| First Home Finders program advertised in Maine Realtor mag
MaineHousing is part of the new Maine Realtor magazine, which begins distribution in early October at the Maine Association of Realtors annual conference. MaineHousing values the state's real estate professionals, and believes they can be the first people to can share information about our First Home Loan to first time homebuyers. We believe in the importance of our partnership so much that we gave them a name, "First Home Finder," and we feature top sellers on our website. Thank you for your support!
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Research profile: Affordable Housing MaineHousing is diving into the data to look at segments of Maine’s population, the state's economy and how it is changing, and how shifts in demographics will impact housing. The latest profile is "Affordable Housing in Maine," which looks at cost burden, renting versus owning, affordability, and what role MaineHousing is playing in the development of affordable housing.
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Important dates
MaineHousing will be closed on Monday, Oct. 10, for Columbus Day. The Board of Commissioners meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, in the Board Room.
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FIRST HOME LOANSPurchases: 650
As of September 15
Pipeline: 367
As of September 15
MAINE HOME SALES Sold: 1,840 houses
in August, up 10.78% from
August 2015 Median Sales Price: Up 5.35%, to $197,000
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| NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PERMIT AUTHORIZATIONS
July 2016 vs. July 2015
Privately Owned Housing Units: 471, up 37% How this breaks down:
Single family: 357, up 21.4% Multifamily: 114 units permitted, down 128%
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| ReStart graduate Jennifer P. of Biddeford
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ReStart: A Family Self-Sufficiency Program graduate feels sense of accomplishment Jennifer P. of Biddeford is a single mom who once was struggling to take care of her family while on TANF. She wanted more for them, so she enrolled in ReStart: A Family Self-Sufficiency Program.
"Her motivation was her family, and ReStart just made sense," said Laurie Glidden, ReStart coordinator at MaineHousing who worked with Jennifer as she progressed on achieving her goals. Jennifer graduated in late August by completing the five-year program in a little more than four years. Upon graduation, she received a check for $15,149 to put towards her goals, which include homeownership.
The check amount is based on savings. Jennifer received a Housing Choice Voucher, and as her employment earnings increased, the amount of rental assistance decreased because she was able to pay more towards her rent. What wasn't spent on rental assistance went into her savings account.
"The best part of the ReStart Program is setting up personal goals and working towards them," Jennifer said. "The end result is pride and accomplishment."
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| | MaineHousing to partner with RI Housing
on sub-servicing most First Home Loans
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| MaineHousing has chosen Rhode Island Housing to serve as sub-servicer of a half-billion dollar mortgage portfolio. Rhode Island Housing is one of only a handful of housing finance agencies nationwide, and the only one in New England, that offers mortgage sub-servicing to others. The agreement with Rhode Island Housing will benefit both public housing agencies and will reduce the overall cost per loan due to economies of scale. Rhode Island Housing is rated as a “Top Tier” servicer by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and understands the complexities of the federal loan insurance programs. Also, it will provide customers with online access to their mortgage account.
The MaineHousing loan portfolio to be serviced by Rhode Island Housing consists of 6,509 loans totaling $531,385,786. “We considered several options for servicing our home loans and Rhode Island offered the best proposal,” said MaineHousing Director John Gallagher. “This business relationship will reduce MaineHousing’s overall costs for loan servicing while still retaining a portion of our loan portfolio in Maine. The agreement benefits both our agencies and supports our common mission of expanding affordable housing opportunities for our residents.”
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| Gallagher names senior management team; Energy & Housing Services director chosen
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Director John Gallagher recently changed the structure of his senior management team to better align with the agency's mission and direction. Members of the team are:
- Deputy Director Peter Merrill, who has served in this position for more than four years and has been at MaineHousing for more than 20 years.
- Dan Brennan is Senior Director of Programs. He previously has served as Director of Energy and Housing Services, and Director of Development.
- Denise Lord is Senior Director of Communications and Planning. She has served as Director of Communications and Planning, and previously served as Director of the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
- Senior Director of Lending position. Mr. Gallagher is serving in this role until it is filled.
Also, Daniel Drost has been named the new Director of Energy and Housing Services (EHS). Since re-joining MaineHousing in January of this year, Daniel served as Manager of Housing Programs and Compliance in EHS.
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Low Income Energy Assistance Program is heating up
With the change in the seasons, MaineHousing is getting the word out about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, informing low income households where they can apply for help. Our website will feature the above image, and social media posts and other efforts are planned.
MaineHousing, too, is partnering with the National Association for State Community Services Programs to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Weatherization Assistance Program. Community action agencies statewide already are taking applications for this program. LIHEAP applicants also are evaluated for weatherization services. Of note: MaineHousing partners with 211 Maine, a service of the United Way. During the winter months, the majority of calls for help received by 211 Maine are for heating assistance.
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Congratulations to these new developments Three affordable housing developments recently celebrated grand openings, and another one is scheduled for October. Congratulations! - Sebasticook River Apartments, developed by Sebasticook River Partners, 24 units of senior housing. Here's a report on its opening.
- The Lofts at Saco Falls, developed by The Szanton Company, 80 units of affordable family housing. Here's a report on its opening.
- Fourth Street in Bangor, rehabilitated through a partnership between Community Housing of Maine and the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, four units of permanent, supportive housing serving individuals with histories of homelessness.
- Ridgewood at Village Square in Gorham, developed by Avesta Housing, 24 units of senior housing, grand opening is Oct. 20.
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