'I work a lot with first-time home buyers, and accessibility is a key issue for me'
For many first-time home buyers, homeownership feels like an unattainable dream due to financial barriers and lack of accessible information. Research from Bankrate found that while 74% of adults in the US believe owning a home is part of the American dream, just 32% of the market sales in 2023 were driven by first-time buyers.
Martin De La Garza (pictured), of Motto Mortgage Best Life, is on a mission to change that statistic by leveraging down-payment assistance (DPA) programs and USDA loans to help buyers navigate the path to homeownership. And, with his unique background and commitment to accessibility, De La Garza is breaking down barriers in an industry where many feel left behind.
"I work a lot with first-time homebuyers, and accessibility is a key issue for me," De La Garza told MPA. "Growing up, my parents never had the opportunity to own a home due to financial hardships and a lack of information. We rented in lower Oklahoma, and the idea of owning a home seemed out of reach. Now, I make it my mission to provide accessible information to those who, like my family, simply didn’t know where to start."
One of the biggest misconceptions De La Garza encounters is the belief that buyers must have a 20% down payment to purchase a home.
"To this day, I run into first-time buyers who think they need 20% down. The reality is, they don’t. Programs like USDA loans offer 100% financing, and DPA programs can cover a significant portion of upfront costs," he said. "It's about making sure people know these resources exist and guiding them through the process."
Through Motto Mortgage, De La Garza offers educational materials in multiple formats. "We have videos, branded materials, and other resources, but I like to take it a step further,” he said. “I’m fluent in Spanish and proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), which allows me to bridge communication gaps and ensure people truly understand their options.
“I quickly realized how difficult it can be for Deaf individuals to access essential information about homeownership. ASL has its own grammar and structure – it’s a visual language, not just English in hand gestures. That’s why I make it a priority to explain things in ASL and create digestible content tailored to their needs.”
Leveraging USDA loans in rural communities
USDA loans provide a powerful opportunity for rural homebuyers, offering 100% financing with minimal upfront costs. As someone who serves all of Oklahoma, De La Garza sees firsthand how these programs transform lives.
"A lot of communities here qualify for USDA loans, and many buyers don’t even realize they’re eligible,” he said. “It’s a fantastic product because it eliminates the biggest hurdle – down payment costs. I've worked with buyers who had less than $2,000 in their account, yet we were able to get them into a home thanks to seller concessions and USDA benefits."
De La Garza’s position as a broker allows him to work with multiple lenders, each with different underwriting guidelines and credit score requirements. "Some lenders require a minimum credit score of 600, while others go as low as 550,” he said. “By having access to different lending options, I can find the best fit for my clients, ensuring they have every possible opportunity to qualify."
Building stronger communities through homeownership
Beyond individual success stories, De La Garza believes that DPA and USDA programs play a crucial role in strengthening entire communities.
"I work with many buyers who have been turned down before due to financial struggles or poor credit history. When they finally secure financing through these programs, it’s life-changing. They take pride in their homes, invest in their neighborhoods, and build generational wealth," he said.
In small towns, the impact is especially profound. "We look out for each other in these communities. When someone becomes a homeowner, they inspire others to do the same. A well-maintained home encourages neighbors to invest in their properties, and that strengthens the entire town."
The need for policy enhancements
While existing DPA and USDA programs are valuable, De La Garza believes policymakers and industry leaders can do more to enhance accessibility.
"We need to expand eligibility criteria and increase funding for DPA programs,” he said. “Many buyers barely miss the income cutoff and are left without assistance. More targeted outreach is also necessary. People don’t know these programs exist, and we need to be proactive in educating them through multilingual and accessible resources."
For De La Garza, the mission is clear: "Homeownership shouldn’t be a privilege – it should be a possibility for everyone. By breaking language barriers, dispelling myths, and connecting people with the right programs, we can make that a reality."
