VHDA Grant Helps Planning Efforts to Preserve Affordable Housing Along Alexandria’s Route 1 Corridor

Alexandria is putting the final touches on a plan it hopes will safeguard its dwindling inventory of affordable housing.

Since 2000, 88 percent of Alexandria’s market-affordable units have been lost. These units, which have unregulated rents, often house low- to moderate-income families. With two rental properties on its Route 1 corridor – 215 units in all – in danger of joining that list in the next two years, the city wants to change its redevelopment and zoning guidelines to protect those properties and others. A Community Impact Grant from VHDA has helped fund that work in its early stages.

At the heart of the process was a series of community engagement activities designed to solicit feedback and gain consensus from a broad cross section of stakeholders. The most meaningful activity,by far, was a collaborative planning and policy session called a charrette. This week-long meeting was attended by several hundred people including neighbors, the residents and owners of the two Route 1 properties, city staff members, and community service organization representatives, some of whom brought special expertise to the group.

“Without VHDA’s grant money, there’s no way we could have pulled off such a comprehensive strategy and planning effort,” said Helen McIlvaine, Alexandria’s director of housing. “In addition to the charrette, VHDA’s funds helped pay for market and housing development studies, postcard mailings, door-to-door outreach and similar activities. It also covered language interpretation and translation services that helped us engage the diverse group of residents who are likely to be impacted.”

Federal subsidy contracts have helped the two Route 1 rental properties remain financially viable over the years. But those subsidies will expire in 2019 and 2020, increasing the likelihood that the property owners will choose to redevelop them. If that happens, the families who reside there – nearly all of whom make less than the area’s median income – could be priced out of their homes.

Alexandria’s charrette focused on both short- and long-term issues related to the properties, including a plan to relocate the tenants temporarily if redevelopment occurs. Traffic patterns, school capacity and housing density were also key topics. It’s estimated that three or more new market-rate rental units will need to be built in order to conserve one of the existing affordable units.

McIlvaine believes their work can jump-start tangible improvements to the city’s housing environment. “We want our planning and strategy work to create an envelope that can guide redevelopment along the Route 1 corridor, and potentially be a template for elsewhere in the city,” she said. “That will include, hopefully, zoning changes that help maintain our existing inventory of affordable housing, at close to their current level of affordability.”

Recommendations from the charrette were integral provisions in Alexandria’s long-term planning document, titled the Rt. 1 South Housing Affordability Strategy. It was unanimously approved by the planning commission on September 4, and by the city council on September 15, 2018.

The safe bet is that redevelopment economics, as well as other financial pressures, will continue to put affordable housing inventories in jeopardy. But in Alexandria, the belief is strong that proactive planning will drive policy and zoning changes that can balance those realities.

Building More Housing Options in Southwest Virginia

As game plans go, “Build it, and they will come” was a home run for Kevin Costner in his 1989 movie which was set in the cornfields of Iowa. But here in the hills of Southwest Virginia, officials are learning to play by a different rulebook: “They’re coming, and it’s time to build.”

Since 2015, employment levels in Botetourt County have spiked 17 percent, a welcome trend that could continue. While this has put the county in an enviable position, it’s also caused complications. One of them stands out perhaps above the others: Botetourt’s diverse and growing population needs more housing.

Knowing that, in late 2016 the county commissioned a study to evaluate housing demand by type and price range. The results of that study were eventually presented at a day-long housing summit sponsored by VHDA and local partners such as the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association.

A VHDA Community Impact Grant helped fund that study as well as other activities the county is undertaking to improve its housing environment.

“VHDA’s grant money has been an important catalyst,” said Gary Larrowe, Botetourt’s County Administrator. “It provided the means for us to tap the expertise of external consultants, and it will also help fund a toolkit designed to help us drive smart housing growth. Our conversations regarding housing have yielded amazing results.”

Botetourt’s goal for new housing is ambitious: to build 1,000 new units, equally split between apartments and townhomes. So far, progress has exceeded expectations – 500 homes in four new developments have been approved, which will create enough space for at least a thousand residents, if not more.

A large luxury apartment complex called The Reserve at Daleville is one of those developments. With 188 units spread over 17 acres, The Reserve required a change in zoning from agricultural and shopping centers to high-density residential (R-4), with a special exception permit for up to 15 multifamily units per acre. That change was approved by the county in November 2017. Botetourt supervisors passed a resolution in September that will allow VHDA to finance this development through its Mixed-use/Mixed-income loan program. Households with a broad range of incomes will be eligible to rent homes there.

Daleville Town Center, whose 99 units will be flanked by townhomes and additional single-family units now under construction, is another pending addition to the county.

Meanwhile, Botetourt’s housing task force continues its work. On its agenda are meetings with county stakeholders as well as with the planning commission and board of supervisors. Its policy toolkit, which will describe regulatory barriers to housing development and outline strategies to overcome impediments to housing production and affordability, is slated for completion by the end of 2018.

Botetourt County’s response to its housing shortage has yielded strong early results, thanks in part to VHDA grant funding and loan financing. Here in Southwest Virginia, the building has just begun.

Closing the Housing Affordability Gap in Northern Virginia

In the shadow of the nation’s capital, Loudoun County has a growing, diverse and affluent population. For years, it’s been America’s richest county, achieving a median annual household income of $134,000 in 2016. Yet too many people who work there – including many number of law enforcement officers, fire and rescue squad members, teachers, nurses and other professionals – can’t afford to live there because of high housing costs.

Against that backdrop, Phyllis Randall, chair at-large of Loudoun’s Board of Supervisors, brought forward an item to the board to take a holistic look at the county’s housing challenges. VHDA was one of the organizations invited to participate.

Dale Wittie, VHDA’s Director of Rental Housing, covered a range of topics at the Board of Supervisors meeting. He explained how VHDA finances housing properties, both newly constructed and renovated, through loans that require owners to rent a portion of their units to households of limited means. He also described how the authority administers the federal Housing Credit program (formerly the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program), which encourages the private development of affordable rental properties.

As a summary, he emphasized that VHDA’s financing options offer developers and localities not one approach, but many. “What works well in one situation may be ineffective in another,” he said. “Our funding sources and lending terms allow developers to do what they do best – that is, to structure economically viable deals that create self-supporting commercial real estate.”

According to Randall, VHDA’s presentation was helpful on several fronts. “We knew they had a wealth of information, and they didn’t disappoint,” she said. “Of particular value were the comments on zoning. They reinforced what we already knew – that zoning needs to be a malleable entity, and not a brick wall.”

Since then, Loudoun has convened a housing summit which included private, nonprofit and public sector entities to discuss actionable steps to increase its stock of affordable housing. It has explored ways to increase the assets in its Affordable Dwelling Unit Program, which helps low- and moderate-income households rent or buy housing. It also has designated parts of eastern Loudoun as revitalization areas. This designation assists developers and localities in their efforts to create and sustain housing for low- and moderate-income residents.

In addition, the county has inventoried its public lands and is studying whether some may be suitable as development sites. The county also is looking at new guidelines for housing loans, and has begun to streamline its zoning process.

Chair Randall believes Loudoun is building a better housing environment, but that the job is far from over. And it remains one of her highest priorities. “Loudoun is a remarkable place, and we want everyone who works here to be able to live here.”

Using Data to Answer Key Housing Questions In the New River Valley

When it came to regional housing issues, the New River Valley Regional Commission had no shortage of questions: Do we have enough housing types and price points for people of all income levels? How do university student rental properties affect the availability of affordable rental housing overall? Do existing housing units match up well with buyer preferences? How can deteriorating housing stock be better preserved or rehabilitated?

Thanks to a grant from VHDA, the commission will soon have answers to these questions and others, and gain a better understanding of how to meet the region’s current and future housing challenges.

The New River Valley in Southwest Virginia encompasses Montgomery, Floyd, Giles and Pulaski Counties as well as the city of Radford. Its planning commission will use VHDA’s Community Impact Grant funds to develop and implement a multi-pronged study. Among its components will be focus groups, an online survey and public meetings, all designed to gain feedback from real estate agents, builders, developers, residents and other stakeholders. The study will also tap publicly available data from real estate and housing sources. While designed from a regional approach, the project is also expected to yield data that will helpful to individual localities in developing strategies, policies and action plans.

VHDA has been awarding Community Impact Grants since 2015. Money for the grants comes from VHDA’s REACH Virginia program. Each year, VHDA contributes a substantial portion of net revenues to fund this program, which is used to address housing needs throughout the state.

“We’re encouraged that we’ve definitely seen an uptick in the number of applications for Community Impact Grants,” said Director of Strategic Housing Chris Thompson, in VHDA’s Community Outreach division. “Our evaluation and approval process ensures that REACH Virginia dollars are put to the best possible use – by organizations that share our goal of making affordable housing accessible to all Virginians.”

Learn more about VHDA’s grant programs at vhda.com/Grants.

Coming Soon to a Homesite Near You

They’re built in a controlled environment that promotes a high-quality finished product. Compared to their competition, they take a fraction of the time to complete. They’re designed to be safe and sturdy. But perhaps best of all, they’re highly affordable – usually much less expensive than their more traditional counterparts. 


They’re factory-manufactured homes – structures built in one location, then trucked to a homesite. And nationwide, countless families live in them comfortably and happily.

Fleetwood Homes is one of many companies in this line of business. In September, two dozen representatives from VHDA, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development visited Fleetwood’s manufacturing facility in Rocky Mount, Virginia, to learn more about how such homes are produced, and what they have to offer.

“One of our roles at VHDA is to create public awareness about matters related to affordable housing,” said Chris Thompson, VHDA’s Director of Strategic Housing in the Community Outreach Division. “We wanted to see for ourselves what goes into making a factory-built home.”

What the group saw on their tour impressed them. “In terms of their durability, workmanship, energy efficiency and aesthetics, these homes were eye-opening,” said Thompson. “In almost every way, they seem to be upgraded from what they may have been in the past.”

At Fleetwood, craftsmen complete every phase of a home’s construction, including plumbing and electrical, within the confines of the factory, thus avoiding weather delays that often plague site-built homes. The company uses “green” building methods and energy-efficient materials to save their customers money and to protect the environment.

The public’s perception of factory-manufactured homes may not always reflect their reality. While they aren’t necessarily the best choice for everyone, some buyers find that their price, quality and convenience intersect at exactly the right place.

“Our tour reinforced what we already thought to be true – that factory-manufactured homes are a comfortable, affordable and viable option for some families, whether they’re renting or owning,” said Thompson. “It was a great visit, and well worth our time.”

The Bloom and Carpenter’s Shelter Groundbreaking

2-1-1 Takes on a New Meaning in Northern Virginia

Two operations, one building and one mission: helping the less-affluent with their housing challenges.

That’s the case in Alexandria, where officials have broken ground for The Bloom, an apartment complex for low-income households, and for a replacement structure for Carpenter’s Shelter, now serving the homeless from a retrofitted DMV office. The two operations will share a single building. The Bloom’s 97 rental units – reserved for tenants who make less than 60 percent of the area’s median income – will sit atop the shelter. The energy-efficient building will have an underground parking garage, a 1,600-square-foot garden, a playground, a community room and outdoor terraces. Its proximity to schools, shopping and public transportation exemplifies “smart growth” development. Under this planning approach, urban growth is confined within compact areas to reduce sprawl and foster safe, walkable and sustainable neighborhoods.

VHDA and Alexandria Housing Development Corporation worked hand-in-hand to make this venture a reality. VHDA has committed $10.3 million to fund it, including $5 million from REACH Virginia. VHDA contributes a substantial portion of our net revenues to fund this program, which addresses housing needs throughout the Commonwealth.

VHDA’s financing or Housing Credits have helped launch other affordable rental properties in Alexandria in the past. Examples include Lacy Court Apartments, Arbelo Apartments, Longview Terrace Apartments and The Station at Potomac Yard, which total 183 units. A future endeavor, The Gateway, will have 74 units, a grocery store and office space, and it will also house a new bus rapid transit station.

Attending the groundbreaking of The Bloom and Carpenter’s Shelter were numerous state and local elected officials and other guests. Speakers included Governor Ralph Northam, Congressman Don Beyer, Alexandria Mayor Allison Silberberg, AHDC President Daniel Abramson, Shannon Steele from Carpenter’s Center, and VHDA’s Director of Rental Housing Dale Wittie.

Helping First-time Buyers Make More Competitive Offers

After scrimping and saving for years, a young couple is finally ready to purchase their first home. Like many first-time buyers, they’re far from wealthy but their credit is good and they’ve been pre-qualified for a mortgage. Their excitement is contagious, and their Realtor is again reminded of why she chose to make this work her career. Together they look at several properties, and then they find it: the perfect first home. Small, but in a favorable location, with good curb appeal and an attractive floor plan.

There’s just one problem.

When they crunch the numbers, there’s not enough for a down payment, or the monthly payment falls just beyond reach. The couple eventually finds a less expensive house, but it doesn’t quite measure up to the one they really wanted.

Situations such as this were the basis for creation of the VHDA Plus Second Mortgage. It’s a new product designed to make homebuying more affordable for first-time buyers.

It’s a 30-year fixed-rate loan that covers the entire down payment, when coupled with a VHDA first mortgage. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the second mortgage has the same interest rate as the first mortgage. This is a distinct advantage over other second mortgage products, which often carry interest rates three or more percentage points higher than a first mortgage. Other products may also have shorter terms (15 or 20 years instead of 30), balloon payments, or both.

Borrowers with a credit score of 680 or higher can fold part of their closing costs into a VHDA Plus Second Mortgage, and every borrower receiving this loan qualifies for a VHDA Mortgage Credit Certificate. An MCC allows borrowers to deduct 20 percent of their annual mortgage interest as a dollar-for-dollar credit against their federal income tax liability. The remaining 80 percent can be taken as a traditional tax deduction. Even with the tax law changes taking effect in 2018, first-time buyers with an MCC can still benefit, whether they itemize or take the standard deduction.

The VHDA Plus Second Mortgage must be paired with one of three VHDA first mortgages: an FHA loan or one of two Fannie Mae conventional loans.

The big picture is clear. The VHDA Plus Second Mortgage can make homebuying more affordable for first-time buyers. With less cash needed up front, it frees up money they may need later for furniture, improvements and more. It lets them make more competitive offers, especially when they’re competing against buyers who can make a five percent down payment, and it may enable them to finance their closing costs instead of asking for assistance from the seller.

