the country."

"From the creativity and innovation being implemented through the shifting and challenging 2023 market, to industry records being broken, to the wonderful charitable work being done across the nation, we continue to be amazed by the ingenuity and success of these real estate professionals," said John Featherston, founder, CEO and publisher of RISMedia.

To learn more about RIS Media's 2024 Newsmakers, visit https://www.rismedia.com/newsmaker/rob-chrane-2024/

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

X/Twitter: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business, Housing and Education Alliance, Real Estate

Down Payment Resource presents Housing and Education Alliance Founder and Executive Director Sylvia Alvarez with 2023 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it selected Sylvia Alvarez, founder and executive director of Housing and Education Alliance (HEA), as the winner of its 2023 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award.

Now in its sixth year, the Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award recognizes an individual or organization that has exhibited a steadfast commitment to expanding access to affordable homeownership. DPR created the award program in memory of one of its first employees, Beverly Faull, for her wholehearted dedication to the company's mission to improve access to homebuyer assistance programs.

Long-time housing advocate and HUD-certified Housing Counselor Alvarez founded HEA in 2002 to serve residents of Tampa Bay, Fla. HEA has delivered more than $126 million in down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income (LMI) families in support of 12,000+ home purchases. The non-profit has received many awards including the coveted "NonProfit of the Year" through PBS's national program the Be More Awards.

Alvarez is a highly respected housing advocate and has worked with the U.S. Treasury, HUD, the Department of Agriculture and has been invited to the White House six times to consult on housing issues. She is the co-author of The American Nightmare: Strategies for Preventing, Surviving and Overcoming Foreclosure, which chronicles both the judicial and non-judicial processes, phases, options and consequences of foreclosure and how homeowners can rebuild their credit to purchase a home again. Alvarez has become an advocate and voice for homeless families and is frequently interviewed in local and national media on housing issues.

"We have been a proud partner and admirer of HEA for many years and look toward a brighter future in working together to help even more Tampa families become homeowners," said DPR CEO Rob Chrane. "I see a lot of Beverly [Faull] in Sylvia's determination and leadership style. We are thrilled to recognize her in Beverley's memory."

"I am honored DPR has recognized our efforts to help more than 55,000 Tampa Bay residents secure affordable housing. Our team has been passionate about this issue for more than two decades and continues to help LMI renters in Tampa make the move to homeownership to start to create generational wealth," Alvarez said. "We will continue to work hard to help every deserving applicant have a place to call home."

In recognition of Alvarez's achievements, DPR will make a $5,000 donation to HEA.

To learn more about HEA, visit https://www.heausa.org/.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents.

For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business

FormFree celebrates its 10th appearance on the HousingWire Tech100

ATHENS, Ga. -- FormFree® today announced it has been honored as a HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage award winner for a tenth year. The fintech was recognized for the launch of its Residual Knowledge Income Index(tm) (RIKI(tm)), an innovative method for measuring consumers' ability to pay for mortgages and other loans based on cash-flow analysis.

RIKI offers lenders a more complete understanding of a loan applicant's borrowing capacity than traditional credit scores alone, making it possible for lenders to evaluate default risk and extend financing to homebuyers with little to no credit history. By downloading FormFree's Passport Wallet® app, consumers can view their real-time ability to pay, including their RIKI, and connect with home, auto and personal lenders on FormFree Exchange (FFX®), a marketplace that connects lenders with the high-intent, financially vetted borrowers who need them.

"While traditional credit scoring is a valuable resource, we want to ensure lenders have every scrap of data they need to make the right call on any given loan application," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler. "By supplementing credit history with granular detail around a borrower's monthly income and expenditures, we empower lenders to provide financing to underserved markets while managing risk. It's an honor to have our efforts recognized as a part of the HousingWire Tech100."

"The technology capabilities and solutions that this year's Tech100 winning organizations have developed are an absolute testament to the relentless innovation within the real estate and mortgage technology landscape," HW Media Editor-in-Chief Sarah Wheeler said. "These past few years have been transformative for the industry, and these honorees are continuing to bring long-awaited solutions to the challenges that mortgage and real estate professionals have struggled with for decades. Congratulations to all the deserving winners for their outstanding contributions to our ever-evolving industry."

