There is a lot of attention paid to the home buyers who are sitting on the fence. They may be the consumers who have their pre-approval letter in hand waiting for that great deal. They may be the determined minority who won't settle for less and have the money in the bank to sit and wait for "the house of their dreams".

And then there are the rest....those wannabe first time home buyers, those renters who are yearning for homeownership but are uncertain that they can attain a dream they consider to be impossible. Then take into account all the news surrounding subprime mortgages and mortgage programs going by the wayside. And if you are a renter, or a young Gen Y'er looking to break into the homeownership market, do you really understand what an increase in FHA limits means? Will that truly help your personal experience?

I have a unique angle. I am able to look thru this first time home buyer lens as a renter, as a past homeowner, as a woman with a family, as a single mom, and as a minority. I have to tell you that the consumers you think may have a shot at homeownership, do not believe they have a chance at it.

I invite you, real estate agent or mortgage lender to discuss the local first time home buyer programs you are aware of in the comments section of my post. Please be as descriptive as possible and speak in terms that real people can understand (I only say this through my own trial and error, mainly error, with the transition from legal speak to mainstream understanding).

Feel at ease to add hyperlinks to your website page where a consumer can find out more information. Bold face a number where they can speak to you personally. I am wholeheartedly encouraging self-promotion with one condition. That you only know about the topic with which you speak.

This post is for consumers, from a consumer who happens to work in the industry. With one burning question, "Can a reanter really get a mortgage?". Share your local knowlege and help the homeownership movement.