Monday, September 17, 2012

NeighborWorks Columbus Says "HOME Matters!"

"Investing in creating homes means investing in America: our jobs, our health, our economy, our education. Jobs - Every newly built home creates jobs in America. In neighborhoods, cities and towns across the country, the jobs created by building a range of housing types will keep America growing and our workforce strong. Health - An affordable home is the foundation for a healthy family. For families of modest means, paying a reasonable amount for housing means putting more funds toward nutritious food and preventative care. This leads to healthier households and thriving communities. Economy - When we build homes affordable to a range of income levels, we all benefit neighborhoods increase property values, local governments receive more taxes and fees, and local businesses serve new consumers. When an economy stalls, affordable homes help turn it around. Education - Affordable home helps children reach their true academic potential. A space of one's own, a safe place to return to, a stable consistent living situation - all foster and environment where children can focus on learning, dream big and accomplish their goals." For more information on what HOME can do for you please, give NeighborWorks Columbus a call at (706) 324-4663.

We invite you to visit our website at www.nwcolumbus.org or www.nnwa.us today!

NEIGHBORWORKS COLUMBUS & NEIGHBORHOOD LIFT

"This is a tremendous commitment by Wells Fargo to support homeowners and communities. This is the kind of public-private collaboration that can help communities tackle difficult challenges and families realize their goal of sustainable home ownership.”
-Eileen Fitzgerald, CEO of NeighborWorks America
 
In January 2012, NeighborWorks America announced a collaboration with the Wells Fargo Foundation to provide homeownership opportunities and to stabilize communities affected by foreclosure. This initiative, called Neighborhood LIFT™, provides access to homebuyer education and downpayment assistance, and helps connect potential homeowners to available properties in their area. So far, $27 million has been allocated for downpayment assistance.

How It Works

The Wells Fargo Foundation provides grants for downpayment assistance through NeighborWorks America to local NeighborWorks organizations and/or nonprofits. At the two-day launch event in each city, potential homebuyers can find out if they qualify for the down payment assistance program. Also at the event, the local nonprofits enroll homebuyers in required pre-purchase education and homebuyers have the opportunity to tour available neighborhood properties.

Currently, NeighborhoodLIFT is in the following cities - local partners and downpayment assistance program impact also listed:
CityLocal Partner
Los Angeles, CaliforniaLos Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services
Atlanta, GeorgiaNeighborWorks Columbus
Invest Atlanta
Resources for Residents in Communities (RRC)
Phoenix, ArizonaNeighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix
Las Vegas, NevadaNeighborhood Housing Services of Southern Nevada
Houston, TexasAvenue CDC
Fifth Ward CRC
Tejano Center for Community Concerns
Miami, Florida Neighborhood Housing Services of South Florida
Tampa, Florida Tampa Bay CDC
CDC of Tampa
Housing Partnership, Inc.
Orlando, Florida In Charge Debt Solutions
HANDS of Central Florida Housing Partnership, Inc.
Jacksonville, Florida Family Foundations
Wealth Watchers, Inc.
Housing Partnership, Inc.
Check out our Flickr photo albums and the Wells Fargo YouTube video to learn more. NeighborhoodLIFT program is a collaborative effort between Wells Fargo, the Wells Fargo Foundation, local nonprofits and NeighborWorks America

Resource: http://www.nw.org/network/neighborworksprogs/ownership/LIFT.asp

Thursday, August 30, 2012

How To Choose the Right Mortgage Plan


"With rates at or near record lows, refinancing your mortgage could be a smart financial move. Educating yourself on the different loan programs available and considering your short-term and long-term...goals will help you make the most informed decision. Ultimately, you need to consider how much longer you want to live in your home and how much you will actually end up saving if you refinance. After factoring in closing costs and fees, changing your loan program may be one of the best financial decisions you'll ever make. Consider these mortgage plans when choosing the best option for you.

Mortgage plan: 1- to 7-year adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)

Ideal for: Reducing the monthly loan payment so the mortgage becomes a little more affordable. ARM loans can also be a good option if you think interest rates will stay about the same for the next one to seven years -- if they fluctuate a lot, you could end up paying more than anticipated. These are also a good match for homeowners who think they might move within 10 years. If you can afford a higher payment in the event of a rate increase and you're planning to move in the near future, talk to your lender about an ARM loan instead of a fixed-rate loan." For more information on how to assist you with your mortgage decisions please, contact Noni Milner at NeighborWorks Columbus (706) 324-4663

Resource: http://homes.yahoo.com/news/choose-mortgage-plan-161600334.html and http://www.nwcolumbus.org/bios/about/staff.aspx

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

PICK A REAL ESTATE AGENT TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS

"Many factors contribute to the experience and success of buying and selling homes, but even in the digital age of a more transparent real estate market, working with a good real estate agent continues to be one of biggest impacts on either side of the transaction. However, how do you pick the right person to represent you or your home? Before you just start asking your friends or digging through the fliers in your mailbox or hunting online, here are a few dos and don’ts you should seriously consider when selecting an agent.

