Delaware Homeownership Relief Expands Outreach

June 10, 2013 (DOVER, DE) – The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office joined forces to launch “Delaware Homeowner Relief”, an initiative created using a portion of funds Delaware received through the Multistate Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement between the federal government and five of the nation’s largest mortgage-servicing banks. Most recently, the partnership launched a new website designed to help Delawareans facing foreclosure.  DelawareHomeownerRelief.com was developed with the support of the Government Information Center, and provides information on a wide range of resources for homeowners in distress, including emergency mortgage assistance; manufactured housing lot rent assistance; foreclosure prevention and financial counseling; and, other programs and services unique to Delaware.

Governor Jack Markell praised the new website, calling it a “one-stop shop” for anyone looking for information on resources available to homeowners in Delaware. “This provides vital information so homeowners will know options available to them and where to go to get the help they need,” he said.

“Everyone benefits when we can reduce foreclosures — families keep their homes and neighbors see their home values rise,” said Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. “This initiative will provide critical resources for homeowners so they can act before it is too late.”

The website is a key part of “Delaware Homeowner Relief,” a partnership between DSHA and the Attorney General’s Office which also supports housing counseling, education and outreach, foreclosure mediation, mortgage fraud investigation and prosecution, emergency mortgage assistance, manufactured housing lot rent assistance, and servicer events, where homeowners can meet personally with representatives from mortgage lenders to work toward a resolution to their mortgage crisis.

“We are very pleased to launch this site to help homeowners faced with the prospect of losing their home get the information they need as quickly as possible,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi.  “Thanks to assistance from the Government Information Center, the new website has an adaptive design that is also easily accessible from a variety of mobile devices and tablets.”

DSHA and the Delaware Attorney General’s office are working together to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to enhance the outreach efforts.  These efforts include multiple messages for a wide variety of outlets such as informational advertisements on TV and radio, billboards, in addition to statewide servicer events, and housing counseling workshops.

Last month, Delaware Homeowner Relief announced the new Manufactured Housing Assistance Program which enables owners of manufactured homes on rented land or on a lot owned by the homeowner to receive payment assistance for past due lot rent and/or home payments up to $5,000.  This Program is expected to help up to 60 Delawareans become current on their lot rent, and avoid eviction from their homes.

For additional information and/or eligibility requirements for programs, please call (888) 363-8808 or visit www.DelawareHomeownerRelief.com.  To find out more about foreclosure prevention programs including the mandatory mortgage foreclosure mediation program, or if you believe you have been the victim of fraud or a scam, call the Delaware Homeowner Relief Hotline toll-free at (800) 220-5424 for information and referrals.


Delaware Offers Tax Credit for First-Time Homebuyers

Dover, DE – Governor Jack Markell today joined Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi and other federal, state and local officials to celebrate Delaware Homeownership Month and to announce a new program that will allow first-time homebuyers to claim a credit on their federal income taxes.  The Delaware First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit entitles first-time buyers who purchase a home in Delaware as their primary residence to take a federal income tax credit up to $2,000 each and every year as long as the homebuyer occupies the home and has the mortgage loan.  Because the Delaware First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit reduces federal income tax liabilities and increases net earnings, it can be of significant help in making homeownership more affordable.

Governor Jack Markell said, “To ensure Delaware can compete and win on the global stage we need our state to be as attractive and as affordable a place to live as possible. This tax credit will help more families obtain affordable housing, stabilize communities, and boost our state’s economy.”

“HUD is committed to shaping a housing market that is stronger and more affordable,” said HUD Regional Administrator Jane C.W. Vincent.  “We applaud Governor Jack Markell and the Delaware State Housing Authority for creating the first-time homebuyer tax credit. It is an excellent tool to help restore the dream of homeownership and create strong communities across the First State.”

DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi added, “While DSHA has been hard at work to create innovative financial products to help repeat buyers, we still remain committed to first-time homebuyers who oftentimes just need a little help to bridge the gap to homeownership. We expect that this tax credit will not only give them the means to realize their dreams, it will also have the added benefit of giving a boost to that segment of the housing market. Strengthening our economy is good for everyone and keeps Delaware moving forward.”

First-time homebuyer Dean Hagans, Jr., remarked, “Not only do these programs help get you into a home; but the education process – which is so important – also prepares you so that you can sustain it.  Homeownership, to me, means stability and the opportunity to establish yourself and be a part of a community.”

To qualify for the programs, applicants must meet area income requirements, and may not have owned a home within the past three years (non-active qualified veterans exempted).  Family gross income limits for the program vary by county location and family size.  The household income for a family of three or more may not exceed $91,080 in New Castle County or $84,065 in Kent and Sussex Counties.  The maximum purchase price for a home in New Castle County is $387,692.  The maximum is $347,307 in Kent County, and $346,153 in Sussex County.

Homebuyers must apply for the Delaware First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit through a participating lender.  DSHA offers qualified Delawareans reduced mortgage rates through its Homeownership Loan Program as well as closing cost and downpayment assistance. For more information on all of DSHA’s homeownership programs and a list of participating lenders visit: www.destatehousing.com/HomeOwnership/HomeOwnership.php.

Additional photos from the event are available online.

About the Delaware State Housing Authority

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it is also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development and Planning Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build, own and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about the Delaware State Housing Authority, please call: (888) 363-8808 or visit our website at: www.destatehousing.com.

Contact: Christina M. Hardin, Chief of Community Relations, DSHA
Phone:   (302) 739-4263
Email: Christina@destatehousing.com


Delaware to Assist Manufactured Homeowners

April 15, 2013 (DOVER, DE) – It’s a call for help that frequently has had no answer — until now.  Many manufactured homeowners have not been eligible to participate in foreclosure prevention programs because their home is technically considered personal property and not real estate.  The new Manufactured Housing Assistance Program (MHAP) has been made available through Delaware Homeowner Relief — a partnership of the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office.  MHAP enables owners of manufactured homes on rented land or on a lot owned by the homeowner to receive payment assistance for past due lot rent and/or home payments.

Governor Markell said, “This program will help families facing eviction or repossession. Helping manufactured homeowners stay in their homes is good for our economy and good for Delaware’s families.  We are committed to achieving and sustaining homeownership for as many homeowners as possible.

“The housing crisis that brought our economy to the brink of collapse has affected homeowners throughout Delaware,” said Attorney General Beau Biden, whose office secured approximately $45 million for Delaware in the national mortgage foreclosure settlement with five of the nation’s largest mortgage servicing banks. “We are using a portion of the national foreclosure settlement to provide some relief to manufactured home owners who have been hurt by the downturn in the economy.”

“Many manufactured homeowners are struggling to pay their lot rents and home mortgages, as are so many other families across the country. But while traditional land-owning homeowners have access to state mortgage assistance, these manufactured homeowners do not qualify for the same programs. I felt something must be done to remedy this discrepancy. In response to those concerns, the Delaware State Housing Authority has developed this new program geared specifically for manufactured homeowners,” stated Representative Valerie Longhurst.  “I am very proud that we will be able to assist Delawareans living in these overlooked communities and help families in our state stay in their homes.”

Eligible homeowners will have a maximum benefit of up to $5,000 to use towards arrearages, plus continuing payment assistance up to 12 months or until they reach the maximum benefit.   Qualified applicants must have suffered a 15% or more decrease in income from loss of employment, reduction in hours, injury or illness.  Other eligibility requirements apply.  MHAP is a no-interest loan secured by a lien, and must be repaid if the property is refinanced, sold, or title is transferred, or the borrower(s) no longer resides in the property.

DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi said, “Manufactured homes are a popular and affordable source of housing in Delaware, and make up approximately 11% of Delaware’s housing stock.  We are extremely pleased to finally be able to help manufactured homeowners who are also facing the same financial difficulties.”

Homeowners who are delinquent and at risk of repossession or eviction should meet with an approved MHAP housing counseling agency as soon as possible. The counselor will help determine whether MHAP is right for them and guide them through the application process.

Ed Speraw, President of the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners’ Association, added, “Manufactured homeowners suffer the same catastrophic events such as loss of a job or a spouse, but have not been able to get financial help because of the restrictions.  This program is a great idea, and has been a long time coming.”

For additional information about eligibility requirements and other affordable housing programs, programs, please call (888) 363-8808.

To find out more about foreclosure, or if you believe you have been the victim of fraud or a scam, call the Attorney General’s Foreclosure Hotline toll-free at (800) 220-5424 for information and referrals.

About Delaware Homeowner Relief

Delaware Homeowner Relief is a joint partnership between Delaware State Housing Authority and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office.  It was created in 2012 from the proceeds of the National Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement between the federal government, states and the nation’s five largest mortgage-servicing banks.  The Partnership supports emergency homeowner assistance programs, housing counseling, educational outreach, Delaware’s mortgage mediation program, and mortgage fraud investigation and prosecution.

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Delaware Manufactured Housing Assistance Program – Participating Counseling Agencies
HUD Approved Counseling Agency County
New Castle Kent Sussex
CCCS of MD & DE, Inc. 866.731.8486 866.731.8486 866.731.8486
CLARIFI Inc. 800.989.2227
First State Community Action Agency 302.498.0454 302.674.1355 302.856.7761
Hockessin Community Center 302.239.2363
Housing Opportunities of Northern Delaware, Inc. 302.429.0794
Interfaith Community Housing 302.652.3991 302.741.0142
NCALL Research 302.678.9400 302.855.1370
Neighborhood House, Inc. 302.652.3928 302.378.7217
YWCA Centers for Homeownership Education 302.224.4060

 

 


State Works Together to Help Families Save Their Homes from Foreclosure

December 28, 2012 (DOVER, DE) – In 2011, Gilbert and Cheryl Kimble contacted the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) for help to keep up with their mortgage because Gilbert had been laid off and Cheryl’s company folded due to the economy. Like many Delaware families, the Kimbles were struggling in this tough economic climate.  They reached out to the State and nonprofit agencies for assistance, and a counselor at Hockessin Community Center suggested they apply for the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP).  DEMAP provides up to $30,000 to bring home mortgage, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance current, and can help make mortgage payments for up to two years.

“Because of DSHA, we are thankful each month to be able to make our payment. They helped us in paying the mortgage until we could get back on our feet again.  We are appreciative to have that to fall back on, and grateful for what DEMAP and the state has done to help us during our hardship,” said Cheryl.  Her advice to families in a similar situation is not to be embarrassed to ask for help before it’s too late.  “It’s a gift to be able to use it, we are truly blessed.”

Unforeseen financial hardships can cause the threat of foreclosure for even the most responsible of homeowners.  As part of the total $45 Million in National Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement, (resolved unfair mortgage practice claims filed by states against the 5 largest mortgage servicers in the country), funds obtained by Delaware, $11 Million in direct payments to the state will allow for the investigation and prosecution of mortgage fraud, education, and outreach to homeowners in mortgage default, and support foreclosure prevention work being done by non-profit housing counseling and legal services agencies, in addition to supplemental funding for the DEMAP program.

“Homeownership is one of the cornerstones of our economy,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Programs like DEMAP are offering critical help to financially distressed families facing the prospect of foreclosure.  As much as possible, we are helping people work through economic challenges in order to be able to keep their homes.”

“Foreclosures are devastating to homeowners and also to neighborhoods through lower home values, and vacant properties attract crime,” Attorney General Biden said.  “Reducing foreclosure is the reason we changed the law to require banks to meet face-to-face with homeowners in foreclosure to discuss available alternatives.  It’s why my office has held dozens of workshops with lenders across our state, and it’s why we secured $45 million for Delawareans in a national mortgage settlement this year.  I urge homeowners who face foreclosure to call our Mortgage Hotline at 800-220-5424 to be connected to the many programs that could help them stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure.”

“Homeownership is vital to the stability of families and communities.  Through foreclosure prevention assistance and counseling, DSHA has been able to help thousands of families.  Because of the hard work and partnership with the Department of Justice, the housing counselors, and DSHA staff, we have been able to get additional funding to reach even more suffering homeowners who would otherwise have no place to turn,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi.

To qualify for DEMAP, applicants must be facing residential mortgage foreclosure from circumstances beyond their control that result in a loss of 15% or more of their income. Homeowners who are delinquent on the first mortgage and at risk of foreclosure should meet with an approved DEMAP housing counseling agency as soon as possible. The counselor will help determine whether DEMAP is right for you and guide you through the DEMAP application process.

For additional information about DEMAP eligibility requirements or other programs, please visit our website http://www.destatehousing.com or call (888) 363-8808. Additional foreclosure prevention resources can also be found at www.DEForeclosureHelp.org or by calling the Mortgage Hotline at 800-220-5424.

About the Delaware State Housing Authority

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development and Planning Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build, own, and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about the Delaware State Housing Authority, please call: (302) 739-4263 or visit our website at: www.destatehousing.com


DSHA’s Loans for Heroes Helps Delaware Veterans Find a Place to Call Home in the First State

Dover, DE (November 9, 2012) – Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has been working with veterans throughout the state to provide them with the opportunity to purchase a home with its Loans for Heroes mortgage loan.  Loans for Heroes, which provides veterans with reduced mortgage rates, has seen much success; funding $3.3 million in mortgage loans for veterans since its launch in May, 2012.

“Our veterans provide us with peace of mind through their service.  We hope to provide them with the same peace of mind when they return from the battlefield,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Loans for Heroes reinforces our commitment of making Delaware a welcoming haven for our veterans.”

One recent success story is Andrew Camponelli, a U.S. Army veteran from Newark who purchased a home through Loans for Heroes. “Loans for Heroes enabled me to purchase this home at an affordable price. Being a homegrown Delaware boy, I’m proud to have been able to buy my own home and have a permanent home base.”

“We understand the importance of honoring our veterans and as such want to ensure their successful transition into civilian life,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi. “Loans for Heroes has been an important addition to our menu of homeownership programs designed to provide Delawareans with homebuying tools and bolster our state’s housing market.”

Qualified veterans can benefit from a reduction of one-half percentage point (0.50%) below the already low mortgage rate by financing through DSHA.  For example, a veteran purchasing a $200,000 home at the current rate of 2.5% could save up to $635.64 per year.

Loans for Heroes is available for veterans who have been separated from the military with a certificate of release or discharge from active duty under any condition other than dishonorable.  All borrowers must meet income criteria and homes must meet purchase value limits in order to qualify. Income criteria is based on thresholds set in accordance with the county in which the borrowers live and the number of members in their household. Individuals interested in accessing Loans for Heroes can contact a participating mortgage lender or visit DSHA’s website for more information: http://www.destatehousing.com/HomeOwnership/hb_sfmrb.php

Non-veterans wanting to purchase a home in Delaware can also take advantage of affordable mortgages with downpayment and closing cost assistance through DSHA’s range of homeownership programs. For more information on DSHA and its homeownership financing options, visit: www.destatehousing.com.