August 2013
Cornerstones A Neat (& Clean) Idaho Museum One man’s mission to change the way we think about clean living...........6
A Story of Stability One Idaho family at last achieves the family home of its dreams.................7 Idaho Forum to Explore the Future of Housing August event features Idaho and national industry experts..........11 Steps for Creating a Healthier Home...................... 4 Products and Services Updates...8 IHFA’s Community Involvement.......................... 9 Calendar of Events.................11
Housing and Health Why Where We Live Matters It started with a piercing alarm — and a piercing headache. When the carbon monoxide alarm in Rebecca Morley’s rental home went off one night, she and her roommates were annoyed by its high-pitched wail so they unplugged it, assuming it had malfunctioned. It hadn’t.
So they plugged in the monitor again and “sure enough, it was a piercing sound again.” Next came a visit from the fire department and a trip to the hospital. But it could have been worse, Morley said. “The scary part was, I had family and friends scheduled to visit soon. There would’ve been a house full of about 15 people by the time we were done,” she said. “My entire family was almost killed Housing Quality by carbon monoxide.”
The odorless gas had been seeping into Housing the apartment all Affordability day because of a It was a startling Health faulty appliance. reminder for Morley, The roommates who is now the discovered they all executive director for Neighborhood had suffered from National Center for Conditions headaches and nausea Healthy Housing (NCHH), that day and “I knew a nonprofit advocate for enough about carbon healthy and safe homes. monoxide at that point to Morley’s experience is a dramatic know that those were some of example of how where a person lives can the signs (of poisoning),” Morley said.
…continued on page 2
Market Trends: Healthier Home Prices If home prices are any indication, Idaho’s housing industry is getting a healthy heartbeat again. Low inventories and increased demand are steadily pushing up prices throughout the state. According to the Federal Housing Finance Association (FHFA), year-over-year house prices have increased by 15.09 percent in Idaho, which is well above the national increase of 6.7 percent. According to the FHFA, the house prices for Idaho’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas are for the most part increasing at a steady pace except in the Boise/Nampa area, which saw a large jump of 10.17 percent in the first quarter of 2013. To better understand how home prices are changing in Idaho, we spoke to REALTORS® in each area of the state. “Things are absolutely crazy. We actually are seeing multiple offers again and lots of buyers. At the end of May, the year-over-year average home price increased by 6 percent and the median home price went up 13 percent.” — Rick Vernon, executive officer, Coeur d’Alene Association of REALTORS®, Coeur d’Alene
Idaho Housing and Finance Association is expanding housing and funding opportunities statewide.
…continued on page 3
www.idahohousing.com
Focus: Health & Homes
Housing and Health: Why Where We …continued from cover affect their health. There is a complex set of factors that determine how much a home can do to affect the health of the people who live there.
Close behind is radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, that affects an estimated one in 15 homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s an especially acute problem in Idaho, said Jim Faust, indoor environment health program manager with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. “According to the EPA we have
Housing Quality Most of us spend more than half our lives at home, according to a study by the
Thirty-seven percent of households devote more than 30 percent of their income to housing, according to the 2012 State of American Housing report by Harvard University. Eighteen percent pay more than half, which is considered a severe burden. “If you’re devoting 50, 60, or 70 percent of your monthly budget to housing expenses, the amount left over to devote to other important expenditures that impact your health, such as nutritious foods, medication, health insurance, and doctor visits is constrained,” said Rebecca Cohen, a senior policy analyst with the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, D.C.
“According to the EPA we have ridiculously high radon levels in several areas of the state.” — Jim Faust, indoor environment health program manager Environmental Protection Agency. It’s where we rest, relax, and sometimes where we work. It’s more than just a shelter. It’s the foundation for our lives. So it’s no surprise that the condition of a home is arguably the most significant contributor to a person’s physical health and well-being. Unfortunately, about 30 million United States homes have significant health issues, according to a February report issued by the federal Healthy Homes Work Group. “When you get a car you get a maintenance manual and you get a check-engine light that comes on when you need to check your oil. You just don’t get those things for your home,” Morley said. Among the most significant factors that can make a home unhealthy:
Lead Exposure Exposure to this toxic metal damages the brain and nervous system, especially in young children. Most often, exposure to lead paint occurs in homes built before 1978 that may contain lead-based paint. By some estimates, about 20 million homes have lead-based paint hazards.
