February 2003 Announcements

CBR Seeking Nominations for Broker, Salesperson, Affiliate and Citizen of the Year
We are seeking Nominations for CBR Broker, Salesperson, Affiliate or Citizen of the Year awards. If you know someone who might deserve recognition for their service, you no longer need to complete a nomination form, just call Kathy Elliott, 614-475-4000, by February 28, 2003. The Awards Night celebration is set for Wednesday, April 23 beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Location TBD.  Mark your calendars!

OHFA unveils 2003 Mortgage Credit Certificate Program
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency has unveiled the 2003 Mortgage Credit Certificate Program - the first MCC program in six years. The program is designed to give a credit against the federal tax liability of first time homebuyers. Income and sales price limits apply when qualifying for the MCC program.

There will be 12.5 million dollars in credits. The program is open until January of 2006, providing credits are still available. The funds will be allotted 30% for targeted areas, 60% for new construction and 10% for designated rural counties. Borrowers will receive a credit in the amount of 10% of the annual mortgage interest for non-targeted areas.

The credit for targeted areas will be 20%. For more information, contact your local lender or call Ohio Housing Finance Agency, at 614-466-7970 for a list of participating lenders.

Loans are available on a fair and equal basis regardless of race, color, Ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, or physical handicap.

Don't forget Industry Credit required for Million Dollar Club Award
2003 Committees Appointments Made CBR has made its 2003 committee appointment and notification of these appointment have been sent out. If you sent in a registration form and have not yet received confirmation or if you have not yet submitted a committee registration form and are interested in serving on a committee, call Kathy Elliott at 475-4000. (Please note that if you are planning to apply for one of the CBR Million Dollar Sales Award Clubs in 2003, you must serve on a committee and adhere to that committee's attendance policy to satisfy your industry requirement.)

Help your clients buy a home for only $500 down!
Columbus Housing Partnership (CHP) has up to $340,000 to disburse to eligible individuals for down payment assistance towards home ownership. Through CHP:

• You can help your clients receive $5,000 to $6,000 in down payment assistance for a home.  This down payment assistance is forgiven after five or six years of ownership
• This property must be a primary residence.
• This property must be located within designated areas.
• Participants can obtain this assistance with only $500 of their own money.
• Participants can learn about homeownership at CHP's free home buyer education classes.

For more information about these down payment assistance programs and eligible tax districts, call Columbus Housing Partnership at 221-8889, ext. 134.