Do - Ask people you trust for agent recommendations, but take what they say with a grain of salt. Did they recently buy a home in your same price range? Have they had a successful time selling their home? Just because this agent worked out well for them does not guarantee the same experience for you.

Do Not - Pick friends or family. You don’t want to jeopardize a friendship if the buying or selling process gets difficult. Also, be wary of hiring even a friend of a friend, or someone recommended. If you’re serious about real estate, find someone that you can be honest and professional with. Unfortunately, that may not include your cousin or your best friend’s spouse."
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Call NeighborWorks Columbus and ask to speak with Janet Moore, Real Estate Production Agent at (706) 324-4663. For more information, please visit our website to view available homes and programs at www.nwcolumbus.org.

Resource: http://homes.yahoo.com/news/how-to-pick-a-real-estate-agent-that-suits-your-needs-20120531.html;_ylt=AoWnJreabusApyx5so0fpm.avYl4 and http://www.nwcolumbus.org/plaintext/realestate/realestate.aspx

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

HOMEOWNERSHIP FEELS GREAT AT NEIGHBORWORKS® COLUMBUS!



Other Successful Home Owners

C. S. is a middle-aged grandmother who worked third shift at a local fueling station and mini-mart and whose grandchildren were currently living with her. Ms. S. is a graduate of the NeighborWorks Columbus program, which allowed her to qualify for the purchase of a home. This NSP renovated home, met her needs. It was an all brick home with additional square footage living area. The home had a large, double carport plus a single garage. The yard was fenced enhancing its security. Ms. S. happily closed on her home and she and her family moved in.

R. C. is a single father of three. He was shot in the back in his earlier years, rendering him paralyzed from the waist down and totally wheelchair dependent. Mr. C. is a graduate of the NeighborWorks Columbus program, which allowed him to qualify for the purchase of a new home. However, that new home had to be wheelchair accessible. This new three-bed room two bath home, met that requirement via a side carport door, but the front porch was virtually useless for Mr. C.  NeighborWorks Columbus redesigned the porch, adding a deck and ramp so that Mr. C. would have two useable entrances into his home.

N. M. is a single young woman who completed the NeighborWorks Columbus program. She currently works at a daycare and needed a home near her job that would qualify and accept Section8. When Ms. M. saw the house, she knew that was the house for her. After a few minor repairs, she successfully closed and moved into her dream home.
E. P. is a single, elderly woman who has never bought a home before. Ms. P. began her search for a home soon after completing the NeighborWorks Columbus program. Being single, and a senior citizen, her requirements did not depend on the size or accessibility of the home but of the size and slope of the yard. She required no hills or inclines. When she saw the house, she knew that she wanted to buy it. With two living areas, a large eat-in kitchen, plus three-bed rooms two bath, she could not stop saying how beautiful the home was. Her first plans after closing and moving in were to start planting flowers. She could not wait to have a garden of her own.

P. F. is a single woman who wanted to purchase and live in one of our newer homes in the Beallwood area. Her predicament was that she could not decide if she wanted the three-bedroom home with a carport, or the four-bedroom home with a parking pad. After several visits, and realizing she did not need a fourth bedroom, she made an acceptable offer on the three-bedroom home. She was so excited and anxious to move into the home, she immediately began packing her belongings where she was currently living. She continued to live out of those packed boxes until she closed on her new home and happily moved in.

M. C. is a single woman who works for a local production company, NCR. Due to a family member being wheelchair bound, she required a handicap accessible home large enough for mobility. She quickly qualified for a VA loan and began her search. Because she was overqualified for a NeighborWorks listed home, she chose another house. She continued to use the Lender and Realtor services provided by NeighborWorks Columbus.

Thanks to our caring staff, Success feels good!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

NeighborWorks Columbus Ending Homelessness for Elderly Citizens

The Columbus Cottage Program was the focus of NeighborWorks® Columbus 2008 Annual Campaign. This program was designed to assist 6-10 elderly or impoverished residents in danger of becoming homeless and to help those that have no other assistance available to them. Cottage homes will be built on the recipient’s own land and will be set up as a life estate for these elderly seniors. After the death of the cottage’s recipient, the cottage will be return to the CCC program to be used for other residents with similar hardships. For more information, please call NeighborWorks Columbus at (706) 324-4663. The Columbus Cottage Program, "Building Lives – One Home at a Time"!

Resource: http://nwcolumbuscampaign.org/

Monday, August 20, 2012

INSURANCE - HOMEOWNERS & INSPECTION Pt. 4

 
Is your home hard to insure?
“Homes in flood plains, adjacent to wildfire zones and in the likely path of hurricanes can be difficult and expensive to insure. When fire or wind risk is high, many homeowners wind up having to buy coverage plans, which typically provide bare bones coverage with high deductibles. Going without coverage usually is not an option, since mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance and flood insurance in high-risk flood zones. At a minimum, potential buyers should ask to see recent insurance bills to see what they are likely to be charged. Buyers also should keep in mind that if a disaster hits, their premiums could shoot up even higher.”

Resources: http://money.msn.com/home-loans/10-homes-first-time-buyers-should-avoid and http://www.nwcolumbus.org/plaintext/homeownership/lendingdownpaymentassistancedpa.aspx