Indoor Air Pollutants Exposure to tobacco smoke is the most prevalent residential hazard, especially for children.
2 August
ridiculously high radon levels in several areas of the state,” Faust said. Carbon monoxide causes about 500 deaths a year, according to the CDC. Other pollutants, such as asbestos and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are commonly found in paint and some glues, are linked to respiratory illnesses and some types of cancer.
High housing costs are a particular burden on low-income families. Studies summarized in a 2008 report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation show that: n
Low-income people with difficulty paying rent, mortgage, or utility bills were less likely to have a usual source of medical care, were more likely to postpone treatment, and more likely to use the emergency room for treatment.
Exposure to these types of pollutants contribute to a host of health problems, from asthma, hypertension, strokes and neurological damage to death.
Allergens Approximately 4.6 million Americans suffer from asthma related to mold, mildew, rodents, or insects in a home.
Injuries Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death, disability, and hospital admission among children 15 and younger and more than half of those occur at home, according to a report by the NCHH.
n
n
Housing Affordability
The health problems associated with poorly maintained or inadequately built housing are well documented. The connections between housing affordability and health isn’t always so obvious.
n
Children who lived in areas with higher rates of unaffordable housing tended to have worse health, more behavioral problems, and lower school performance. Families who lack affordable housing are more likely to move frequently. Residential instability is associated with emotional, behavioral, and academic problems among children, and with increased risk of teen pregnancy, early drug use, and depression during adolescence.
Live Matters Those types of situations have detrimental impacts on physical and mental health in the short term and the long term, Cohen said. “These hazards either kill you quick or kill you slow,” Morely said.
The Neighborhood’s Role Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan recently highlighted how the conditions of the neighborhoods where homes are located affect the health of the people who live there. “Far too often, we can predict a family’s overall health, even their life expectancy, by knowing their zip code,” he said. The physical environment in a neighborhood — whether it’s crime, vandalism, or poor air and water quality — have obvious detrimental affects on the people who live there. Other attributes of a neighborhood that significantly foster individual and community health are proximity to traffic, access to parks, walkability, mixed-use development, and the availability of healthy food. According to research compiled by the National Center for Healthy Housing:
…continued from cover “June median home prices were up 21 percent from June 2012 for Ada County. The median home price is above $210,000 for the first time in five years. With inventory increasing and the percentage of distressed inventory decreasing, we expect median home prices will continue to strengthen well into 2013.” – Marc Lebowitz, executive director, Ada County Association of REALTORS®, Boise
“We are seeing a little bit of an increase, but not like the Treasure Valley. Our median home price is up 4 percent and our average selling price is up 7 percent. We have had consistent statistics for over six months and are glad to be back in a normal market.” – Susan Allred, REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty East Idaho, Idaho Falls
“The Bingham County market has stabilized and is on the rise. Prices have increased anywhere from a half percent to 12 percent, depending on the price range. The biggest contributor to the rise in prices is lack of inventory. We expect the market to continue to rise at a moderate rate of 5 percent per year, meaning we could be back to pre-2008 prices in three to five years.” – Carrie Hasselbring, real estate broker, RE/MAX Preferred Properties, Blackfoot n
House Price Appreciation
n Living
near high-traffic areas results in increased exposure to air pollution, which in turn can lead to increased rates of asthma and bronchitis. For example, one study cited in the NCHH report showed that people who live within 1,000 feet of busy streets suffer greater risks of exposure to air pollution.
Market Trends: Healthier Home Prices
n People
who live close to parks, playgrounds, and other safe areas to exercise are more likely to engage in physical activity and reduce their risk for obesity and diabetes. n High-density, mixed-use communities with clusters of housing built near retail establishments, schools, and office buildings can lead to greater walkability and reduced air pollution. n Easy access to grocery stores, which sell fresh food and produce, can reduce health problems. Yet convenience stores, gas stations, and fast-food outlets are often the only food retailers available in some neighborhoods.
The social aspects of a community are just as important to health as the physical environment. Studies show that strong social ties can help people alleviate stress and help shield people against chronic diseases. Social ties also fosters community trust, helps lead to reduced crime, and promotes neighborhood safety. n
Federal Housing Finance Agency
Boise/Nampa Coeur d’Alene Pocatello
40.00% 30.00%
Idaho Falls Lewiston
20.00% 10.00%
10.17% 1.55% 1.23% .57% -.06%
0.00% -10.00% -20.00%
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
House Appreciation Prices, showing gains from 2012 to 2013 as high as 10.17%, and just one drop at a minor -.06%. Figures are Q1 Calendar Year results.
Cornerstones 3
Focus: Health and Homes
Steps for Creating a Healthier Home KEEP IT: Dry
KEEP IT: Clean
Drain pan. Install a drain pan under your water heater to capture water and prevent moisture problems.
Track-off mats. Place a mat on the inside and outside of every door that leads to the outside.
Dehumidifier. Place dehumidifiers in basements and other
Non-toxic cleaning supplies (includes a mop and two buckets — one for soapy water and one for fresh water — and non-toxic cleaning products). Clean up dust
damp spaces to remove excess moisture.
Fix downspouts (includes downspout, elbow, and flex-a-spout downspout extension). Repair downspouts to drain water away from the foundation and prevent moisture intrusion. Water alarm. Place a water alarm near the sump pump or water heater to notify you of flooding or water leaks. Repair water damaged ceilings. A drywall professional can replace/repair water damage to reduce mold growth and maintain structural soundness.
to eliminate contaminants such as lead dust, allergens, and chemical residues. Pay particular attention to cleaning refrigerator drip pans and range hoods.
KEEP IT: Ventilated Install/replace exhaust fans (including installation). Install fans in bathrooms and over the range to reduce moisture and contaminants in bathrooms and kitchen. Make sure that these appliances are vented to the outside.
KEEP IT: Contaminant-Free Wire shelving. Install wire shelves to prevent the collection of dust and avoid off-gassing from particle board.
Radon test kit. Test for radon in the lowest level of your home to prevent lung cancer from radon exposure. Radon mitigation. Hire a professional to install a radon mitigation system to prevent radon gas exposure.
Lead-based paint inspection/risk assessment. Hire a professional to test your home for lead.
4 August
From the National Center for Healthy Housing
KEEP IT: Pest-Free
KEEP IT: Maintained
Pest exclusion. Keep pests out by filling cracks and crevices with copper mesh, expanding foam, cement, and caulk. Avoid using pesticides, which can be harmful to your health.
Repair cracks and holes in foundation. Seal up cracks and
Integrated pest management. IPM is a safer and usually less
built prior to 1978. Hire a contractor trained in lead safety for renovations and major repairs to homes built before 1978.
costly option for effective pest management. An IPM program employs common sense strategies to reduce sources of food, water, and shelter for pests.
Trash can with sealable cover. Sealable trash cans prevent
holes where pests and moisture can enter your home.
Fix peeling paint. Fix peeling lead-based paint in homes
Replace furnace filters. For maximum filtration, replace filters every four months with a MERV-11 filter. n
rodent and pest infestation.
KEEP IT: Safe Nightlight. Install nightlights in dark hallways and bathroom to help prevent falls. Non-skid pads for carpet runner. Install non-skid pads under carpets to help prevent slips, trips, and falls. Smoke detector. To prevent fire-related deaths, place a smoke detector on each level of the home, including the basement.
CO alarm. To prevent carbon monoxide poisonings, place an alarm on each floor and outside of sleeping areas.
Bath mat. Place a bath mat in each bathtub to prevent slips and falls.
Set water heaters to 120°F. Set water heater thermostats to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent scalds.
Anti-scald shower diverter. Install anti-scald devices in water faucets and showerheads.
Install grab bars. Place grab bars in bathrooms to prevent slips and falls.
Upgrade electrical system. A professional electrician can upgrade older systems to prevent electrical shock and fires.
Cornerstones 5
Focus: Health & Homes
It’s Neat to be Clean There are few people more aware of how a home’s physical environment can affect a person’s health than Don Aslett.
“This is not a little stop-in museum place,” he said. It’s all designed to help people see the value of a healthy lifestyle.
The southeastern Idaho native literally wrote the book on clean — about 40 of them, actually — based on more than a half-century in the cleaning business.
“We’re trying to get the message across so that when people walk out the door … they start washing their hands and they quit swearing. They stop smoking and start eating right and keep their weight down,” Aslett said.
“If you’ve got junk and clutter in your house, the condition affects you emotionally and physically,” Aslett said. “Being clean makes you feel good.”
Don Aslett, dedicated to promoting clean, green, and healthy living, invested more than $6 million to build the Museum of Clean in Pocatello.
For Aslett, cleaning is more than something you do, it’s the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. “Everybody thinks clean is a process, but clean is a condition,” Aslett said. “We’re talking about everything from clean homes to clean minds, clean language, and clean arteries. … You clean for health, but you also clean for dignity and confidence.”
“The museum is more valuable than my businesses because it changes people’s lives.” — Don Aslett, Museum of Clean, Pocatello
Aslett is so dedicated to promoting the value of clean, green, and healthy living that he put his money where his mouth is. He invested more than $6 million of his personal fortune to build the Museum of Clean in Pocatello.
The Museum of Clean in Pocatello educates young and old alike on rethinking clean with displays such as these antique toilets.
The six-story, 75,000-square-foot shrine to all things clean opened in 2011 and takes up a full city block. It houses a hands-on collection that includes antique brooms, mops, dustpans, vacuums, cleaning products, and washing machines. You’ll find everything from a zero-gravity trash compactor taken off a space shuttle to an ancient bronze toothpick. And don’t forget about dozens of toilets — even one from the queen of Austria. There’s also an art gallery, theater, library, gift shop, interactive exhibits for kids, and a 10,000-square-foot event center.
6 August
The museum itself is a model of a healthy building. About 85 percent of the museum complex, which is in the process of LEED certification, was built using recycled material. Solar panels and an accessible rooftop garden are in the works. Among the building’s other green features: n Energy-efficient
lighting that capitalizes on natural sunlight.
n A system that captures and recycles rainwater. n A
high-tech heating and cooling system are built in.
n Ample
green space outside, complete with an outdoor stage that can be used for community gatherings.
That last bit — community — is what’s really important to Aslett. He started what would become a multimillion dollar janitorial and facilities services business while he was a student at Idaho State University. He still lives in Pocatello and it’s the headquarters for his other businesses. “This is for the whole community. It’s really quickly becoming a community center,” said Aslett, who hosts everything from schools and Scout groups to Shakespeare plays. “The museum is more valuable than my businesses because it changes people’s lives,” he said. For some, the biggest attraction is the humble and tireless Aslett, who says he’s “almost 80.” The man sometimes referred to as “Flush Gordon,” “Captain Commode,” and the “Duke of the Dust Pan” gives daily museum tours that are as entertaining as the thousands of items he shows off every day. n
IHFA News: Personal Story
From Humble Beginnings to Homeownership “Our history of drug use and lack of education was not a secret, but neither was our passion to move forward to start a real life together,” Myndi said. Shawn and Myndi of Rathdrum used that passion to fuel their commitment and hard work to create a better life for themselves and their five children. Both have been clean of drugs for more than seven years and recently purchased their first home. The journey to homeownership was a long and difficult one, though. As Myndi explains it, she and Shawn grew up in dysfunctional families, moved out at young ages, got into drug addictions, and accumulated a huge debt. “We wanted a better life for our children than we had,” Myndi said. “We just weren’t sure how to get it.” Their path to selfsufficiency and homeownership would not have been possible without the support of their family, friends, and extended family from their local church. It was one of those friends who told Myndi about a rental assistance program administered by Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA). After they began receiving rental assistance through the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program they became eligible to participate in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program administered by IHFA.
for us, helped us set goals, and taught us how to accomplish the goals,” Myndi said. “The caseworker provided the rock of accountability, ear of understanding, and voice of encouragement we needed to become debt free, independent, and
“Our caseworker built short- and long-term plans for us, helped us set goals, and taught us how to accomplish the goals.” — Myndi, homeowner
Surrounded by their five children, Myndi and Shawn love owning their home and the sense of permanency and stability it provides their family.
financially stable.” The escrow account funds they saved while participating in the FSS program helped them reach their financial goals. Shawn and Myndi now have an established savings account instead of debt, including a separate account only for emergency purposes.
Obtaining this financial stability, they were ready for the next step of homeownership. They utilized another resource to assist them with this goal — the Homeownership Promotes Economic Stability (HOPES) program offered by the Home Partnership Foundation, a The FSS program is a voluntary nonprofit created by IHFA. program that helps families Through the HOPES program, become economically IHFA helped this North Idaho family achieve their dream of homeownership. the Foundation offers funds to independent. Through help families build assets and enter the financial mainstream. this program, households learn to set goals that include Through a savings account, the Foundation offers a 200 employment, savings, and often homeownership. “Our IHFA percent match on a qualified individual’s savings of up to caseworker sent us letters explaining the FSS program that, to be $2,000, toward the down payment on a home. Individuals can honest, sounded like a lot of work and wound up in the back of then take their $2,000 and add it to the match of $4,000 for a our drawers initially,” Myndi said. “We remained stagnant in our down payment of $6,000. lives, though, and decided we wanted more.” Myndi and Shawn enrolled in the FSS program and, according to Myndi, they had Shawn and Myndi love owning their home and the sense no idea the transformation that was about to take place in their of permanency and stability it provides for them and their lives because of the resources that became available. children. “By the time I was 21 years old I had moved 36 times,”
“We were completely backwards when it came to financial decisions,” Myndi said. We didn’t know anything about budgeting and saving and even made buying gifts for others a priority over paying bills. At first Myndi was horrified about letting someone look through their finances, but quickly became relieved when the advice of their IHFA caseworker began to pay off. “Our caseworker built short- and long-term plans
Myndi said. “I wanted my children to know where home is and not wonder where they might be living next.” With two of their children from their blended family weathering some of the turbulent years in foster care, this was particularly important to Shawn and Myndi. “The kids, and all of us, are so excited to have a home and a place to continue this success we have worked so hard to obtain,” Myndi said. n
Cornerstones 7
IHFA News: Products and Services
Products and Services Updates $142,500 Awarded to Prevent Ramp Up Idaho and Watch Business Roll In Homelessness in Idaho Accessible communities and businesses are essential to Idaho’s economy. With onetenth of Idahoans experiencing physical disabilities today, and more expected in the future, business owners need to understand the benefits of access for everyone involved. Ramp Up Idaho began as a conversation among community and economic development professionals with the Idaho Community Review team. They know many businesses and public spaces throughout rural Idaho are inaccessible; not only does this create liability for businesses subject to ADA requirements, but it keeps potential customers — and their friends, family, and co-workers — from getting in the door. It is essential to create productive partnerships and use available resources to pursue simple, cost-effective solutions to these access issues. Discussions about downtown projects should include representatives from state and local transportation, business, government, and access experts. “A simple conversation can lead to costsaving partnerships and tools business owners never knew existed,” said Erik Kingston, housing resources coordinator for IHFA. For example, current tax incentives reward small businesses that remove access barriers — up to a $15,000 deduction and as much as $5,000 as a tax credit. This alone can offset much of the investment; when several businesses coordinate projects with local government, further cost savings funding streams are possible. To learn more about Ramp Up Idaho, email info@rampupidaho.org or visit rampupidaho.org. Spread the word and help Ramp Up Idaho — like us at facebook.com/ RampUpIdaho. n
8 August
The Home Partnership Foundation has awarded 12 annual grants totaling $142,500 to support homelessness prevention efforts across Idaho. These funds will assist hundreds of individuals and families experiencing short-term economic, employment, or health crisis through a network of professional case managers who will help clients regain economic self-sufficiency. “With the support of our generous donors, we are able to help meet the critical needs for homeless prevention programs throughout Idaho,” said Deanna Ward, Home Partnership Foundation development director. “Stabilizing people in their current homes helps ensure families can focus on employment and educational opportunities instead of the trauma and uncertainty that comes with being homeless.” These grants are made possible by generous support from Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Wells Fargo, The Lightfoot Foundation, and gifts from individual donors. Donations to support safe, stable housing for Idahoans in need can be made at www.homepartnershipfoundation.org or through the Home Partnership Foundation page on Facebook. The Home Partnership Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization created by Idaho Housing and Finance Association to help Idahoans achieve stable, safe, and affordable housing. n
Grant Recipient
Location
Amount
CATCH, Inc. (Pictured in the above photo)
Ada & Canyon County
$25,000
South Central Community Action Partnership Twin Falls
$20,000
IHFA Idaho Falls Branch Office
Idaho Falls
$20,000
IHFA Lewiston Branch Office
Lewiston
$20,000
Aid for Friends
Pocatello
$15,000
The Salvation Army Treasure Valley
Boise
$10,000
CLUB, Inc.
Idaho Falls
$7,500
St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho
Coeur d’Alene
$5,000
Sojourners' Alliance
Moscow
$5,000
The Jesse Tree of Idaho
Boise
$5,000
IHFA Coeur d’Alene Branch Office
Coeur d’Alene
$5,000
IHFA Twin Falls Branch Office
Twin Falls
$5,000
IHFA’s Community Involvement Statewide Educating Homebuyers Just Got More Attractive If you or someone you know is getting ready to buy a home, especially if it is a first home, now is a great time to check out the Finally Home!® Homebuyer Education online courses. Finally Home! recently debuted a more attractive and more robust and intuitive site. “We’ve pretty much changed the whole feel of it,” said Heather Bowman, homebuyer education/counseling administrator. “We made it a lot more userfriendly,” Bowman said. The enhanced site includes interactive chapter summaries, video, voice-overs, and access to planning tools like budget forms that they can fill out online and print. Also, participants can scroll their mouse pointer over real estate-related terms to get definitions instantaneously as they review the materials. Overall, the new online version of Finally Home! is a more educational environment that helps make it more convenient for homebuyers to learn all the steps involved in investing in a home. Upon completing the course, homebuyers will have learned the skills to help them make educated decisions and better negotiate the purchase price and financing for their new home. Additionally, it may help them qualify for down payment and closing cost assistance and lower mortgage premiums. Now, that is attractive!
Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s commitment to Idaho communities is an integral part of the way we do business. Because of this, we are actively involved in numerous community and business events each year. Many of these events help educate our industry partners so they can better assist their clients with our products. The products we educate them about include our affordable home loans; housingidaho.com, a free rental and listing locator service; housing counseling; Finally Home! ® Homebuyer Education; and business development programs. One of the many events we participated in was Idaho Gives on May 2. Idahoans donated $578,735 during the inaugural event, which was coordinated by the Idaho Nonprofit Center. The event brought together online donors eager to help the nonprofit of their choice earn a portion of bonus grant funds from event sponsors. The Home Partnership Foundation, an independent 501 (c)(3) organization created by IHFA was among the more than 400 nonprofits statewide that participated in the event. The Foundation was in the top third of nonprofits competing for donations in the “medium nonprofit” category and earned $1,400. Additionally, the Foundation gained recognition throughout the state, receiving several donations from new donors during this one-day event. The Foundation will use the proceeds to help communities in need and help Idahoans achieve stable, safe, and affordable housing.
In the past few months, IHFA has participated in 20 events statewide and reached more than 4,000 consumers and business partners. Here are the highlights: Housing Industry Partners Idaho Housing “STARS” REALTOR® Appreciation Luncheon – Coeur d’Alene and Pocatello Spokane/Kootenai County Real Estate Forum – Spokane Housing Roundtables – Statewide Ada County REALTORS® Association Circle of Excellence Awards – Boise Idaho AHMA Annual Conference – Boise Nampa REALTOR® Association Luncheon – Nampa Idaho Association of Mortgage Professionals Golf Event – Boise Caldwell Board of REALTORS® Luncheon – Caldwell Business Partners Coeur d’Alene Chamber After Hours – Coeur d’Alene Twin Falls Chamber Trade Show – Twin Falls Idaho Falls Business Connection – Idaho Falls Association of Idaho Cities Annual Conference – Boise Community Involvement Idaho Gives Day – Statewide General Public Treasure Valley Community Resource Fair – Caldwell Mini-Cassia Chamber Women’s Conference – Burley Look for IHFA in your community at various events as listed on page 11.
Homebuyers also have the option of taking Finally Home! in a classroom setting to get valuable face time with real estate professionals. The classes are offered through regional training partners around the state as listed at the homebuyer education link at www.idahohousing.com. It costs $50 to take the online course and from $10 to $20 to take the classroom course.
At the Idaho Falls Chamber event (above), and at the Mini-Cassia Chamber Women’s Conference in Burley (right).