Now in its 12th year, HousingWire's Tech100 program recognizes tmpactful and innovative organizations whose technology solutions are driving efficiency, transparency and accessibility across the housing industry. Learn more about the HousingWire Tech100 and view FormFree's full company profile here: https://www.housingwire.com/company-profile/formfree-4/

About FormFree®

FormFree empowers consumers to understand their ability to pay and share it with lenders like never before. Using FormFree's Passport Wallet® app, consumers can share all the core financial data required by loan underwriters - including identity, assets, income, employment, credit history and cash-flow data - in seconds. Once consumers are ready to transact, they can anonymously share their data on the FormFree Exchange (FFX) and receive immediate offers from a marketplace of lenders who fully understand their ability to pay, residual income and eligibility for down payment assistance and inclusive lending programs. For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Divergent CRO, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Product Launches

Divergent CRO Announces Launch of New Contract Research Organization

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Divergent CRO, a leading provider of clinical services to biotech and device companies, is pleased to announce the official launch of its new Contract Research Organization (CRO). This new venture aims to revolutionize the research and development process by offering comprehensive and tailored clinical services to meet the unique needs of the biotech and device industries.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Divergent CRO provides a wide range of services, including clinical trial management, regulatory affairs, data management, biostatistics, and medical writing. By leveraging our extensive expertise, we are dedicated to helping our clients accelerate the development of innovative biopharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Our team of highly skilled professionals, including experienced clinical researchers, project managers, and regulatory specialists, is dedicated to delivering the highest standards of quality and efficiency throughout each stage of the clinical trial process. We understand the challenges faced by biotech and device companies and are committed to providing flexible and cost-effective solutions to meet their specific needs.

Divergent CRO is equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure to ensure the smooth execution of clinical trials. Our advanced data management systems and secure facilities ensure the confidentiality and integrity of study data, while our robust quality assurance processes guarantee compliance with regulatory requirements.

"We are thrilled to launch our new Contract Research Organization and partner with biotech and device companies to advance the development of life-changing therapies," said Divergent CRO's Owner-Partners. "Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results and providing the highest level of service to our clients. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we are confident that we can make a significant impact on the success of their clinical programs."

Divergent CRO is now accepting inquiries and is available to discuss collaboration opportunities with biotech and device companies seeking to enhance their clinical research capabilities.

For more information, please visit Divergentcro.com or contact our business development team at Customerservice@divergentcro.com or (888) 342-1447.

About Divergent CRO:

Divergent CRO is a leading provider of clinical services to biotech and device companies. With a focus on innovation and quality, we strive to accelerate the development of life-changing therapies through our comprehensive and tailored clinical services. We thrive on leaving our clients and patients satisfied by improving human health and wellness. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional results and providing the highest level of service to our clients. At Divergent CRO, we don't just manage clinical trials; we craft personalized solutions, striving to be the difference by transforming challenges into triumphs in the pursuit of groundbreaking healthcare innovation.

Learn more at: https://divergentcro.com/

Social Links:

LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/divergentcro/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divergent.cro/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divergentcro1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DivergentCRO

Featured Podcasts:

The Jali Podcast - Melyssa Barrett/DivergentCRO - https://melyssabarrett.com/the-jali-podcast/

Episode Thirty-one - AMY HUTTO, PRODUCTIVITY COACH - https://amyhutto.com/podcast/s1ep30

Related link: https://divergentcro.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, down payment assistance, housing equity, Reports and Studies

Down Payment Resource reports 135 homebuyer assistance programs were introduced in 2023 to combat the least affordable housing market in decades

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, today released its Q4 2023 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report. During a year when home affordability hit a nearly four-decade low, housing agencies introduced 135 homebuyer assistance programs and expanded eligible inventory to make homeownership more accessible.

"As the housing market grappled with historic affordability challenges in 2023, our HPI report reveals a critical response: the introduction of 135 innovative homebuyer assistance programs - a six-percent increase over the previous year. This surge in programs, which now totals 2,294 nationwide, represents a concerted effort by housing agencies to expand opportunities and break down barriers to homeownership," said Rob Chrane, Founder and CEO of DPR. "With a significant increase in programs for manufactured homes, multi-family properties, and specific buyer demographics like service members and Native Americans, this year's report underscores a growing commitment to diversify housing solutions and empower a broader spectrum of aspiring homeowners."