First-time homebuyers and real estate agents may contact any VHDA-approved lender for information about this or other VHDA products, such as down payment grants and free homebuyer education. VHDA maintains a database of approved lenders at vhda.com/FindALender.

Twenty-five Years and Going Strong

Helping to Make Housing Affordable in Southwest Virginia

One stick is easily broken. Many sticks bundled together are not. So goes an old saying that describes why 10 separate housing authorities in Southwest Virginia banded together 25 years ago. All of them shared the same mission and vision, and they understood that working together could help them operate more effectively on both a local and a regional level. The organization they formed was called the Little Ten.

Then as now, the Little Ten’s goal is to provide opportunities for Southwest Virginians to find safe, affordable housing and to help develop, preserve and revitalize local neighborhoods.

VHDA representatives recently attended the Little Ten’s silver anniversary celebration as a sponsor, supporter and partner. Charlie McConnel, vice chair of VHDA’s board and a founding member of the Little Ten, spoke at the event and offered a resolution from VHDA’s Board of Commissioners commending the group’s accomplishments. Here are some highlights:

• The Little Ten partnered with VHDA in the Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities Homeownership Program, receiving $37.9 million to annually provide homeownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income citizens.
  
  
• It has provided down payment and closing-cost assistance to homeowners through the federal HOME program by partnering with VHDA’s Southwest Office in Wytheville and the VHDA Mobile Mortgage Office.
  
  
• It worked closely with VHDA to transfer the administration of the Section 8 Voucher Program to its 10 members, thereby allowing housing decisions to be made locally.
  
  
• It has worked closely with VHDA and other organizations to revitalize neighborhoods into mixed-use and mixed-income communities for low- to moderate-income families, the elderly, and the disabled.
  
  
• It was selected by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to participate in the Affordable Housing Utility Benchmarking Fellowship program. This allowed a fellowship student from Climate Corps, which engages organizations in climate protection measures, to create a benchmarking plan to help lower energy bills and provide more accurate utility allowances.

The Little Ten is comprised of the redevelopment and housing authorities for the cities of Bristol and Norton; the counties of Lee, Scott, and Wise; the towns of Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, Marion, and Wytheville; and the Cumberland Plateau Regional Housing Authority.

VHDA continues to support and work collaboratively with the Little Ten, and we are currently exploring opportunities in relation to two of our grant programs. Community Impact Grants provide local governments with resources to assist with revitalization efforts, especially those involving mixed-use/mixed-income properties. Capacity Building Grants help nonprofits and local governments address the housing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals and families. You can learn more about these programs on our website, or email vhdagrants@vhda.com.   

Recognizing a Deserving Realtor

Photo courtesy of Keith Davis, Nest Realty Principal Broker

They’re the lifeblood of homeownership. The glue that binds buyers to sellers, families to dwelling places. They’re Realtors, and they represent one of VHDA’s most important stakeholder groups. That’s why VHDA presents its Service to Virginia Award annually to the Virginia Realtor who has significantly promoted affordable homeownership to first-time buyers in the past year, or whose life’s work speaks to this issue.

The 2018 award winner – selected by his peers from among 34,000 members statewide – is Greg Slater of the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors. He was one of the first agents in Virginia to champion solar panels as a means of reducing a home’s carbon footprint and lowering homeownership costs. In the past, he has worked with local and national builders to run pilot programs to demonstrate the ready availability of funding sources for solar power, as well as its efficacy.

A Realtor since 1996, Slater is a member of Nest Realty group and a representative for Bramante Homes, Inc. He received his award at the Virginia Realtors annual awards and installation banquet in September. Awards were also given to agents for excellence in property management, brokerage, education and other business achievements. For details, visit VirginiaRealtors.org.

VHDA congratulates Greg Slater for receiving its 2018 Service to Virginia award and salutes all the Realtors in the Commonwealth for their indispensable role in the homeownership process. 

Breaking Ground in Jackson Ward!

New construction is in progress to bring affordable housing to Richmond’s Jackson Ward community. The Jackson Ward development is the second of three phases to be developed by the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and CPDC. It will to contribute to the mayor’s goal of creating 1,500 new affordable units in Richmond in the next five years.

The development will feature units for low-income seniors that are fully accessible by Universal Design requirements and built to the highest level of EarthCraft certification, reducing utility costs and providing healthy indoor air. It will also include 82 apartments for individuals with a mix of incomes as well as 6,000 square feet of retail space.

VHDA provided funding through $16 million in combined tax exempt and taxable bond proceeds as well as federal Housing Credits for a total of $26 million in capital to fund the project. VHDA remains focused on working with our partners to increase the amount of affordable housing in Richmond, and we are proud to be a partner in celebrating and preserving the African-American history of the Jackson Ward Historic District.

VHDA Teams Up with Five Lynchburg Organizations

Tackling complex problems is a tough task for a city under the best of circumstances. But without having evidence-based data to help set priorities and develop strategies, it becomes nearly impossible.

That’s why VHDA is teaming up with five partner organizations in Lynchburg to conduct a study of the city’s interrelated problems of poverty, homelessness and housing. The five organizations – Lynchburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Rush Lifetime Homes, Miriam's House, Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity, and Lynchburg Community Action Group – are known collectively as the Lynchburg Regional Housing Coalition. Its study is being funded by a one of VHDA’s Community Impact Grants.

Community Impact Grants are funded through VHDA’s Reach Virginia program. Each year, VHDA contributes a substantial portion of our net revenues to this program, which helps support our partners and nonprofits as they work to meet local housing needs.

The Lynchburg study will incorporate a new data platform that’s designed to aggregate and analyze data more effectively. Among other topics, it will look at the Housing Choice Voucher program, which helps low-income households with rent payments; the quality and distribution of rental units and single-family structures; the occupancy rates of rental units; and the circumstances of rent-burdened populations, including veterans, the homeless and people with disabilities.

“Strong housing networks provide cities with a host of social and economic benefits,” said Chris Thompson, director of strategic housing for VHDA’s Community Outreach division. “Our Community Impact Grant is designed to give Lynchburg the qualitative and quantitative data it needs to make informed decisions about how to strengthen its network.”
The study is expected to be complete next year. Its ultimate objective is to inform local leaders and make a compelling case for including affordable housing as part of the regional planning process.

Learn more about VHDA grant programs.

Using Data to Answer Key Housing Questions In the New River Valley

When it came to regional housing issues, the New River Valley Planning District Commission had no shortage of questions: Do we have enough housing types and price points for people of all income levels? How do university student rental properties affect the availability of affordable rental housing overall? Do existing housing units match up well with buyer preferences? How can deteriorating housing stock be better preserved or rehabilitated?

Thanks to a grant from VHDA, the Commission will soon have answers to these questions and others, and gain a better understanding of how to meet the region’s current and future housing challenges.

The New River Valley in Southwest Virginia encompasses Montgomery, Floyd, Giles and Pulaski Counties as well as the city of Radford. Its planning commission will use VHDA’s Community Impact Grant funds to develop and implement a multi-pronged study. Among its components will be focus groups, an online survey and public meetings, all designed to gain feedback from real estate agents, builders, developers, residents and other stakeholders. The study will also tap publicly available data from real estate and housing sources. While designed from a regional approach, the project is also expected to yield data that will helpful to individual localities in developing strategies, policies and action plans.