Cornerstones 9
IHFA News: New Developments
Housing Developments Statewide Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) administers Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), which provide a dollar-for-dollar federal tax liability reduction to the development’s equity investors and HOME program funds. Both funding sources support the construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing to expand rental options for lower-income residents. Here’s a look at developments utilizing these funds that were recently completed or are currently under construction in Idaho:
Milltown Apartments, Sandpoint Milltown Apartments is helping to fill the need for affordable housing in Sandpoint. Construction on the apartments was completed in July by Whitewater Development. The project added 51 rental units for residents to choose from, including 40 units available for lower-income individuals. The development is in the middle of downtown within walking distance of area shops. The units are spacious townhome designs and include covered parking. Other amenities include large common areas, a community center, and geothermal heating and air conditioning. Additionally, the project was built to LEED Platinum and ENERGY STAR standards. “Building the units to this standard will make them energy efficient and more affordable for tenants,” said Maryann Prescott of Whitewater Development. IHFA allocated $720,870 in annual tax credits for this development, which will provide $6,614,744 in equity for the project. Additional financing was provided by Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency and a USDA Rural Development loan.
10 August
Tullamore Commons II added 51 units to the Post Falls market, helping meet the demand for affordable housing in North Idaho.
Tullamore Commons II, Post Falls Residents began moving into Tullamore Commons, a new 51-unit apartment complex in Post Falls in mid-July. This development is helping to meet the high demand for affordable housing in northern Idaho. This centrally located development, features spacious units with all the latest amenities, including energy efficient heating and cooling. Additionally, there are large common areas and a spectacular community center for residents to enjoy activities together. “It’s in a great location, with shopping, services, and transportation nearby,” said Maryann Prescott of Whitewater Development, developer of the apartment complex. The development was funded with a $474,106 LIHTC award, $500,000 in HOME funds, and a grant from Mountain West Bank. n
Construction of the Milltown Apartments in Sandpoint (left) is complete, creating 40 units dedicated to lower-income tenants.
Finally Home!
®
Homebuyer Education Classes Classes are specifically designed for first-time homebuyers and are taught throughout the state by regional training partners. Contact the location nearest you for class schedules or go to idahohousing.com and follow the homebuyer education links.
Regional Training Partner Locations: Benewah, Kootenai, and Shoshone Counties: Coeur d’Alene Association of REALTORS ®, 208.667.0664 Bonner and Boundary Counties: Bonner Community Housing Agency, 208.263.5720 Boise: Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., 208.258.6225, or visit www.nhsid.org Idaho Falls: Greater Idaho Falls Association of REALTORS ®, 208.523.1477 Nampa: Nampa Association of REALTORS ®, 208.467.9534 (English and Spanish classes available.) Pocatello: Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services, 208.232.9468 Twin Falls: College of Southern Idaho, 208.732.6442, or visit www.csi.edu
Finally Home! Online: Finally Home! Homebuyer Education course is offered online and is available in English and Spanish. Cost is $50 at www.finallyhomecourse.com.
Idaho Forum to Explore the Future of Housing The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Housing Commission in Washington D.C., recently released “Housing America’s Future: New Directions for National Policy.” This report makes recommendations for addressing the most critical issues in housing today. BPC aims to advance the call for reform, working in partnership with the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, to host a public Housing America’s Future: forum on Thursday, Aug. 22 in Sun Valley. New Directions for Natio nal Policy The forum will feature Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), the ranking member of the Senate Banking Committee and other key housing practitioners, policy experts, and interested stakeholders. Economic Policy
Housing Commis
Program
sion
February 2013
Registration for the forum is free and open to the public. For more information and to RSVP go to www.bipartisanpolicy. org/housing/events. n Look for IHFA in your community at more events listed below.
Calendar of Events
Sept
July 24-27 NH&RA - 2013 Summer Institute and Pre-Conference NMTC Symposium Santa Fe, NM - 202.939.1750
August
2-4 Women’s Council of REALTORS ® Leadership Academy, Chicago, IL 800.245.8512 14 Ada County Association of REALTORS ® Golf Event, Boise, ID - 208.376.0363
19-23 National Association of Professional Mortgage Women (NAPMW), Central Region Fall Conference, New Orleans, LA - 1.800.827.3034 877-866-2476
22 Bipartisan Policy Center Forum, Sun Valley, ID - www.bipartisanpolicy.org/ housing/events
2 Labor Day, IHFA Offices Closed
7-11 Pacific Northwest Mortgage Lenders Conference, Boise, ID - 208.331.4789 9-10 2013 (AHMA-NCNH) 32nd Annual Conference & Trade Show, Affordable Housing Management Association of Northern California, Nevada, and Hawaii, Oakland, CA - 510.452.2462 19-20 2013 Northwest ADA Regional Conference, Communities Celebrating Equal Access and Employment through the ADA, Boise, ID 425.774.4446 19-21 National Association of Professional Mortgage Women (NAPMW), Central Region Fall Conference, New Orleans, LA - 1.800.827.3034 25-27 Idaho Heritage Conference, Idaho State Capitol, Boise, ID - 208.549.1778
October
9-11 American Planning Association-Idaho Chapter Conference, Idaho Falls, ID 208.612.8520
9-12 Idaho Association of REALTORS ® Conference, Sun Valley, ID - 208.342.3585 9-12 2013 National Association of Professional Mortgage Women (NAPMW) Conference, Houston, TX - 281.501.4300 9-12 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Fall Board Meeting, Colorado Springs, CO - 208.378.0101 19-22 2013 NCSHA’s Annual Conference & Showplace - New Orleans, LA 877.622.3056 23-24 Idaho Economic Development Association (IEDA) Annual Conference, Nampa, ID 208.468.5488 24-26 2013 National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), Cleveland, OH - 877.866.2476 27-29 National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA), Fall Meeting, Washington DC - 703.683.8630
Cornerstones 11 Cornerstones 11
PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Boise, ID Permit No. 479
Cornerstones is published triannually by IHFA for stakeholders, policy makers, and affordable housing partners. IHFA is a housing and finance business organization dedicated to providing and promoting affordable housing solutions throughout Idaho. Please direct questions and comments to the IHFA Marketing and Communications Department.
P.O. Box 7899 Boise, ID 83707-1899
Marketing and Communications Department Katrina Thompson, Marketing and Communications Manager Leslie Perkins, Marketing and Communications Officer Jason Lantz, Media Relations Officer Terri Eberlein, Communications Specialist
Executive Management Gerald M. Hunter, President and Executive Director
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Board of Commissioners David Wilson, Chairman Steven Keen, Vice Chairman Ralph Cottle, Secretary/Treasurer Jack Beebe Darlene Bramon Mark Dunham John Insinger
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IHFA Facts: n IHFA has invested more
Please check Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s website at www.idahohousing.com to view past issues. To order additional copies or subscribe, please contact IHFA’s Marketing and Communications Department at 208.331.4884 or e-mail marcomm@ihfa.org.
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than $6.7 billion for 83,758 home loans for Idahoans.
n Since the program’s inception, IHFA
n IHFA provides service for
has awarded $57.6 million in LowIncome Housing Tax Credits, which have generated over $447 million in equity toward the construction and rehabilitation of 10,949 rental units in 246 developments.
26,926 Idaho home loans (single-family).
IHFA Numbers to Know Existing Home Loans 208.331.4888 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.526.7145 Lenders and Mortgage Brokers 208.331.4883 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.219.2285 IHFA Mortgages (New Home Loans) 208.424.7066 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.866.432.4066 Website: idahohousing.com Administration 208.331.4889 Bond or Investor Information 208.331.4885 Grant Programs 208.331.4881 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.877.447.2687 Hearing and Speech Impaired Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.545-1833 Ext. 400 Homebuyer Education and Housing Counseling 208.331.4876 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.877.888.3135 Website: idahohousing.com Home Partnership Foundation 208.424.7010 Website: homepartnershipfoundation.org The Housing Company 208.331.4890 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.361.5181 Hearing and Speech Impaired 1.800.545.1833 Ext. 628 Website: thehousingcompany.org Housing Information & Referral Center Toll-Free in Idaho 1.877.438.4472 Website: housingidaho.com Human Resources Toll-Free in Idaho 1.888.900.3713 Multifamily Development 208.331.4880 Rental Assistance 208.331.4886 Toll-Free in Idaho 1.800.219.2286 Coeur d’Alene 208.762.5113 or 1.866.621.2994 Idaho Falls 208.522.6002 or 1.866.684.3756 Lewiston 208.743.0251 or 1.866.566.1727 Twin Falls 208.734.8531 or 1.866.234.3435 Housing Authority Numbers for Southwest Idaho Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority 208.345.4907 Southwest Idaho Cooperative Housing Authority 208.585.9325 (Adams, Boise, Canyon, Blaine, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, & Washington Counties)