Key HPI Report Findings

An examination of the existing 2,294 homebuyer assistance programs on January 8, 2024, resulted in the following key findings:

* 804 programs allow for the purchase of a manufactured home, up 20% from the previous year. Housing agencies are expanding program eligibility to include more property types. Manufactured housing has a lower entry point than other types of homes and is helping many buyers get their foot in the door. DPR expects to see the number of programs that allow for manufactured housing continue to grow.

* 686 programs allow for the purchase of a multi-family property, up 8% from the previous year. Using DPA to purchase a multi-family property has become increasingly popular. This allows people to become homebuyers as well as investors - a strategy that has been called "house hacking" in recent years. In addition to completing a homebuyer education class, borrowers purchasing a multi-family home with homebuyer assistance typically have to go through classes on being a landlord to ensure long-term sustainability.

* 448 programs are funded by state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs), up 2% from the previous year. Programs from state HFAs account for 20% of all programs.

- 86 programs are offered through Florida's State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), up 12 programs from Q4 2022. Florida Housing's SHIP program funds are distributed on an entitlement basis to all 67 counties and 55 Community Development Block Grant entitlement cities in Florida. SHIP dollars may be used to fund emergency repairs, new construction, rehabilitation, down payment and closing cost assistance, impact fees, construction and gap financing, mortgage buy-downs, acquisition of property for affordable housing, matching dollars for federal housing grants and programs, and homeownership counseling.

* 922 programs are available through municipalities, up 5% from the previous year. There has been steady growth in programs from municipalities, especially states with high home prices like California, where many homebuyers struggle with affordability.

* 475 DPA programs are available through nonprofits, up 15% from the previous year.

* 194 programs are "incentive" programs, meaning they target a segment of homebuyers by profession or ethnicity. In Q4 2023, there was a 47% increase in programs YoY for service members and Veterans and a 13% increase in programs targeting Native American homebuyers.

A more detailed analysis of the Q4 2023 HPI findings, including infographics and examples of the programs described in this release, can be found on DPR's website at: https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/the-down-payment-resource-q4-2023-homeownership-program-index-report/.

For a complete list of homebuyer assistance programs by state, visit: https://downpaymentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HPI-state-by-state-data.Q42023.pdf.

Methodology

Published quarterly, DPR's HPI surveys the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs administered by state and local housing finance agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. DPR communicates with over 1,300 program providers throughout the year to track and update the country's wide range of homeownership programs, including down payment and closing cost programs, Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) and affordable first mortgages, in the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business

Down Payment Resource’s Executive Vice President Sean Moss honored in National Mortgage Professional’s 2024 Industry Titans awards program

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced its Executive Vice President of Product and Operations Sean Moss has been selected as an Industry Titan by National Mortgage Professional (NMP) magazine. The award recognizes experienced professionals who show exceptional dedication, compassion and integrity who are improving the mortgage industry for both industry professionals and the clients they serve.

NMP recognized Moss for more than a decade of dedication to making homeownership possible for low-to-moderate income (LMI) homebuyers. Moss guides DPR to simplify, standardize and expand access to important but underutilized homebuyer assistance programs, including down payment assistance (DPA). With his laser focus on evolving DPR's products to empower professionals and homebuyers nationwide, Moss embodies the compassion and advocacy of an Industry Titan.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized as an Industry Titan by National Mortgage Professional magazine. This accolade is not just a reflection of my personal commitment, but it is a testament to the collective efforts of our team at Down Payment Resource," said Moss. "Our mission has always been to make homeownership more accessible, especially for low-to-moderate income families. By simplifying and expanding access to homebuyer assistance programs, we are not just offering financial solutions but are empowering dreams and building stronger communities. I am proud of the impact we've made and am excited to continue our work in revolutionizing the housing industry for the betterment of homebuyers and professionals alike."

Sean Moss has more than 18 years of experience in the real estate and finance industry. As DPR's executive vice president of product and operations, Moss oversees product strategy and development and collaborates with customers and partners to implement new solutions for affordable lending challenges. DPR keeps tabs on every homebuyer assistance program in the country by communicating with over 1,300 program providers year-round and keeping more than 2,200 programs up to date in its DPA Directory.

The full list of 2024 Industry Titans honorees can be viewed on the National Mortgage Professional website.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Insurance, National Life Group, olympian Chaunte Lowe

Alliance Group and Four-Time Olympian Chaunté Lowe Join Forces for 2024 Living Benefits Awareness Month, National Life Group Joins as Co-Sponsor

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- Alliance Group, a leading IMO in the insurance industry, is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with four-time Olympian and American high jump record holder, Chaunté Lowe, for Living Benefits Awareness Month (LBAM) in January 2024. In a demonstration of their shared commitment to spreading consumer awareness about Living Benefits, National Life Group has also stepped in as a co-sponsor of this pivotal event.

Living Benefits Awareness Month serves as a vital platform to underscore the significance of Living Benefits insurance policies, emphasizing the importance of consumers having Living Benefits features built into their life insurance policies that allow access while they're still living if they suffer a covered critical illness, critical injury, or chronic illness. Alliance Group, in conjunction with Chaunté Lowe, is proud to introduce her as the official spokesperson for LBAM, adding a new dimension to this important cause.

Chaunté Lowe boasts an impressive athletic career, with four Olympic Games appearances, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in American high jumping history. Beyond her sporting achievements, Chaunté is a symbol of unwavering determination and resilience. In 2019, she courageously faced and overcame breast cancer, a testament to her remarkable strength. Chaunté's Living Benefits policy, which she had put in place just two years prior to her diagnosis, provided her a "shining ray of light and hope" in knowing that her policy would provide an additional layer of financial security during her cancer battle.

"When I was offered this opportunity to have a platform to share the importance of owning Living Benefits, I was so excited to get started," said Lowe. "Every family, business, or person who can qualify for them must know what Living Benefits are and how they bring financial protection against life's most difficult health challenges. I'm talking about real cash money in your hands, during the crisis when you need it most. I'm so proud to join Alliance Group in this campaign to get the message of Living Benefits Awareness out there."

Alliance Group, in its seventh annual LBAM, is taking the event to new heights by featuring Chaunté Lowe in an engaging social media campaign. Alongside this, the company will unveil a host of shareable videos, all showcasing Chaunté's inspirational career, cancer battle, and passion as the first-ever LBAM spokesperson. Comprehensive customizable websites, email campaigns and a suite of resources are being made available to Alliance Group's partnered independent life insurance agents and agencies, empowering them to actively participate in LBAM throughout January to spread the word.

"Chaunté Lowe's extraordinary journey, from her remarkable sporting career to her triumphant battle against breast cancer, makes her the ideal ambassador for Living Benefits Awareness Month," noted Samuel Howe, CMO at Alliance Group. "We are thrilled to have Chaunté as our official spokesperson and are grateful to National Life Group for their invaluable support in making this partnership a reality. Together, we are dedicated to highlighting the importance of Living Benefits insurance, ensuring individuals and families are better prepared for life's unexpected challenges."

National Life Group is equally enthusiastic about co-sponsoring this initiative. "Since 1848, National Life Group's mission has been to bring peace of mind to our policy holders and their families," shared Matt Frazee, EVP/CMO, National Life Group. "We've always believed that life insurance should offer more than the expected, and we're excited to join Alliance in helping to shine a light on the power of life insurance with Living Benefits."

For further details about Living Benefits and LBAM, visit https://livingbenefits101.com/.

About Alliance Group:

As "The Living Benefits IMO," Alliance Group provides independent agents and agencies across the United States with superior marketing and training solutions. Since 1998, Alliance Group has been helping its partners spread awareness about Living Benefits life insurance, while also helping them solve their clients' puzzles regarding tax-free retirement, mortgage protection, small business planning, estate planning needs, and more. More information about Alliance Group and its services can be found at https://www.alliancegrouplife.com/.

About National Life Group:

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, founded in Montpelier, Vermont, in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, Texas, chartered in 1955, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York.

Living Benefits are provided by riders, which are supplemental benefits that can be added to a life insurance policy and are not suitable unless you also have a need for life insurance. Riders are optional, may require additional premium and may not be available in all states or on all products. This is not a solicitation of any specific insurance policy. All policies are subject to their specific terms and conditions.

Related link: https://www.AllianceGroupLife.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Advertising and Marketing, Business

Depth 2023 growth drives key hires in strategic marketing and content development as residential mortgage and real estate industries poise for reboot

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies in the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech), real estate technology (REtech) and related regulatory technology (regtech) industries, will close 2023 with a significantly larger internal team and client roster in anticipation of continued rebound for mortgage and real estate volume.

The Georgia-based agency welcomed three new team members in the second half of 2023:

* Adria Riley, client services manager, joined Depth in December after a six-year role as marketing design specialist for mortgage document prep vendor International Document Services (acquired by Wolters Kluwer in 2022).

* Senior Content Writer Laura Lang joined Depth in August, bringing more than 35 years' experience as a writer, including 15 years in the mortgage industry with roles at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

* Roxanne Greeson, Depth's operations engineer and problem solver extraordinaire, joined the team officially after nine years of behind-the-scenes support, spearheading the firm's internal systems and client collaboration platforms.

In addition, Depth announced the promotions of Lindsey Neal and Leslie Colley to executive vice president in October.

"2023 has been a serendipitous year for our firm," said Depth President and Founder Kerri Milam. "We added several new clients, often intersecting again with businesses and business leaders we've served over the last 17 years - each of them eager to have a strategically meaningful impact on their industry. When we hire, we make their needs a priority. We've been fortunate this year to find exceptional, versatile personnel with applicable expertise, including strong backgrounds in fintech, mortgage lending, REtech and real estate transactions to deepen and broaden our services."

Depth has worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the fintechs driving the modernization and digitization of housing finance since its founding in 2006. Since adding several new clients in 2023, the firm now serves almost two dozen technology trailblazers and services innovators spanning grassroots, family-financed startups to global, publicly traded enterprises.

"Our focus on doing business in a truly client-centric way is validated by the value our clients place on our services, even during off-cycle years," said Milam. "I attribute our success this year both to our far-sighted clients and our disciplined client-first approach. For that, we have our staff to thank and recognize."

About Depth:

Depth is a leading independent provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industries. Since 2006, the firm has represented a clientele of established and emerging brands serving mortgage lenders, mortgage servicers, real estate professionals and appraisers. Depth is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. A woman-owned business, Depth is a member and supporter of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Housing Finance Strategies and The Mortgage Collaborative.

For more information, visit https://depthpr.com/

Related link: https://www.DepthPR.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Alliances and Partnerships, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Business, Real Estate

Down Payment Resource donates $10,000 to help an Atlantan buy a home this holiday season

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced a $10,000 donation to the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership to be used as a grant to help an eligible homebuyer working with the local nonprofit housing agency.

"Atlanta is ranked first in home price appreciation (68.6%) and fourth in rent increases (30%) according to data reported by the Atlanta Regional Commission data, factors that make it even harder for first-time homebuyers to get their foot in the door," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "We are proud to partner with ANDP to help a local homebuyer have a homeownership stake in their community. We want to do all we can to tip the scales in favor of homeownership, particularly among traditionally underserved buyers."

ANDP develops, finances, and advocates for affordable housing that promotes racial equity and healthy communities where families thrive. The grant funded by DPR is intended for a buyer whose income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) and not receiving additional financial assistance from ANDP. The funds can be used for down payment or closing costs (including a rate buydown) on the purchase of an ANDP property.

"We are pleased to receive donations year-round, but there's something special about gifts received during the holidays that just makes this gift very special. We appreciate the ongoing support of DPR, especially in these times when buying a home may seem out of reach for many," said John O'Callaghan, president and CEO of ANDP. "Gifts like these restore hope for our clients and help them take that all-important step toward building generational wealth through homeownership."

About ANDP:

ANDP was created in 1991 as a result of the merger of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber of Commerce's Housing Resource Center and the Atlanta Economic Development Corporation's Neighborhood Development Department. The impetus for ANDP's creation was to address the diminishing supply of affordable housing in the Metropolitan Atlanta region as well as to help reclaim declining neighborhoods in its core. Throughout its history, ANDP has supported the creation of more than 11,000 units of housing for people of low-to-moderate incomes. For more information, visit the ANDP Homes website.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022