Brightpoint Home Advantage

About the Program Eligibility Get Started

About the Program

Expanding Homeownership Access

Brightpoint Development Fund has partnered with Midwest America Federal Credit Union to launch a pilot program, Brightpoint Home Advantage, that supports low- to moderate-income homebuyers. The program helps borrowers who face barriers accessing traditional mortgage loans due to credit challenges or limited access to capital.

Program Highlights

  • Loans up to $225,000 for purchase of a primary residence.
  • Up to 100% financing of appraised value (and up to 105% if funds are used for approved home improvements).
  • At least 84% of loans made in Allen County to support local homeownership.
  • Borrowers set up autopay for loan repayment with competitive interest terms.

Why This Matters

Brightpoint Home Advantage addresses the mortgage gap that prevents many credit-worthy buyers from securing traditional financing, applies innovative community capital — including New Market Tax Credit funding — to expand access to home loans, and supports neighborhood stability, equity, and long-term wealth building through homeownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligible applicants are individuals referred by Brightpoint who are seeking to purchase a primary residence and who meet MidWest America Federal Credit Union’s underwriting guidelines. Applicants must meet income, credit, and affordability requirements and complete required homebuyer counseling.

Yes. Household income may not exceed 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). Current limits include:

    1. $73,900 for a one‑person household (Fort Wayne MSA)
    2. $84,500 for a two‑person household (Fort Wayne MSA)
      Income limits are based on household size and location.

Applicants must be legally able to enter into a mortgage agreement and must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or non‑permanent residents with a valid work visa. Household size is considered only for income qualification purposes.

A past eviction or criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant. All applications are evaluated individually based on creditworthiness, income stability, and overall readiness for homeownership.

The home being purchased must be located in Indiana. At least 84% of loans are reserved for homes in Allen County, with up to 16% available statewide.

The minimum credit score is 580. Applicants with lower scores may be eligible after completing credit counseling arranged by Brightpoint. In some cases, non‑traditional credit (such as rent, utilities, or insurance payments) may be considered.

Eligibility

Who We Serve

Prospective homebuyers in Allen County, Indiana, and surrounding areas (Adams, DeKalb, Elkhart, Fulton, Grant, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Marshall, Miami, Noble, St. Joseph, Steuben, Wabash, Wells, and Whitley County).

Eligibility

  • People with credit scores of 580 or higher and manageable debt-to-income ratios and at least $1,500 available for closing costs
  • Individuals and families who may not qualify for conventional mortgages but are ready for homeownership

More Information

How it Works

A special Reserve Account — funded with $500,000 from Fort Wayne New Market Tax Credit LLC and $100,000 from Brightpoint — supports loan guaranty capacity to unlock expanded lending. This program was designed to strengthen responsible home financing options and improve access to sustainable homeownership.

  • Brightpoint identifies, educates, and refers eligible homebuyers to Midwest America Federal Credit Union for underwriting and loan approval.
  • Midwest America Federal Credit Union reviews, approves, funds, and services the loans.
  • Brightpoint guarantees 90% of any deficiency in the event of default, strengthening lender confidence and increasing access to credit.
  • Strong compliance and data protection standards are upheld by both partners.

Get Started

Apply Here (Coming soon!) or contact Brightpoint to learn more. Program staff will guide prospects through eligibility, next steps, and referral to Midwest America Federal Credit Union.

Please view our list of frequently asked questions for additional information.

Contact Us

For more information about Brightpoint Home Advantage, call Brightpoint at (260) 423-3546 or email ced@mybrightpoint.org. Program staff will respond within 3–5 business days to discuss eligibility and support options.

Contact Us

Thank You to our Partners!