VHDA has been awarding Community Impact Grants since 2015. Money for the grants comes from VHDA’s REACH Virginia program. Each year, VHDA contributes a substantial portion of net revenues to fund this program, which is used to address housing needs throughout the state.

“We’re encouraged that we’ve definitely seen an uptick in the number of applications for Community Impact Grants,” said Director of Strategic Housing Chris Thompson, in VHDA’s Community Outreach division. “Our evaluation and approval process ensures that REACH Virginia dollars are put to the best possible use – by organizations that share our goal of making affordable housing accessible to all Virginians.”

Learn more about VHDA grant programs. 

Housing Credit QAP Announcement | Proposed Changes Now Available

VHDA's Housing Credit department just released the blacklined Virginia Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) showing proposed changes for implementation on Jan. 1, 2019. View the blacklined QAP.

Please consider joining us for the QAP Forum Discussion on Sept. 18. The forum is free, and registration for the Virginia Housing Alliance Housing Credit Conference is not required.


2019 QAP Forum
‎Sept. 18,‎ ‎2018 at ‎10‎:‎00‎ ‎a.m. - 11‎:‎30‎ ‎a.m. E.S.T.
The Omni Richmond Hotel
100 S. 12th Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Register now

The following classes will be held in October:

How to Complete a Virginia LIHTC Application
VHDA Architect Certification & Universal Design Submission Requirements
Universal Design Certification: Glen Allen
Register for these events on our website.

Inclusionary Housing and Overcoming NIMBY 2.0 | New Training From Housing Virginia

Join Housing Virginia for new Inclusionary Housing and Overcoming NIMBY 2.0 workshops. 

Dates and Times: 

Richmond: August 30

Hampton Roads: September 4

Charlottesville: September 5

Fredericksburg: September 6

Housing Virginia is excited to partner with Virginia Housing Alliance's HELP Center to to offer either half-day or full-day workshops focused on strategies to develop inclusive, mixed-income communities, as well as techniques for addressing resistance to affordable housing.

Register Now

Workshop Details

Workshop 1: Inclusionary Housing
TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Following the release of the first Virginia-specific "Inclusionary Housing Guidebook" in 2017, Housing Virginia is offering a series of workshops that will demonstrate how localities can use old and new tools at their disposal to create vibrant, mixed-income communities. These sessions will explore why affordable homes are a critical component to healthy neighborhoods, what the state and federal legal framework allows regarding "inclusionary zoning" and other land use tools, how other localities in Virginia and across the nation are accomplishing this goal, and why communities must build custom-tailored solutions for their specific housing needs. These trainings are targeted to local officials, planners, advocates, and housing practitioners.


Workshop 2: Overcoming NIMBY 2.0
TIME: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

In 2016, Housing Virginia conducted its first round of "Overcoming NIMBY" trainings aimed at equipping housing advocates and providers with the tools necessary to counter common opposition to more affordable homes in their communities. This year, Housing Virginia is launching its next round of "Overcoming NIMBY" trainings with all new material and recommendations. Attendees will learn what NIMBY-ism (Not In My Backyard) is, why our current messaging often does more harm than good, and how new groundbreaking social research can help us get to "YES" in our back yard. These trainings are encouraged for anyone who aims to build, provide, or advocate for more homes available to persons at all incomes in their neighborhoods.


Housing Virginia | housingvirginia.org

VHDA partners with Housing Virginia to provide quality, affordable housing.

VMLA 2018 Annual Convention – Special Offer for First-time Attendees

Join us at VMLA’s Annual Convention

Sept. 20 – 21, 2018 • Hilton Norfolk The Main

The Virginia Mortgage Lenders Association (VMLA) annual convention is a great place to build your network and learn about issues impacting the mortgage industry. Be sure to stop by VHDA’s booth, and drop your business card in our bowl — you’ll be registered to receive news updates from VHDA and be entered in our drawing to win an awesome prize! For details about the convention, visit VMLA’s website.

First time attending?
Here’s your chance to win: 
As an event sponsor, VHDA will provide four first-time attendees with complimentary VMLA convention registration, plus hotel room for the night of Thursday, Sept. 20. One winner each will be selected by random drawing from the Central, Western, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia regions. Submit your entry at vhda.com/VMLA.

ENTRY DEADLINE:
Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at 5 p.m. ET

Arlington Senior High-rise Gets New Lease on Life

What happens when an aging, deteriorating apartment building that houses low-income seniors reaches the twilight of its useful lifespan? Culpepper Gardens in Arlington, Virginia, was in just such a predicament, but its story will have a happy ending, thanks to VHDA and multiple partner organizations. 

VHDA has struck an agreement with Arlington Retirement Housing Corp., Wesley Housing Development Corp. and Virginia Community Development Corp. – among other entities – to give this eight-story apartment tower a top-to-bottom upgrade. VHDA is providing $27 million in bridge and permanent financing for the renovation, in addition to Housing Credits (also known as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, or LIHTC).

VHDA is serving as primary lender for the deal, which proved to be even more complex in scope than most that the authority participates in. “Wesley Housing, VCDC, Arlington County and so many others really pulled together with us to make this a reality,” said Scott Charnock, senior development officer for VHDA’s Rental Housing division. “Their cooperation was outstanding, and it just goes to show what teamwork can accomplish.”

A ceremonial kickoff for the project was held on April 12, 2018. When renovations are complete in two years, the complex will have 129 efficiency, 74 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom apartments – an increase of four over the current total. The average age and income of Culpepper Garden’s tenants is 77 years and $18,000. The renovations will cause minimal disruption to residents; they will be temporarily relocated within the complex itself while their apartments are being worked on.

Culpepper Garden was built in 1975, and its upgrades will be cosmetic as well as functional. Apartments will be repainted and receive new flooring, plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinets and countertops. The building’s roof and windows will be replaced, as will its plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems. Its elevators will be updated and new sprinklers will be installed, and common areas such as the kitchen and laundry will be reconfigured and improved.

The Culpepper Garden renovation will ensure that hundreds of low-income seniors enjoy improved living conditions in a safer, more comfortable environment – all without changing their address. 

Learn more about Culpepper Garden.

Going the Extra Mile to Serve the Underserved

One day they might lead a continuing education session for real estate agents. The next, meet with one or more of VHDA’s 86 approved lending agents. The day after that, they could participate in a trade show for the public or a professional group. They’re VHDA’s business development officers (BDOs) – professionals with mortgage banking backgrounds who help our partner organizations and the public understand and take full advantage of our many services. 

To better reach those who live in underserved areas, VHDA has moved to a regional BDO deployment model. Our officers are now located in all four of the state’s primary population centers: Central Virginia, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, and Western Virginia. According to Business Development and Training Manager Dan Kern, in VHDA’s Homeownership division, this model is making a world of difference.

“In speaking to our stakeholders, they greatly appreciate the fact that our BDOs are now embedded in the community,” Kern said. “They’re more visible and accessible than in the past, and that means they’re better able to interact with the people we serve.”

Here is the contact information for our four business development officers. Please feel free to reach out to them directly if they can be of assistance.

