If you work with first-time buyers in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida or Georgia, you have probably heard the same question more than once: “How am I supposed to afford all of this?” MAXPower 5 for realtors is a simple way to give those buyers one more option to explore, and to explain it clearly without overpromising.
This MAXPower 5 for realtors guide walks through how to position the program with your buyers, which properties and buyers may be a fit, and when to hand the conversation to me for a full program review.
What MAXPower 5 for Realtors Really Means
MAXPower 5 (MP5) is a social innovation research program that pairs FHA financing with financial education, mentorship, potential earned income and a homeowner-owned financed solar system. It is administered by Attainable Housing Advocates (The AHA Group) and offered exclusively through Max Mortgage, LLC.
Here is the part your buyers need to hear first: MAXPower 5 is not a down payment assistance program, and it is not a grant. It is a research program with real participation commitments. Thinking about MAXPower 5 for realtors this way helps you set the right expectations from the very first showing.
The program has four parts:
- Education: financial education completed before closing
- Earnings: potential earned income under program rules
- Solar: financing review for an eligible solar installation
- Follow-through: mentoring and follow-up surveys
Why Your Buyers May Care About the Potential 5%
Approved participants may qualify to earn 5% of the purchase price, capped at $16,000. It is not guaranteed, and approval determines timing, use and eligibility.
For illustration only, not a loan quote: a $200,000 home could mean a potential $10,000, a $250,000 home a potential $12,500, and a home at $320,000 or more reaches the $16,000 cap.
Subject to program approval and lender rules, the potential earned income may be applied toward several uses:
- Down payment
- Eligible closing costs
- An interest rate buydown
- Paying off other liabilities or paying down debt
- Reserves to rebuild savings
Because it can serve several purposes, MP5 is still not a down payment assistance program. It is also not automatic cash to close. FHA funds-to-close rules still apply, and buyers must show 3.5% of their own funds available (gift funds allowed).
7 Simple Tips: Positioning MAXPower 5 for Realtors and Their Buyers
Most agents tell me they want a clear, compliant way to bring this up. These seven tips make MAXPower 5 for realtors easy to use in real conversations.
1. Lead with the comparison, not the money
Frame MP5 as an option to compare against standard FHA. Buyers respond well to “let’s see both side by side” instead of a headline number, which is the heart of MAXPower 5 for realtors.
2. Use hedged language every time
Say “may qualify,” “potential” and “subject to program approval.” Avoid “free money,” “you will get” or any dollar promise. Using MAXPower 5 for realtors language this way protects you and your buyer.
3. Screen the property early
Condominiums are not eligible, and the home needs to be suitable for a solar installation. Roof condition and orientation matter, so flag them before your buyer falls in love with a listing.
4. Mention the 640 credit minimum
The minimum credit score is 640. If a buyer is close, a program review can help map out next steps. Knowing this cutoff is a big part of MAXPower 5 for realtors.
5. Remind buyers they still need their own funds
Buyers must show 3.5% of their own funds available, even if those funds are not all needed at closing. Gift funds are allowed.
6. Explain the commitments up front
Participants complete about 4 to 6 hours of financial education before closing ($149) and about 9 hours of mentorship after closing ($99), plus two surveys per year for five years. Buyers who know this early are better participants.
7. Hand off for a program review
Your job is to spot a possible fit. My job is the eligibility review. Send buyers my way and I will walk them through both options.
How the Solar Piece Works for Buyers
MP5 uses the FHA Solar and Wind Technology (SWT) policy. The home and the solar system are combined into one loan, allowing up to 120% LTV, with no change to the appraisal or down payment amount. The system is owned free and clear, with no solar lease, no UCC-1 filing and no second lien. You can read more about FHA programs at HUD’s Office of Housing.
Here is a monthly cost illustration from the program materials. Standard FHA: $2,000 mortgage plus a $300 electric bill, for $2,300 combined. FHA + MP5: $2,200 mortgage plus a $100 electric bill, for $2,300 combined. Illustration only, not a loan quote or savings estimate. Solar financing may increase the mortgage payment; actual utility costs and savings vary.
For Texas buyers dealing with long, hot summers, this side-by-side view of mortgage plus energy cost is often what makes the conversation click. The same review applies in every eligible state, so MAXPower 5 for realtors works the same way in Georgia or Florida as it does in Texas.
Who Fits MAXPower 5 for Realtors’ Buyer Lists
When you think through MAXPower 5 for realtors, picture these buyers:
- First-time homebuyers who want clear options and education
- Budget-minded FHA buyers weighing mortgage and energy costs together
- Buyers who want to compare standard FHA vs. MAXPower 5 before deciding
- Buyers purchasing in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida or Georgia
Occupancy and home type must qualify, and FHA solar calculations and loan limits apply. Every program and lender criterion must be verified. No one-size-fits-all promises. Your individual loan and program review comes first.
The Four-Step Process Your Buyers Will Follow
- Connect: the buyer contacts me to talk about goals
- Explore: a personalized review of FHA and MP5 eligibility
- Verify: we review the home, solar feasibility, program rules and documents
- Compare: monthly costs, cash to close, timing and responsibilities
Keeping MAXPower 5 for realtors this simple means your buyer always knows what comes next. You can share our program page at maxxla.com/mp5 so buyers can read along.
One note for agents: MP5 involves no realtor compensation or referral payments. The benefit to you is a well-informed buyer with one more option to compare.
Quick Answers on MAXPower 5 for Realtors
Is this down payment assistance?
No. It is a research program. Potential earnings can be applied toward the down payment, but they can also go toward closing costs, a rate buydown, paying off other debts or reserves. Earnings are not automatic cash to close.
Can the 5% go toward my buyer’s down payment?
It may, if approved. Down payment is one of several possible uses, subject to program approval and FHA funds-to-close rules. Buyers still need to show 3.5% of their own funds (gifts allowed).
How much could a buyer earn?
Potentially 5% of the price, up to $16,000, if approved. It is not guaranteed.
Can my buyer purchase a condo?
No. Condos are not eligible.
What credit score is needed?
A 640 minimum.
Does the buyer own the solar?
Yes. It is owned free and clear, with no lease and no second lien.
Which states are eligible?
Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.
What does it cost?
$149 before closing and $99 after closing.
Bring Me Your Next MP5 Buyer
If MAXPower 5 for realtors sounds like a fit for a buyer you are working with, let’s talk. Ask about your buyer’s eligibility, request a program review, or schedule a homebuyer consultation.
Charles Parharm, Mortgage Loan Advisor, Max Mortgage, LLC
504-584-8999 | charles@callthemax.com | www.maxxla.com/mp5
About the author: Charles, Mortgage Loan Advisor with Max Mortgage, LLC. 20+ years in mortgage and real estate. NAMB Certified FHA Mortgage Professional.
MAXPower 5 is presented as a research program involving earned income, financial education, mentorship and solar financing. Program participation, any payments, permitted uses, fees and state availability are subject to written program terms and lender approval. FHA financing remains subject to underwriting, property eligibility, mortgage insurance, funds-to-close requirements and all applicable agency guidelines. This is for educational and marketing purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #1413036 | Company NMLS #1446745
