Amador continues to receive up to several calls daily from those interested in the program, which now includes real estate agents.“We had a workshop for real estate agents and about 16 or 17 came out,” as well as several representatives of home mortgage lenders.“We told them about our program and explained what the qualifications are to get the word out to them” and in turn to those who might be clients in the market for affordable housing.The latter - affordable housing - has become a glitch in the program noted Amador.“It’s hard because of the home prices,” that have made Ventura County’s affordability rate very low.The first-time homebuyers program is “Really targeting moderate-income families who are making enough to pay the mortgage...the home must be affordable to the buyer,” with payments that do not exceed 35 percent of household income.There are also special state programs that assist first-time homebuyers.For more information call Amador at 525-0626.
Ownership made possible with RDA’s first-time homebuyers program
August 25, 2006
Santa Paula News
The City of Santa Paula Redevelopment Agency just made home ownership possible for three families with never before used grants now awarded to first-time homebuyers.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City of Santa Paula Redevelopment Agency just made home ownership possible for three families with never before used grants now awarded to first-time homebuyers.The Council approved the grants at a special meeting held Wednesday said Elisabeth Amador, Assistant to City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz.First-time homebuyers must meet the criteria that includes income, credit-worthiness and completing a workshop centered on home ownership.The $55,000 grants can be a huge boost for those meeting the program guidelines but the housing stock itself is a huge problem said Amador.“We have a total of three that have been approved and we’ve gotten several applications...it’s just very hard to qualify them because of the cost of housing.”Two the grant recipients purchased new Heritage Villa condominiums on Dean Drive and the third, whose family needs a larger residence “is still looking...”A new 24-unit condominium project on Santa Ana Street is just starting construction and “We might start getting more applications when it is near completion,” said Amador.Classes and counseling for prospective homebuyers are held in Oxnard on an ongoing basis by the nonprofit Home Corp., 385-5532.