• Northern Virginia: Regina Pinkney | Regina.Pinkney@vhda.com  | 804-510-9122

• Central Virginia: Joni Moncure | Joni.Moncure@vhda.com  | 804-840-7049

• Hampton Roads: Gigi Houchins | Georgette.Houchins@vhda.com  | 804-389-5680

• Western Virginia: Frank Webster | Frank.Webster@vhda.com  |  804-762-3078

How a Place to Learn Became a Place to Live

The school was built in 1909 but closed its doors in the 1970s. Converted to apartments a decade later, the building soon fell into neglect, sitting abandoned and vacant, an eyesore contributing nothing to the neighborhood’s welfare. But then VHDA joined forces with Community Preservation and Development Corporation (CPDC), and all that changed.

Today the former Highland Park High School on Richmond’s North Side is called Highland Park Senior Apartments, and it’s become a vibrant part of the community. The apartments themselves, as well as the building’s common areas, elevators and landscaping, have been fully renovated, with attention paid to restoring many of its historic features and finishes. Its 77 one-bedroom units offer an attractive and comfortable environment for low-income seniors. In fact, the complex is an important part of an ongoing effort to revitalize Highland Park and make it a safer, more economically viable neighborhood. 

VHDA’s role in this property transformation was to award Housing Credits (also known as Low-Income Housing Tax Credits) to CPDC, a Maryland-based company with a track record of success in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and its home state. The project falls under the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistant Demonstration (RAD) program, which allocates funds to address deferred maintenance issues in deteriorating buildings. RAD is a central part of HUD’s rental housing preservation strategy to improve, modernize and stabilize properties by giving them a solid financial foundation.

The renovation of Highland Park, made possible only through VHDA’s partnership with CPDC, received the Multifamily Renovation Project of the Year award at the 2018 Viridiant Sustainable Leadership Awards ceremony.

Learn more about Virginia properties that use federal Housing Credits (LIHTC).

Help VHDA Help Habitat!

June is National Homeownership Month, and to celebrate, here's an easy way to help Habitat for Humanity - you don't have to lift a hammer or donate a dollar! All you have to do is Like VHDA on Facebook! For every new page Like we receive between now and August 31, VHDA will give $20 to a Habitat for Humanity Virginia affiliate, up to $20,000!

https://www.facebook.com/VHDAhousing

View the VHDA Facebook Promotion Official Rules - FY19 Habitat Build Grant.

Attend Housing Virginia's Home Remedies:Connecting Housing and Health for Stronger Communities

Join Housing Virginia on July 11 for a day of exploring the best practices in linking health outcomes and housing conditions throughout Virginia's communities. Home Remedies: Connecting Housing and Health for Stronger Communities will explore the connection impacting individuals, neighborhoods, and defined populations.

Early Bird registration ends June 11. 

Detailed session topics and agenda will be announced soon.

More information and to register.


This blog post was contributed by Housing Virginia.

Minimum Design & Construction Requirements: VHDA Would Like Your Feedback

VHDA will begin the biennial review of the Minimum Design and Construction Requirements (MDCR) shortly. Modifications to the 2018 requirements will affect:

• All VHDA multifamily loans applied for in 2019 and 2020
• Properties receiving 2019 and 2020 Housing Credits 

The MDCR Committee would like your feedback on the 2018 requirements. For those interested, please forward your comments and suggestions to Angela.Coates@vhda.com.

Comments must be received by July 6th to be considered by the committee during the review process. Due to the expected volume of comments, a formal response cannot be guaranteed.

We appreciate your help with the 2019/2020 VHDA Minimum Design and Construction Requirements review process.

Click on the following link to review the 2018 Minimum Design & Construction Requirements.

Governor’s Housing Conference 2018

Register now for the 2018 Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference on Nov. 14-16, 2018, in Arlington. It’s Virginia’s largest housing event, offering educational sessions led by experts in housing, finance and community development, plus opportunities to network with colleagues from across the commonwealth.

Register Now
Book Your Room
Stay Connected: www.vaghc.com

Leadership Changes at VHDA

It’s an exciting time to be in the housing industry, and we'd like to tell you about some changes we've made in our organizational structure, to help us better address the needs of our housing partners and respond to changes in our operating environment. As a result, some of our Leadership Team members have taken on new roles:

• Janet Wiglesworth - Chief of Operations
• Pat Carey - Chief Program Strategy / Chief Financial Officer
• Tammy Neale - Chief of Staff
• Paul Brennan - Chief Counsel
• Llew Anderson - Managing Director of Administration

We also welcome these NEW members to our Leadership Team:

• Toni Ostrowski - Managing Director of Homeownership
• Fred Bryant - Deputy Chief Counsel
• Hil Richardson - Managing Director of Capital Markets

First-time Homebuyer? A Top Producing Loan Officer Can Help!

The journey to becoming a first-time homeowner can seem overwhelming. Finding your potential home is the fun part – but going from shopping to owning is a process that is much easier with a trusted lending partner at your side.

Each year, VHDA honors those dedicated loan officers who have gone the extra mile to help Virginians achieve their dream of homeownership. VHDA’s Top Producing Loan Officers are experts in helping first-time homebuyers. For example, they have information on VHDA Programs like the popular “Loan Combo,” which includes down payment money and more. VHDA offers a variety of affordable mortgages for all types of homes including manufactured homes, townhomes and condos. A Top Producing Loan Officer is familiar with all these programs and can help you select the one appropriate for your situation.

They can give you advice on how to improve your credit score so that you quality for the loan you need.  They also offer VHDA’s free homebuyer class. Available online or in person, the class covers everything you need to know to become a successful homebuyer.

So if you are thinking about buying a home, or are ready to see how much you qualify for, reach out to a VHDA Top Producing Loan Officer today.

Learn more at vhda.com/TPLO.

VHDA Offers Programs for Military Service Members

VHDA honors the service of current and past members of our military through a variety of programs. Here’s a rundown of the services that active duty, Reservists, National Guard, veterans and their families can find at VHDA:

• Operation Homeownership – Free homebuyer classes geared especially for service members and their families, to help them become savvy homebuyers and owners. Classes are presented by VHDA’s Housing Education team, military financial educators and local area subject matter experts. Topics include Personal Finances, Credit and Credit Reporting, Working with a Lender, the Role of the Real Estate Agent, the Home Inspection, Loan Closing, and the benefits of developing a savings and spending plan. Operation Homeownership addresses the unique issues service members must consider before deciding to buy a home.
  
• VA Home Loan Program – VHDA carries on a proud tradition that began in 1944 when President Franklin Roosevelt launched the Veterans Affairs Home Loan Program (also known as the GI Bill of Rights). Today, the VA Home Loan Program helps eligible and qualified active duty service members, veterans and survivors of veterans to obtain mortgages for up to 100 percent of a home’s sale price so they don’t have to spend years scrimping and saving to make a big down payment.
  
• Granting Freedom (Accessibility Modification Grants) – This program provides grant money to help Virginia’s veterans and service members who were disabled by an injury in the line of duty. Grant funds can be used to install ramps, grab bars and other features to make their homes more comfortable and accessible. With a grant of up to $4,000 per residence or rental unit, recipients work one-on-one with an agent and a contractor to modify their home according to their needs. According to VHDA Grant Programs Officer Carolyn Coleman, “It’s a great feeling to be able to give back to those who have sacrificed … to protect and serve our country. In fiscal year 2017 alone, we provided assistance to 118 service members.” One of these grant recipients was SFC Sue Collins, now retired from the U.S. Army, who applied for funds in 2017 to install a seated tub in her home in Hampton, Va., to make bathing with a knee injury safer. She was pleased with the process and said, “Working with VHDA was awesome, and it couldn’t have been smoother. I wish more people knew about this grant.”
  
• VirginiaHousingSearch.com – This free website is a big help to those searching for quality, affordable rental housing. The site includes a link to find veteran housing (rental homes whose landlords are interested in renting to veterans or Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) recipients). Visitors to the site can use a variety of filtering tools to find homes that will best suit their lifestyle, as well as accessibility features, if needed.
  
• "How to be a Successful Renter” – Download this free eBook at vhda.com/RenterEd. It answers many questions renters have, such as how to find the right place to rent, navigating leases and applications, tenant rights and responsibilities, how to get a security deposit back, and much more.
  
• Cell Phones for Soldiers – VHDA has participated in the Cell Phones for Soldiers no-cost recycling program since 2010 as part of our internal “Go Green Initiative” within our own buildings and the communities we serve. So far, we’ve donated 522 phones to recycle, which buys calling cards for our troops. Each phone valued at $5 equals an estimated 2.5 hours of free talk time. This effort was launched in 2004 by 12- and 13-year-old siblings Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, and to date has provided more than 300 million precious calling minutes for our troops around the world.

Learn more about VHDA’s programs and loans for the military at vhda.com/Military.

Operation Homeownership: VHDA and U.S. Military Celebrate 20th Year

“Operation Homeownership” is the name of VHDA’s partnership with the U.S. military to provide free homebuyer classes for active duty personnel, reservists, veterans, National Guard and Department of Defense personnel and their dependents. It launched in 1998 and is still going strong. The program helps service members stationed in Virginia and their families, as they consider the prospect of homeownership.

We celebrated the 20-year anniversary of Operation Homeownership with a ceremony in Norfolk on May 14, 2018. The event was held at Nauticus and attended by representatives from military command, service personnel and their families, program volunteers and elected officials.

Chief Petty Officer Mario Santiago, who is now retired from the U.S. Navy after a long career, spoke to the group about how Operation Homeownership changed his life 20 years ago. After attending VHDA’s first military homebuyer class, he used what he learned to qualify for a VHDA mortgage and buy his first home, where he and his wife still live today.

Of course, military life can be unpredictable. Less than two weeks after Santiago and his family moved into their new home, he was deployed on sea duty — but he was prepared! “There was one more important thing that came with owning a home which I considered to be the end goal of Operation Homeownership, and that is the peace of mind owning a home gives to every service member when they deploy,” said Santiago. “Knowing that your family will be safe and protected in their own home while you are deployed is a priceless feeling that comforts you until you come back home.”

It takes a lot of committed people to keep Operation Homeownership running smoothly. The 20-year celebration at Nauticus gave us the opportunity to thank those who have helped make this program a success. We awarded plaques and medals to our Housing Heroes (the people who have helped coordinate classes on military installations), and we recognized individuals from the private sector who have volunteered countless hours to help teach.

Operation Homeownership began as a partnership with the U.S. Department of the Navy. Over time, it grew to include more than 3,700 participants from all service branches who attended more than 300 classes to become educated homebuyers and responsible homeowners.

VHDA’s housing education team works on-site with military financial educators to teach topics that include Personal Finances, Credit and Credit Reporting, Working with a Lender, the Role of the Real Estate Agent, the Home Inspection, Loan Closing, and the benefits of developing a savings and spending plan.

Operation Homeownership also addresses the unique issues military homebuyers face. For example, the military lifestyle is typically transient, so service members must decide if buying a home is a good idea for them, and have a Plan B in place in the event they must relocate. Qualifying for loans may be complicated by calculations of a military housing allowance/allotment and any pending retirement income. Military homebuyers also need to learn about the VA loan program’s benefits and eligibility requirements.

Service members who attend Operation Homeownership classes have the opportunity to meet local real estate agents, lenders, home inspectors and other industry professionals in the classes. These professionals are able to provide valuable insights on neighborhoods, schools, recreation options and more. This is especially beneficial to recently deployed service members who are new to the area. Those who complete the class receive a Certificate of Completion and a copy of VHDA’s Homebuyer Handbook for future reference.

Operation Homeownership is just one of many programs VHDA offers the military. Other initiatives we sponsor or participate in include:

• VA Home Loan Program. 
• Granting Freedom program, providing grant money to help disabled service members and veterans make their homes more accessible. 
• VirginiaHousingSearch.com, a housing search site listing homes and apartments for rent throughout the state, including housing for veterans.
• Free eBook on “How to be a Successful Renter.”
• Cell Phones for Soldiers to provide free phone time to those on deployment.

Learn more about VHDA’s programs and loans for the military at vhda.com/Military.

Addressing Vacancy and Blight in Your Community | An Opportunity from the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust

What's the cost of vacant property? More than you may think.

Many Virginia communities face challenges from vacant, blighted, abandoned and often tax delinquent property. Not only do these properties reduce the value of nearby homes, they also reduce tax revenue to the locality, strain municipal services, facilitate crime, reduce neighborhood stability – and even negatively impact public health.

Fortunately, many localities across the country have developed and implemented effective strategies to transform these community liabilities into community assets. Join national expert Kim Graziani from the Center for Community Progress to explore recent innovations, best practices and success stories in addressing blight and vacancy.

Representatives from Richmond and Danville will also describe the goals and activities of their recently created land banks - a new tool in Virginia made possible through 2016 enabling legislation.

The session will include the opportunity to discuss unique local issues - and possible creative solutions - from communities around the state.

The session will be held at the Richmond Association of Realtors on May 22nd. It will run from 11am to 4pm.

Register Here


This blog post was written by the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, a Housing Virginia partner.

Housing Credit Program Update

The Preliminary Rankings list for the 2018 Housing Credit Reservation applications received by VHDA on March 16, 2018, is now available. This layout includes a “Preliminary Status” category in the last column designed to explain what is taking place with each development within the given pool.

In a change from recent years, all individual scoring sheets are available on VHDA’s Housing Credit Program website. This is where you will be able to access deal-specific scoring information.

The comment period has ended, and a rebuttal period will take place from May 9, 2018, through May 16, 2018. Final rankings will be posted in June following the VHDA Board meeting.

A scanned copy of all applications received is available on our Business Partners website. If you have not registered to view these applications, please feel free to do so now. Once you have registered, you will be given a temporary password and granted access to view them.

Please remember these are preliminary rankings and are subject to change(s) following the comment and rebuttal periods.

Helping Our Housing Partners Use VHDA Resources

In 2018, VHDA is expanding our outreach efforts by hosting roundtable discussions with our partners, right in their own communities. Face-to-face contact helps us connect and encourage partnership opportunities while spreading the word about our revamped Capacity Building and Sponsorship programs.

Sessions have been coordinated and presented by our Community Outreach Division staff in Wytheville, Chesapeake, Richmond, Roanoke and Falls Church. We met with our partners in Danville via webinar.

Attendees at the events represent various facets of Virginia’s housing and service delivery network, including local governments; planning district commissions; redevelopment and housing authorities; for-profit developers; nonprofits and organizations providing services such as rehabilitation, housing counseling and community development — all share a mission to support creation and preservation of affordable housing.

To encourage our partners’ cooperation in striving for our strategic goals, we discuss VHDA’s overarching mission of providing quality, affordable housing and the importance of the delivery network, stressing opportunities to improve capacity.

