Posts Tagged ‘housing’

Making the First State a Place to Call Home

Tuesday, October 16th, 2012

Guest Post by Anas Ben Addi of Delaware State Housing Authority

As you may know, at the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) our mission is to make certain Delawareans have a place they can call home. We are constantly working with our partners to ensure we make this goal a reality for all First State citizens. We have been hard at work over the last year to create innovative programs for renters, landlords, homeowners and prospective homebuyers.

As such, we recently launched a free housing locator called DelawareHousingSearch.org, a web-based service that allows landlords to advertise their rental properties free of charge for which renters can also search free of charge. The website has been a great way to connect landlords with Delawareans in order to find the home that’s right for them. It was important to us to have a database of rental units available for individuals who may have unique needs. Through DelawareHousingSearch.org individuals can find housing from private market units to assisted housing units and narrow their search by monthly rent price, zip code, the date the unit will be available among other search options.

DelawareHousingSearch.org is just another important tool we have in our arsenal to drive our mission. We realize that housing is the cornerstone of communities and economic development for Delaware. Not only does DSHA offer individuals with affordable rental opportunities, but we also offer programs to help Delawareans overcome any hurdles on their way to homeownership.

On Oct. 11, 2012 we partnered with Governor Jack Markell for the Governor’s Conference on Housing. We are so thankful the great turnout and to all those who joined us to discuss our programs and the future of housing in Delaware. More than 400 housing professionals and residents from throughout Delaware and surrounding states joined us to take an in-depth look at a gamut of housing topics. I would like send a special thank you to Governor Markell, Senator Tom Carper, Congressman John Carney, Dr. David Crowe, and of course our wonderful keynote speaker, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Shaun Donovan, for being a part of this day and our discussions.

With an upcoming election, we touched on what any of the outcomes could mean for homeownership programs and the housing market including affordable housing programs. There were several hot topics like foreclosure, of which we’ve been tirelessly working to stem the increase through the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.

While we continue to move forward and make progress, there is still much work to do to ensure Delawareans have the opportunity to quality, affordable housing. DSHA is committed to its mission for the rest of 2012 and to the next year and beyond.

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A Second Annual Homebuyer Fair

Thursday, April 26th, 2012

Anas Ben Addi

DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi

Guest Post by Anas Ben Addi, Executive Director of DSHA

Buying a new home is a big decision; especially for first time homebuyers.

In light of the downturn in the housing market since 2008, it’s no wonder people are hesitant to take the plunge and purchase their first home.

The good news, though, is that there’s never been such a great time for first-time homebuyers to purchase a new home because of historically low interest rates and reasonably priced homes in everyone’s price range.

On April 28, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Christiana Hilton Hotel (100 Continental Dr. Newark, DE), the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), in partnership with DFLI~The Money School and the Delaware Federation of Housing Counselors, will hold its second annual Homebuyer Fair. The Fair will allow prospective homeowners – including individuals who have not owned a home in the past three years – to obtain the information they need to make their home buying decision less daunting.

We encourage individuals interested in purchasing a home to come to the event and attend seminars on a range of different home buying topics including: home inspections, strategies for finding the right home and negotiating on the right price. Realtors and lenders will also be on-hand to discuss financing options as well.

Attendees of the event can also learn about the DSHA’s programs available to help Delawareans purchase their first home such as:

  • The First-Time Homebuyer Program, a statewide program, provides prospective homeowners who haven’t owned a home in the past three years.
  • Rebuilding Our Communities (ROC) provides $15,000 in closing cost and down payment assistance to qualified homebuyers and properties.
  • Second Mortgage Assistance Loan (SMAL) is a loan up to $10,000 for closing cost and down payment assistance for qualified homebuyers.

These seminar classes meet HUD-approved workshop requirements.

The event is free for the public to attend and we believe it will be a great source of information with more than 40 exhibitors including realtors and financial institutions, and service providers. Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. Visit the DFLI~The Money School’s website to register at: www.delawaremoneyschool.com

For additional information on the event, visit us on Facebook, on Twitter (@DEStateHousing and using the hashtag #homeownership) or on the State Housing Authority website.

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Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance: Deadline Approaching

Saturday, August 20th, 2011

Guest post from Delaware State Housing Director Anas Ben Addi.

DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi

Have you seen all the Sheriff Sales in the newspapers?  I have, and the numbers are staggering.  With the downturn in the economy over the last few years, more families than ever are losing their home to foreclosure.

If you, or someone you know, have fallen 90 days or more behind on their mortgage due to unemployment, under-employment, illness, or injury – there is help available!

Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) offers the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP).  The goal of this program is to stop foreclosure and keep families in their home. DSHA’s DEMAP program recently received a huge boost of $6 million from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development to help even more families save their home.

I hear from many families who think they are too far behind and their home can’t be saved.  Many times, that’s not the case at all.

DEMAP offers up to $50,000 to bring your mortgage, taxes and insurance current, and may be able to help make your mortgage payments for up to two years.

I know this sounds too good to be true, but it’s not!  Even if you’re not sure that you will qualify, give us a call and let us try to help you. The $6 million in federal assistance is only available until September 30 – so call now!

The toll-free number is 888-363-8808, or visit www.DeStateHousing.com/SaveMyHome.

 

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Saturday: Find the Answers to All Your Homebuying Questions

Friday, May 13th, 2011

Guest post by Delaware State Housing Director Anas Ben Addi

As the Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority, the question I get asked the most is, “Is now a good time to buy a home?”

The second question is almost always, “Where do I start?” That’s why Delaware State Housing Authority and The Money School are having a free Homebuyer Fair this Saturday, May 14, at the Christiana Hilton from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The answer to the first question is, “Yes!”  Mortgage interest rates remain at historic lows, and there is a large inventory of affordably priced houses on the market.  The answer to the second question is to come to the Homebuyer Fair this Saturday, and we’ll show you how to get started.

