For many Native families, homeownership is more than a financial milestone — it is a way to build stability, strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations. Yet buying a home on tribal land can present unique challenges that traditional mortgage products are not always designed to address. HeritageOne® was created with these realities in mind.

HeritageOne® is a conventional mortgage solution designed specifically to support enrolled members of federally recognized Native American tribes who are purchasing homes located on eligible tribal land. By combining flexible guidelines with long-term, fixed-rate financing, the program helps expand access to homeownership while respecting the unique circumstances of Native communities.

“Buying a home on tribal land can feel overwhelming if you don’t have the right support,” said EVP and Director of Mortgage at Sovereign Bank Matt Brown. “HeritageOne® was created to make that process clearer and more accessible while still offering the stability people expect from a traditional mortgage.”

Unlike some programs that limit eligibility based on household income, HeritageOne® does not impose income limits. This allows the program to serve a broader range of Native homebuyers, including working families whose income may change over time. The focus is on helping families achieve sustainable, long-term homeownership.

“One of the biggest things we hear is that people want something dependable,” Brown said. “Knowing what your payment will be month after month gives families peace of mind and helps them plan for the future.”

Stability is a cornerstone of the HeritageOne® program. Fixed-rate financing provides predictable monthly payments over the life of the loan, which can be especially important for homebuyers navigating the responsibilities of homeownership for the first time.

HeritageOne® also recognizes that purchasing a home on tribal land can involve additional steps and considerations. To support buyers throughout the process, homebuyer education resources are available. These programs are designed to help borrowers feel confident and prepared, covering topics such as budgeting, home maintenance, and understanding the mortgage process.

“We don’t want anyone to feel like they’re going through this alone,” Brown added. “Education and guidance are a big part of making homeownership successful, not just at closing, but for years down the road.”

The program may also include support to help offset certain upfront costs associated with buying a home, such as appraisals. These features are intended to reduce barriers while maintaining responsible lending standards.

In addition to purchasing an existing home, HeritageOne® can also be used to transition from construction to permanent financing. This allows borrowers to build a home on eligible tribal land using a standard construction loan and later refinance that loan into a long-term, fixed-rate HeritageOne® mortgage. This flexibility gives Native families a clear path from building their home to settling into stable, permanent financing.

Eligibility for HeritageOne® is straightforward. Borrowers must be enrolled members of a federally recognized Native American tribe, purchase a home located within an eligible tribal area, and occupy the home as their primary residence. First-time homebuyers are required to complete a homeownership education program.

“At the end of the day, this is about helping Native families put down roots,” Brown said. “HeritageOne® is one more way we’re working to support strong communities and long-term opportunity.”

Citizen Potawatomi Nation members interested in learning more about HeritageOne® can connect with Sovereign Bank’s mortgage team for personalized guidance and next steps.

To learn more or start a conversation, contact Sovereign Bank at 405-778-6500, visit banksovereign.com, or reach out directly to Matt Brown at [email protected].

HeritageOne® is not a commitment to lend, approval, or guarantee of eligibility. All loans are subject to credit approval, program guidelines, and property eligibility. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.