Participants get a basic overview of all VHDA services, from homeownership creation to preservation and development of affordable rental housing and mixed-use/mixed-income projects. More in-depth information is provided on our Community Outreach programs, including Housing Counseling, Sponsorships, Community Impact, Pre-Development, Capacity Building, Community Housing Revitalization, Granting Freedom (our accessibility grant program for disabled veterans), Rental Unit Accessibility Modification and Housing Education.

These events also allow us to hear from our partners about issues they are experiencing and get their input on how VHDA can support them in their housing and community development efforts. Some common themes we hear from areas across the state include challenges with organizational capacity, the volume of rehabilitation needed in existing housing coupled with increasing demand for improvements in accessibility, as well as the difficulties faced in serving low- and extremely low-income individuals.

Our partners’ feedback has been positive. They appreciate our visits to their communities and our efforts to improve access to VHDA resources. We’re compiling all the feedback and suggestions into a report to help us develop more ways to expand our outreach and improve operations.

These roundtables have been so well-received, we’ve decided to host them annually. In the future, we intend to include our sister agency, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, so we may provide roundtable participants an even more comprehensive review of housing resources available to them.

Focus on Regional Housing Needs

Over the last six months, Housing Virginia convened a series of regional discussions to address housing needs in different parts of the state. Associates from VHDA’s Community Outreach Division participated in the events, which brought together local elected officials, planners, landlords, private developers, housing and social service providers, representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and other state agencies.

Topics of discussion included the shrinking supply of affordable rental units, a review of existing housing programs and services, and how well the needs of localities are being met. Each session was tailored to the specific needs of the area in which it was held, and different themes emerged for each region.

• Oct. 19, 2017 - Project Faith / King George County Housing Summit: This session focused on Project Faith’s single-family homeownership pipeline and how to prepare potential buyers early so their creditworthiness, savings and other financial preparation can be done in time to qualify them for a spot in the pipeline.
• Feb. 1, 2018 -  Bay Aging Northern Neck / Middle Peninsula Summit: There were presentations from a wide range of speakers on affordable housing and transportation issues in the area.
• Feb. 6, 2018 - HOPE, Inc. and Mt. Rogers CSB / Wytheville Housing Summit: Discussions centered on the shortage of market-rate units that can be used to take vouchers for both DD and Section 8 tenants, as well as other affordable housing development needs.
• March 1, 2018 - Foothills Housing Corporation / Warrenton Housing Summit: 25 local affordable housing and social service organizations convened to tackle a variety of strategies including:
• Developing a coalition of like-minded groups to make the case for more affordable housing by explaining how communities benefit economically and otherwise.
• Providing evidence of best practices or examples of jurisdictions that successfully manage growth.
• Addressing zoning issues around retrofitting motels into affordable housing.
• Offering legal programs (Know Your Rights) to deal with high eviction rates through improvements to the court system.

These events were a great venue for VHDA’s Community Outreach staff to share information about our housing programs and resources. We also established new relationships and identified some potential partnerships. At one event, we visited a fellow attendee’s potential project site to discuss how we might be able to provide them with guidance and assistance. We expect more opportunities to arise as we continue to follow up on information and contacts gathered at these very enlightening sessions.

Revitalizing Richmond’s East End

Nearly 22 acres that were formerly the site of Armstrong High School have been cleared to make way for Church Hill North, a wide-ranging redevelopment project that will roll out in five phases, beginning with 256 affordable new homes.

In 2016, the project received a $2.5 million Vibrant Communities Initiative award from VHDA and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for revitalization strategy planning. To develop the properties, the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority has partnered with The Community Builders, a not-for-profit organization based in Boston. Construction will be completed in three phases:

• Phase One has been issued Housing Credits for the development of 60 mixed-income apartments and 45 homes for seniors, and VHDA has issued commitments for permanent financing.
  
  
• Phase Two, which has similar financing in the works, will add another 70 mixed-income multifamily homes, plus another 45 for seniors.
  
  
• Phase Three will add 36 single-family homes, to be built at one end of the site.

Church Hill North will offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom stacked apartments, one-story accessible bungalows, duplexes, townhomes and two-story detached homes. Two centrally located three-story buildings will be dedicated to senior housing, featuring mostly one-bedroom apartments.

Site plans include several amenities for the new residents, including a 20,000-square-foot community center and an Armstrong memorial garden to honor the property’s heritage. Approximately one acre is set aside for playgrounds and open space.

The project’s final phases will focus on total redevelopment of 30 acres nearby that are now occupied by the Creighton and Whitcomb Court apartment complexes. This will add another 1,000 new homes. The Community Builders estimate completion of all five phases to take eight to 10 years, at a total cost of over $100 million.

Church Hill North is destined to change the lives of thousands of Richmond residents for the better by putting more modern and affordable housing within their reach.

Revitalization Coming to Pulaski’s Main Street

A retail and residential renaissance is underway on West Main Street in Pulaski, thanks to support from VHDA and other sources of funding.

For the past three years, VHDA has been working toward this goal in partnership with West Main Development, LLC. We provided a REACH Virginia Targeted Initiatives Grant to finance their due-diligence work that was needed to select several downtown properties for renovation. VHDA’s REACH Virginia grant program is funded by our own net revenues, and is one of our most important resources for funding our programs and supporting communities poised to make a comeback, like Pulaski.

Construction for the Pulaski main street project will be financed by one of VHDA’s longtime financing partners, Virginia Community Capital. After construction is complete, VHDA will provide permanent lending.

West Main Development plans to repurpose four buildings along West Main Street: 

• The former Farmer Building at Nos. 85 and 89 West Main is a single structure with adjacent ground-floor storefronts, which will be refurbished to welcome new businesses. No. 87 is the address for the building’s second floor, which will have two large two-bedroom apartments.
  

• Across the street is No. 94 West Main. Its ground-level storefront will house a virtual reality arcade. The arcade is expected to attract students interested in VR development from nearby Radford University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, and New River and Wytheville Community Colleges, and to become a tourist destination for video game aficionados seeking an immersive experience. The building will also have two residential apartments on the second floor.
  

• The buildings at 29 and 69 West Main are also slated for renovations. Once all four buildings are finished, over 15,000 square feet of property will have been reclaimed for new uses.

Because the project is receiving both state and federal historic tax credits, the buildings’ original character must be preserved. Apartments will feature the old hardwood floors, casework and interior doors. All storefront exteriors will be restored to their original detail.

The Town of Pulaski and local citizens have also been working with the Department of Housing and Community Development and the New River Valley Regional Commission, among others, to make their dream of restoring the area’s vibrancy a reality.

Revitalizations like this attract new entrepreneurs and established businesses who want to get in on the action as residents and visitors begin returning to the town’s core. One building at a time, they will make West Main Street once again the place to be in Pulaski.

The West Main Development project is tentatively on track for completion in early 2019.

Supporting Affordable Housing in NoVa

Northern Virginia is one of the most challenging places to find affordable housing, so VHDA takes every opportunity we can to reach out in that area. On March 24, we helped sponsor the 8th Annual Northern Virginia Homeownership Expo, which was held at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria.

The event was coordinated by First Home Alliance, one of our new nonprofit partners, and was free and open to the public. First Home Alliance is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency promoting financial literacy and economic self-sufficiency. They’re dedicated to increasing homeownership among low- to moderate-income individuals and families, and to helping current homeowners stay in their homes through loss-mitigation counseling and foreclosure intervention.

