Orlando Housing Authority

Orlando Housing Authority Orlando Housing Authority Primary Business Address Your Address Line 2 Your Address Line 3 Your Address Line 4 Phone: 555-555-5555 Fax: 555-555-5555 E-mail: someone@example.com Planning and Development Homeownership Office

Dear Future Homeowner: Thank you for your interest in the Homebuyer Assistance Programs offered by the Orlando Housing Authority. This application package provides you information on how you, too, can become a homeowner. First, ask yourself a few questions: Do I have a steady, reliable source of income? Do I have few long-term debts? Do I have savings for a down payment on a home? Do I pay my rent on time? Do I have the ability to pay a mortgage payment every month? If you answered yes to the above questions, you are probably ready to own your own home. To be able to determine whether you are ready, we need you to complete this application package and provide information about your family and household income and expenses. The application package provides you with income and other eligibility requirements for participation in the program. Please read through the whole package to familiarize yourself with the program opportunities and requirements. When you are ready to take the first step towards owning your own home, please call us at (407) 648-0002 ext. 301 to schedule an appointment with an OHA homeownership counselor. Don t wait too long, as assistance is limited. We look forward to helping you make the dream of owning your own home a reality. Vivian Bryant, Esq. Executive Director

ORLANDO ABOUT THE ORLANDO HOUSING AUTHORITY The Housing Authority of the City of Orlando, Florida (OHA) was created in January of 1938 and is governed by a seven member Board of Commissioners, which includes an OHA resident. The Mayor of the City of Orlando appoints board members. The Orlando Housing Authority (OHA) offers a variety of housing options to income eligible residents of Orlando and Orange County. OHA manages and operates 1443 units in 12 public housing developments in the City of Orlando and Orange County, providing quality housing to thousands of low-income residents. In addition, OHA administers the Section 8 Program for approximately twenty-nine hundred vouchers for rental and homeownership assistance. OHA manages and maintains seventy-five affordable market rate units that were build in conjunction with the Downtown Development Board and are located in the Parramore Heritage District and owns 280 affordable market rate units in west Orange County. OHA also offers second and third mortgage financing to eligible and qualified families through the HOPE VI Grant homeownership programs. Services to all residents goes beyond bricks and mortar as the OHA delivers a wide range of social services to enhance the quality of life and promote the selfsufficiency of its residents and clients. The Mission of the Orlando Housing Authority is to: To offer a choice of safe and affordable housing options and opportunities for economic independence for residents of Orlando and Orange County PURPOSE OF THE HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The OHA homebuyer assistance program was designed to provide funds to qualified first time homebuyers who otherwise would not be able to purchase a home. Through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), OHA is able to offer no interest second mortgages to bridge the gap between the home sales price and available first mortgage for eligible families. Funds are issued on a first come first served basis. In addition to financial assistance, the OHA Homebuyer Assistance Program provides participants with information, counseling, homebuyer training, referrals to other agencies and assistance in determining their readiness to become a homeowner. The OHA is committed to helping income eligible residents to achieve the American Dream of owning their own home. Revised March 2005 Page 1

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Any qualified resident of Orange County, Florida or member of a program preference group, who meets the income eligibility standards and other program requirements is eligible to apply for the OHA Homebuyer Assistance funds. Income Requirements The income eligibility requirements are based on family size and total family income. The family income must be between 60% and 80% of the median income for the Metropolitan Orlando area. To be income eligible, the total family income must fall within the ranges below: *Above are HUD income limits for 2005 subject to change upon notice from the OHA or HUD. Family Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8+ Minimum Income $23,150 $26,450 $29,750 $33,050 $35,450 $38,050 $40,700 $43,300 Maximum Income $30,850 $35,250 $39,650 $44,100 $47,600 $51,150 $54,650 $58,200 Other Eligibility Requirements There are other requirements that must be met in addition to the income requirements to be eligible for participation in the OHA Homebuyer Assistance Program. To be eligible for funds the applicant must: Not have owned a home within the last three years Have been employed full time for the last two years Be able to secure first mortgage financing Provide $1000 or 1% of the sales price of the home for down payment (whichever is greater) Complete HUD approved Homebuyer Training Course Commit to occupying the home you are purchasing (All co-borrowers) Commit to attend post purchase counseling Agree to abide by the program requirements Preference Groups The OHA has established preferences for families with children, elderly and disabled families for the Carver Court HOPE VI Homeownership Programs. OHA has established the following order of priority for providing funds to homeownership program participants: Former Carver Court residents who were on the lease on July 30, 2001 OHA residents on the lease of any OHA properties demolished after November 14, 1994 OHA Public Housing Residents, OHA Section 8 Program participants, and residents on the lease in properties owned or managed by the OHA. Page 2

(Continued from page 2) Applicants on OHA Public Housing and Section 8 waiting lists. Current or former residents of the Parramore Heritage district bound on the West by Orange Blossom Trail, on the north by State Road Highway 50, on the east by Division Avenue and on the south by Gore Street, who can document residence prior to July 30, 2001. Eligible OHA employees who are not directly involved in the administration of the HOPE VI and/or Homeownership Programs. Income eligible residents of Orange County. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and have sufficient means to purchase a home. To provide such preferences, OHA may delay processing requests for HOPE VI mortgages from non-preference families, provided that such action would not result in missing established goals for the homeownership program. WHAT KIND OF HOME CAN I BUY? The home must be located in Orange County, Florida. Homes can be newly constructed or existing homes. Single family detached homes, townhouses, row houses, duplexes and condominiums are eligible for the program. Property restrictions and requirements are listed below: Home must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection Maximum Sales Price for newly constructed homes is $158,820 Maximum Sales Price for existing homes is $144,113 The size of the home must be consistent with the occupancy standards for the family size as established by local and federal codes. The home can not be located in areas impacted by poverty or minority concentrations ( maps are available at the OHA Homeownership Office). Homes may be located in impacted areas in the neighborhood surrounding the Carver Court site. ( maps are available at the OHA Homeownership Office) Page 3

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK? First you must complete the attached application forms and make copies of all the required documents listed on page 5 of this application. Then you should contact the OHA Homeownership office at (407) 648-0002 ext. 301 to schedule an appointment with a counselor. At the initial interview, we will help you evaluate your financial status (income, credit and debit) to determine your eligibility for the program. You will be asked to provide information about your income, job history, credit history and current financial obligations (rent, loans and other expenses) and family demographics. Then you ll be given some guidance on the next steps you need to take to become a homeowner. You might be referred to a credit repair agency, a job service or counseling program, or a homebuyer-training agency. OHA Homeownership staff will help you develop a plan with specific steps to help you get ready to purchase your first home. The next step will be to complete a homebuyer training program. This training is essential to help you understand not only the financial responsibilities of homeownership, but other responsibilities such as maintaining a home, as well. The class will prepare you to understand the home buying, mortgage documents and closing process. OHA offers year long classes, through local service providers, at no cost to the client. You will then be ready to talk to a financial institution to pre-qualify for a mortgage. They will look at your income, credit history and work history to determine a reasonable monthly mortgage payment for you and inform you of the total first mortgage amount for which you are pre-qualified. Now you are ready to begin looking for a home. While looking for a home, remember the sales price of the home must be within the OHA program maximum sales prices to be eligible for assistance. Do not sign a contract on a home until you have verified the amount of OHA assistance available to you. Then you will meet with an OHA senior homeownership counselor to determine the amount of homeownership assistance for which you qualify. OHA provides a second mortgage that will cover the difference between the sales price of the home and your first mortgage amount. Specific terms and conditions of the second mortgage are included in the mortgage documents and will be explained to you by the OHA homeownership counselor. Once you have found an appropriate home and signed a sales contract, an OHA senior homeownership counselor will review the first mortgage documents, arrange for an HQS inspection of the home, and may attend the closing with you. After you have purchased your home, you will be required to meet with an OHA homeownership counselor for post-purchase counseling within 90 days of your closing and once a year thereafter. Page 4

LIST OF REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION When you have completed all the application forms included in this package, you must provide copies of the documents and materials listed below: Photo ID for every adult in the household Social Security cards for all household members Residential addresses for the past 2 years, including the landlord s name and address Complete tax returns for the last two years for every working adult in the household (if unavailable, applicant must supply IRS Letter 1722) Year to date paycheck stub for every working adult in the household Names and address of all employers for the last two years of every adult in the household Evidence of other forms of household income (Social Security, pensions, child support, etc.) If self-employed, last two years complete tax return and year to date profit and loss statement Bank statements for the last three months Names, addresses and account numbers, balances and monthly payments for all open debts/loans (this includes car loans, student loans, credit cards and any and all other unpaid bills) Addresses and loan information on any real estate owned If you are eligible for a VA loan, provide a copy of Form DD214 As applicable: provide copies of divorce decrees, debt repayment plans, bankruptcy discharge and schedule, statement of childcare expenses Certificate of Completion of a Homebuyer Training Course When you have made copies of all the above documentation call (407) 648-0002 ext. 301 to schedule an appointment with an OHA homeownership counselor. Page 5

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS When will my application be processed? Applications are processed on a first come first served basis. Only completed application packages can be processed. The applicant must meet eligibility requirements to receive assistance. How much assistance will I be eligible for? The amount of assistance is determined on an individual need basis. Need is defined as the amount needed to assist you in purchasing an affordable, appropriate home for your family. In no case will the assistance provided exceed $45,000. Assistance will not be provided to purchase a home that does not meet program requirements. I am on a fixed income (pension, Social Security, etc.) Am I eligible to participate in the program? That depends on the size of your family, the amount of income you receive, whether you are elderly or disabled, your debts and your ability to qualify for a first mortgage. I am married, but separated from my spouse. Can I get assistance for a mortgage by myself? Not in the State of Florida. The Florida Constitution provides a legal claim in residency for a spouse. The mortgage document must be signed by the spouse. You must obtain a divorce to execute a mortgage by yourself. Ask the OHA counselor for the Florida Dissolution of Marriage Information Sheet for more information. Can I lease out the home I purchase? No, the home must be owner occupied by all co-borrowers who sign the mortgage document. Can I sell the home I purchase? Yes, however there are restrictions. Since the aim of the program is homeownership and family stability and not profit making, there are profit sharing provisions in the OHA second mortgage document. These provisions restrict the amount of profit the homeowner receives upon sale of the home within the first ten (10) years. If the home is sold before the first mortgage matures, the second mortgage becomes payable in full. Where do I go to sign up for a HUD certified homebuyer training course? The OHA has contracted with local area service providers to provide the training at no cost to the applicant. Contact your OHA Homeownership Counselor to find out how to enroll in the next available training program. Certified homebuyer training courses are also provided by: Central Florida HANDS: 407-447-5686 The Metropolitan Orlando Urban League: 407-841-7654 Homebuyer Counseling Collaborative of Central Florida: 407-830-7762 Page 6

Applicant Information ORLANDO HOUSING AUTHORITY HOME BUYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATION Last Name: First Name: M.I Street Address: Home Phone: ( ) City, St, Zip: Work Phone: ( ) How long at this address Date of Birth (mm/dd/yy) Age: Gender: F M Marital Status: Single Married Separated Divorced Widowed Race: African American/Black Caucasian/White Hispanic Asian Native American Other Residency: U.S. Citizen Eligible / Non-Citizen Alien Reg. Number: Expiration Date: Do you have any special needs? Yes No Are you presently homeless? Yes No Do you have a criminal record: Yes No If yes, how long ago? Residency Information Do you own a home now or have you owned a home in the last 3 years? Yes _ No Are you a resident of Orlando Housing Authority living in Public Housing? Yes No If yes, which complex? Do you receive Section 8 Assistance? Yes No Education & Training Do you have a High School Diploma or GED? Yes No Highest Grade Completed 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 GED College Completed 1 2 3 4 Have you completed a Homebuyer Education course? Yes No Household Composition and Income Head of Household Name: Page 1

List everyone in the household (include yourself): If there are additional household members, list on a separate page and attach to application. NAME (First & Last) AGE Date of Social Security Number Relationship Birth SELF EMPLOYMENT STATUS Applicant First Name Last Name Are you presently employed? Yes No Hire Date Employer Name: Street Address: City, ST, Zip: Phone: ( ) Your Position/Title: Rate of Pay: Hourly Weekly Monthly Co- Applicant First Name Last Name Are you presently employed? Yes No Hire Date Employer Name: Street Address: City, ST, Zip: Phone: ( ) Your Position/Title: Rate of Pay: Hourly Weekly Monthly Page 2

Total Income Please check any other sources of household income and indicate the amount and frequency of receipt: SOURCE AMOUNT SOURCE AMOUNT WAGES/TANF Food Stamps Other outside assistance Medicaid Alimony/Child Support Public Assistance Assisted Housing School Meals Others What was your total income from all sources LAST YEAR? MILITARY HISTORY Are or were you a member of the U.S. Armed Forces? Yes No Branch: Rank (present or at separation from service) Discharge status: PLEASE READ AND SIGN BELOW: I HEREBY CERTIFY AND AFFIRM UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY THAT THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE TRUE AND CORRECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE ORLANDO HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL VERIFY THE STATEMENTS HEREIN, AND I HAVE NO OBJECTIONS TO INQUIRIES BEING MADE. WARNING! SECTION 1001 OF TITLE 18 OF THE U.S. CODE MAKES IT A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO MAKE WILLFUL FALSE STATEMENTS OR MISREPRESENTATIONS TO ANY DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES AS TO ANY MATTER WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION. Applicant Signature Date Co-Applicant Signature Date Page 3

Please provide the following information, only if you have been working less than (2) years on your actual employment, or living less than two (2) years on actual address: Applicant: Rental History Employment History Landlord name: Employers Name Address: Address: Telephone num- Telephone number ber How long living in the property Hire Date: Co-Applicant: Rental History Landlord name: Address: Telephone num. How long living in the property Employment History Employers Name Address: Telephone num. Hire Date: If more space is needed feel free to write it down on another piece of paper

GENERAL AUTHORIZATION I hereby authorized The Orlando Housing Authority to verify my past and present employment earning records, bank accounts, stocks holding, and any other asset balances that are needed to process my mortgage loan application. I further authorize The Orlando Housing Authority to order a consumer credit report and verify other credit information, including past, present mortgage and landlord references. It is understood that a copy of this form will also serve as authorization to provide the information requested. The information obtained is only to be used in the processing of my mortgage application. Address: Applicant (Print Name) Applicant (Social Security) Applicant (Signature) Co-Applicant (Print Name) Co-Applicant (Social Security) Co-Applicant (Signature) Applicant (Date of Birth) Co-Applicant (Date of Birth) Date