Making sensible decisions is the key to a successful home buying experience. Before you purchase a home, come talk to the experts at the Homebuyer Fair about the importance of credit; budgeting & finance; strategies for finding and negotiating on properties; and the value of a home inspection.  Lenders and Realtors will also be there to explain affordable mortgage options and the downpayment/closing cost assistance that’s available.  Housing counselors will also be on hand to walk you through the home buying process from beginning to end.

So join us this Saturday at the Christiana Hilton. There will be 40 vendors and exhibitors, free food, give-aways, prizes, and TOM-FM will be broadcasting live from 9 to Noon.  Senator Tom Carper and Senator Chris Coons will also be stopping by to talk to people about the benefits of homeownership in Delaware.

To learn more about the Homebuyer Fair, visit our website at www.DeStateHousing.com.  Pre-registration is recommended (but not required) by calling toll free 877-307-6858 or visit www.DelawareMoneySchool.com.  Walk-ins are also welcome.

Hope to see you there!

Anas Ben Addi, Director
Delaware State Housing Authority

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Delaware Emergency Morgage Assistance: Could We Help Someone You Know?

Friday, April 29th, 2011

Guest post by Delaware State Housing Director Anas Ben Addi

Although our economy has improved, the process of recovery continues. Many families have not yet recovered from financial hardships due to unemployment, underemployment, injury or illness. Most likely, someone you know is struggling to pay a mortgage and could lose their home.

We understand the uncertainty and stress that foreclosure can cause. That’s why the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and DSHA have teamed up to bring $6M in foreclosure assistance to keep more than 200 Delaware families in their homes through the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP).

DEMAP can provide up to $30,000 to pay past due mortgage, property tax and insurance payments for homeowners that have had their income reduced by 15% or more. It can also help pay future payments for up to 24 months. This assistance is recorded as a loan, but is forgiven over five years. This is great news for Delaware.

Facing foreclosure can be intimidating.

People may be scared to open their mail or answer their phone, for fear that it may be their lender asking them for payment – money they don’t have. Often, they don’t know who to call or that there is help available.

If you or someone you know is facing foreclosure, please call DSHA at (888) 363-8808 to learn more about DEMAP or visit our website at www.destatehousing.com. You can also contact DEMAP housing counselors directly for assistance and a complete contact list can be found here.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out — we are here to help!

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Agencies Come Together to Help Homeowners

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Guest post from Anas Ben Addi, Director, Delaware State Housing Authority:

In June, Governor Jack Markell and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) hosted the first Governor’s Foreclosure Summit. The purpose of the Summit was to bring together people on the front lines of the crisis affecting Delaware to recap efforts over the past few years, assess the current status of foreclosures, as well as to share ideas, programs and best practices that are available to help families in danger of losing their homes. 

Delaware historically averages 2,000 foreclosure filings per year.  In 2009, that number tripled to more than 6,000 and the trend continues on track through 2010.  In response, last year Governor Markell introduced a three-part plan to help mitigate the impact of foreclosure filings in Delaware consisting of three basic ideas: 

  1. Creating connections between homeowners, housing counselors and servicers before the mortgage is in default;
  2. Providing tools to help homeowners with emergency financing and long-term solutions; and,
  3. Helping families and communities recover from the effects of foreclosure.

Since last June, DSHA, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the State Bank Commissioner, legislators, housing advocates, as well as a host of other partners throughout the state, have been busy implementing this plan.  We’ve been working together assisting housing counselors with getting the training they need and lobbying for grants to help the families and communities that have been affected by the foreclosure crisis.  Clinics, forums and seminars have been held throughout all three counties—bringing together the mortgage servicers and the homeowners to work out a plan to save their homes. 

Additionally, Delaware has several programs available to help homeowners in danger of foreclosure including:  Delaware Foreclosure Mediation Program, Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program and the Homeownership Grant Assistance Program.

It is important that homeowners be encouraged to take action as soon as they anticipate problems in paying their mortgage payment by contacting their lender, working with a HUD-approved housing counselor, and taking advantage of the Attorney General’s Foreclosure Hotline at (800) 220-5424. 

For more information about Delaware resources available to help families facing foreclosure, including the list of housing counseling agencies through the state, please visit www.deforeclosurehelp.org/.

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DSHA: Opportunity for First-Time Homebuyers

Thursday, April 15th, 2010
 
I invited Anas Ben Addi, Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority, to update us on a program that we launched a few weeks ago.   We want to create jobs, foster a healthy housing market and help families.  By making loans available in a tight credit market, we stimulate the economy while facilitating homeownership for Delawareans.  - Jack Markell

*****

DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi

Our goal is to continue to provide affordable housing opportunities and help support a strong, local economy.   A 2009 study by the National Association of Home Builders estimated that the construction of 100 single-family homes generates $21.1 million in local income, $2.2 million in taxes and other revenue for local government, and 324 local jobs.

Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has made available $250 million in low-rate mortgages to First-Time Homebuyers. Currently, these mortgages are at a rate of 4.75%, 0 Points 30-year fixed. The rate drops down to 4.25%, 0 points 30-year fixed, if you are buying a new construction home.

Since the program announcement, three weeks ago, we have funded close to 100 mortgages totaling $18 million. 

So who is eligible? If you haven’t owned a home in the past three years, if you are making up to $89,000, and looking to buy a house priced at no more than $366,000, you definitely should contact us!

To start the process, call DSHA at 888-363-8808 or visit our website at www.destatehousing.com

Helping you to achieve your dream of homeownership is our priority — Good Luck!

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