We were joined at the Expo by representatives from the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church, and the town of Herndon. VHDA business development officers were on hand to answer questions about our programs and services and to meet with financial professionals interested in joining our statewide network of VHDA-approved lenders.

The event drew about 200 people who came to find out about housing resources in the area. It was a good one-stop way to learn about and compare locations and to find the best opportunities for first-time homebuyers and renters.

VHDA’s booth attracted a steady stream of visitors. Potential homebuyers were particularly interested in learning about our Loan Combo package, which can provide qualified borrowers with a first mortgage at a competitive rate, plus a down payment grant, a Mortgage Credit Certificate (first-time homebuyer tax credit) and a free homebuyer class.

Attendees had the opportunity to sit down for a free 30-minute financial counseling session, and were also welcome to participate in a variety of workshops covering topics such as:

• Are You Ready to Rent?
• Are You Ready to Buy?
• The ABCs of Credit Scores
• Rental and Homebuying Market Overviews
• Household Finance
• Buyer and Rental Assistance Programs

The Northern Virginia Homeownership Expo was a rewarding way to help aspiring homebuyers pursue their dream of having a quality, affordable place to call their own.

Board of Commissioners Update

VHDA’s Board of Commissioners has undergone some recent changes. We’d like to thank Sarah Stedfast and Lemella Y. Carrington for their dedicated service and wish them well. Kit Hale is our new Chairman and Clarissa McAdoo Cannion is our Vice Chairman.

Governor Ralph Northam appointed Erik Johnston as the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and he will serve on VHDA’s Board as an ex-officio member. In addition, William (Bill) Shelton, DHCD’s former Director, will remain on VHDA’s Board serving as a citizen member also appointed by the Governor. 

Creating Opportunities for Homeownership

Preventing Foreclosure

VHDA’s Servicing Department held four Borrower Outreach Events to prevent foreclosure. These events provided customers an opportunity to meet with our staff in person, receive education on how to prevent foreclosure and apply for loan modifications. We have modified 121 loans through this program, and about 69% have remained current.

 Reaching Underserved Areas

We’ve recently increased our ability to serve communities in Southwest Virginia by hiring Frank Webster, an experienced Business Development Officer, who is dedicated to the region. This will strengthen our stakeholder relationships in the area and enable us to provide more educational opportunities for consumers in this part of the state.

Helping First-time Homebuyers

VHDA is preparing a springtime campaign to increase awareness about our Loan Combo, which offers a home loan plus a package of benefits including a down payment grant, an MCC and our free homebuyer class.

Watch Video

In Case You Missed It: A Look at Recent National Housing Policy News

Rental Housing

Commercial and Multifamily Construction Starts Down in 2017

Many metro areas reported reduced commercial and multifamily construction starts in 2017 compared to 2016, said Dodge Data & Analytics, New York. "Of the commercial and multifamily project types, multifamily housing is the one that appears to have already reached its peak and is now heading downward," said Dodge Data & Analytics Chief Economist Robert Murray, noting a 12 percent decline in dollar terms during 2017.

The Number of High-Income Renters Surged, Especially in the Nation’s Highest-Cost Markets

High-income renters are a growing share of all rental households, particularly in the nation's most expensive metropolitan areas, including Washington. The shift comes amid tremendous growth in the national rental housing market, which added nearly 10 million new rental households between 2006 and 2016. These include 2.9 million "high-income" renters (those with real annual incomes exceeding $100,000). This is a 29 percent increase in a group that represented 9 percent of all renters in 2006 but accounted for 13 percent of renters in 2016.

Homeownership 

Updated Credit Scoring and the Mortgage Market

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is considering a potential change in the credit scoring models approved for use by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and is currently receiving public comment on this important policy issue. This report provides an overview of the issues involved.

Mortgage Insurance Companies Push Back Against 50% DTI

Last year, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they were increasing their debt-to-income ratio to 50%. But now, private mortgage insurance companies are pushing back, announcing new underwriting requirements, including higher credit scores, for loans with DTIs exceeding 45%.

Reforming the FHA’s Foreclosure and Conveyance Processes

This report addresses how the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) foreclosure and conveyance processes can be changed to bring down costs and create efficiencies.

Your Mortgage Application May Trigger Competitors to Tempt You with Other Offers

Credit bureaus routinely convert information they receive regarding mortgage application filings within 24 hours into “trigger leads” which they sell to competing mortgage lenders. This practice has become controversial and is being blamed for predatory practices on consumers, especially unsophisticated ones. Last week, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers began pushing a campaign on Capitol Hill for an outright ban.

Manufactured Housing

Can Manufactured Housing Ease America’s Affordable Housing Crisis?

The affordable home purchase market continues to suffer an acute inventory shortage. High construction costs and labor shortages mean builders can’t keep up with household formation, and Americans who already own homes are reluctant to sell an asset that is appreciating rapidly. While there’s no easy fix, signals within the federal government suggest one solution is getting increased attention—manufactured housing.  Now, Federal agencies are reviewing financing and regulations in hopes of giving manufactured homes a boost. This article summarizes these issues and their impact on the industry.

MBA Urges HUD to Take Opportunities on Manufactured Housing

HUD is preparing to review its current regulation of manufactured housing and has requested public input. The Mortgage Bankers Association, in a February 26 letter to HUD, said manufactured housing offers the agency with opportunities to help meet the nation's affordable housing needs and urged it to take a more flexible regulatory approach.

In Case You Missed It: A Look at Recent National Housing Policy News

Foundation Funding for Housing

Nine Foundations Launch Housing Collaborative

Nine of the nation’s largest private foundations have joined forces to create the Funders for Housing and Opportunity (FHO) collaborative with the goal of ensuring individuals and families who spend more than half of their income on rent—or have no homes at all—will be able to afford safe, stable rental housing in thriving communities. Together, FHO members will commit grant dollars that will be used to catalyze systemic change. The new organization announced that it has committed $4.9 million to four grantees over the next three years.

Multifamily Housing

Construction Costs Spike for Multifamily Projects

The cost of construction is rising rapidly for apartment developers and contractors. “I expect contractors to pay 4 percent to 5 percent more in 2018 than in 2017,” says Ken Simonson, chief economist with the Associated General Contractors of America. That includes both construction materials and services, such as truck transportation, subcontracting and leasing.

Homeownership 

Nowhere to Go but Up?  How Increasing Mortgage Rates Could Affect Housing

Freddie Mac has released its February Insight, which looks into the effects of higher mortgage rates on homebuyers, homeowners wishing to refinance, mortgage lenders, home builders and real estate agents. The Insight delves into the past to review periods when interest rates spiked and analyze the effects on the housing industry.

Manufactured Housing an Opportunity for Affordable Homeownership

This article provides a brief case example of the use of manufactured housing in San Bernardino, CA on scattered in-fill lots to help in providing affordable homeownership and revitalize city neighborhoods.

Homeownership is Still Financially Better than Renting

An analysis by Urban Institute research staff looks at costs of homeownership versus renting, and shows that homeownership remains highly beneficial for most families, offering both financial gains and a way to build wealth. Homeownership is shown to be especially beneficial for those who expect to own their home for a long enough period to overcome the sizable transactions costs and the cyclical volatility of home prices.