December 17, 2009

Dear Community Residents,

YOU CAN BE A HOUSTON HOPE HOMEOWNER!

Since its inception, Houston Hope has helped hundreds of families to own quality, affordable homes in improved areas of the City of Houston. 

Houston Hope is Mayor Bill White's action plan to improve several of Houston's historic neighborhoods by coordinating public safety programs, restoring existing homes, providing quality new affordable homes, and improving infrastructure and drainage.

For a limited time, qualified home buyers may receive up to $45,000 in down payment assistance to purchase a home in one of the targeted areas.  Call the Housing and Community Development Department for full details at 713.522.HOME!

Home Buyer Tax Credits
The tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first time home buyers purchasing a principal residence has been extended. Also, qualified repeat home buyers may get a tax credit of up to $6,500. The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. Learn how you can take advantage of the tax credit to buy the home of your dreams. For more details, visit: https://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/index.html.

ENERGY STAR Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS)
HERS uses a standardized evaluation of a home's energy efficiency. HERS ratings provide a relative energy use index called the HERS Index - a HERS Index of 100 represents the energy use of the "Reference Home" (based on the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code) and an Index of 0 (zero) indicates that the home uses no net purchased energy. The lower a home's HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is in comparison to the HERS Reference Home. For more information about ENERGY STAR and HERS Rating, visit energystar.gov.

45.4.45 Energy Program
When selecting your new home in a Houston HOPE neighborhood, ask your builder if they have any 45.4.45 homes available.  45.4.45 homes are ENERGY STAR homes with a HERS Rating as low as 45.  These homes offer a wide range of energy saving features AT NO EXTRA COST to the buyer!  Homes built under this unique program offer the following benefits:

SAVE ENERGY on the operation of your home.  A 45.4.45 home has energy features that will save homeowners from 15%-55% in energy use over a similar home with standard construction features.

THIRD PARTY VERIFICATION.  Your 45.4.45 home will receive a HERS rating by a certified rater performed before construction.  An additional HERS Energy Rating (by the same certified rater) is performed after construction for verification.

Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEM).  Home buyers may submit the projected energy cost savings of their HERS rated home to qualify for larger mortgages.  Ask your lender for more information.

For more information visit HoustonHopeHomes.org.

Free Homebuyer Education Workshops hosted by Tejano Center
Register by calling 713-673-1080
Location:  Raul Yzaguirre School for Success at 2950 Broadway St. Houston, TX 77017

Classes in English on the following Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*January 9 & 23              *February 6 & 20              *March 6 & 20

Classes in Spanish on the following Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*December 19                 *January 16 & 30              * February 13 & 27

Community News - Acres Homes
Brand new construction by Chesmar Homes (2008 GHBA Builder of Year). Both homes at 7939 Sunnyhill and 8113 Sunnyhill are energy star built, 2 story, 4 bedroom/2.5 bath with 2 car garage includes black appliances, decorative lighting/ceiling fans, ceramic tile in wet areas, mini blinds thru out, alarm system ready, fenced and fully sodded yard with covered patio. For more information, call Tricia Frazier at 832-233-7215.

Stop Renting and Own Your Home. Two homes available in Acres Homes at 7915 Sealey and 7913 Sealey. These 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath, living/dining/kitchen, include stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, ceiling fans, and recessed lighting. For more information, call Uplift 4th Ward CDC at 832-922-1303.

Community News - Sunnyside
Stop Renting and Own Your Home. Two homes available in Sunnyside at 8405 Comal and 8407 Comal. These 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath, living/dining/kitchen, include stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, ceiling fans, and recessed lighting. For more information, call Uplift 4th Ward CDC at 832-922-1303.

Community News - Near Northside
Avenue Community Development Corporation (CDC) offers free home buyer education classes. Classes are held at the Avenue CDC Homeownership Center located at 707 Quitman, in English and Spanish. Learn the home purchase process, available City and County grants, and down payment assistance programs. Avenue CDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is a HUD-certified home buyer education provider. Call 713-864-9099 to sign up for a class.

Community News - Trinity Gardens
Home Buyer Workshop on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Trinity Gardens Church of Christ Community Center located at 7725 Sandra, Building B. Call Greater Houston Development, Inc. to register at 713-635-2300 x 10.

Tour new homes in Trinity Gardens on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more info call Greater Houston Development, Inc. at 713-635-2300 x 10.

Please visit the following Website links to learn about homeownership in Houston Hope neighborhoods:

If you're interested in a Houston Hope neighborhood, please contact: