HOPER Borrower Assistance Program Overview
What is the HOPER Program?
The HOPER Program is a homeownership education and research initiative designed to help eligible homebuyers reduce the costs associated with purchasing a home while promoting energy efficiency and sustainable homeownership.
Eligible participants may qualify for incentives of up to $13,000, or up to 3.5% of the home purchase price, subject to program requirements, lender approval, and availability.
Participants complete homebuyer education requirements and pursue energy-efficiency improvements as part of the program.
HoperProgram.com is an independent informational website operated by John Backer, Mortgage Loan Originator with Sunstreet Lending and REALTOR® with SimpliH?M. This site provides general information about the HOPER Program and is not owned or operated by HOPER or Attainable Housing Advocates.
Key Benefits of the HOPER Program
- Financial Incentive: Eligible participants may qualify for up to $13,000, or up to 3.5% of the purchase price, to assist with approved home purchase expenses.
- Energy Efficiency: Pursue energy-efficiency improvements as part of your homeownership journey.
- Potential Energy Savings: Energy-efficient improvements may help reduce long-term utility costs.
- Education & Support: Complete homebuyer education and work with experienced professionals throughout the process.
Do You Qualify for the HOPER Program?
Eligibility depends on factors including your state, loan program, property type, lender participation, borrower qualifications, and completion of required education and energy-efficiency activities.
Contact John Backer to discuss your situation and learn whether the HOPER Program may be available for your home purchase.
Eligibility Requirements
- Desire to purchase or refinance an eligible primary residence.
- Program availability varies by state, lender participation, and loan program.
- Perfect credit is not required, but all applicants must meet applicable credit and underwriting guidelines.
- Complete required homebuyer education.
- Complete required energy-efficiency improvements as part of the program.
How the Program Works
- Pre-Approval: Speak with a participating mortgage professional to review your eligibility and financing options.
- Education: Complete the required homebuyer education program.
- Incentive: Eligible participants may qualify for incentives of up to $13,000, or up to 3.5% of the purchase price, toward approved home purchase expenses.
- Energy-Efficiency Improvements: Complete program requirements designed to promote long-term energy savings and sustainable homeownership.
- Closing: Work with your lender to determine how program earnings may be used in accordance with underwriting guidelines, lender policies, and regulatory requirements.
Why Work With John Backer?
John Backer brings a unique combination of mortgage, real estate, technology, and community experience to help homebuyers better understand their options.
- Mortgage Loan Originator with Sunstreet Lending
- REALTOR® with SimpliH?M
- Licensed mortgage professional in Arizona and Tennessee
- REALTOR® first licensed in 1992
- Over 30 years of technology and client-support experience
- Founder of HoperProgram.com and ConnectNeighbors.com
Not in Arizona or Tennessee?
No problem. HoperProgram.com provides general information about the HOPER Program nationwide. While John Backer is licensed in Arizona and Tennessee, we are happy to answer general questions and help connect you with mortgage professionals licensed in your state.
Wondering Whether You Qualify?
Call, text, or email John Backer to learn whether the HOPER Program may be a fit for your situation. We'll answer your questions, review your options, and help guide you through the next steps.
Important Program Disclosures:
Incentives, credits, or assistance described on this site, including the “up to $13,000” or 3.5% benefit, are subject to eligibility, program availability, lender approval, underwriting guidelines, and change without notice. Not all applicants will qualify. Program terms, conditions, and availability may vary based on borrower eligibility, property type, state, lender participation, and loan program selected.
This website provides general information about the HOPER Program based on publicly available information and materials provided by HOPER. Program requirements, benefits, and availability are determined by HOPER and participating lenders and are subject to change without notice.
HOPER is a socially innovative research organization. Research participants may earn 1099 income that is taxable to them. HOPER states that research participants may choose to use program earnings to help establish cash reserves after closing or to cover eligible closing costs above and beyond the participant's minimum statutory investment, subject to lender policies and applicable regulations.
HOPER is not a lender. Participants should consult with their lender regarding how program earnings may be used in accordance with applicable underwriting guidelines, lender policies, and regulatory requirements.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) do not approve or endorse private research organizations, and HOPER claims no such approval or endorsement.
HoperProgram.com is an independent informational website operated by John Backer, Mortgage Loan Originator with Sunstreet Lending. This website is not owned or operated by HOPER. For official program requirements, policies, and additional information, please visit hoper.org.
Accessibility Statement
View APM Accessibility Statement
Contact John Backer
John Backer
Mortgage Loan Originator | Sunstreet Lending
REALTOR® | SimpliH?M
NMLS #2745386
Office: 520.625.9493
Cell: 520.519.9449
Email: JBacker@SunstreetMortgage.com
Address: 180 W Continental Rd Ste 150, Green Valley, AZ 85622
Sunstreet Lending – A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS #1850
Branch NMLS #2413802 | AZ BK 0906702
Licensed by the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions
NMLS Consumer Access
© 2025 - 2026 American Pacific Mortgage Corporation. For informational purposes only. No guarantee of accuracy is expressed or implied. Programs shown may not include all options or pricing structures. Rates, terms, programs, eligibility requirements, and underwriting policies are subject to change without notice. This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to underwriting approval. Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity.