November 18, 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 homebuyers may receive up to $45,000 in downpayment assistance to purchase a home in one of the targeted areas.  Call the Houston Housing Department for full details at 713.522.HOME!

Energy StarR's 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 StarR and HERS Rating, visit EnegyStar.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 StarR 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).  Homebuyers 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 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
*November 21              *December 12              *January 9 & 23

Classes in Spanish on the following Saturdays from 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
*December 5 and 19           *January 16 & 30

Community News - Acres Homes
Stop Renting and Own Your Home. Two homes available in Acres Homes at 7915 Sealey and 7913 Sealey. These 3-bedroom, 2 ?-bath, living/dining/kitchen, include stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, ceiling fans, and recessed lightning. 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 ?-bath, living/dining/kitchen, include stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, ceiling fans, and recessed lightning. For more information, call Uplift 4th Ward CDC at 832-922-1303.

Community News - Near Northside
Avenue Community Development Corporation offers free homebuyer 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 downpayment assistance programs. Avenue CDC is a 501C3 non profit and is a HUD-certified homebuyer education provider. Call 713-864-9099 to sign up for a class.

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: