2003 Committee Report - Affordable Housing

Don't Shut the Door on a Third of Your Business! In 2002, our Multiple Listing Service showed 34% of all single family homes sold were $110,000 or less. The Affordable Housing Committee is dedicated to finding housing solutions in this price range. According to the City of Columbus Planning Division, 43% of the city's population earns less than $35,000 annually. Our various subcommittees are working on projects and programs to educate both buyers and REALTORS® in this price range. The Roundtable Subcommittee offers educational opportunities for REALTORS® to keep abreast of various issues that impact this market. Topics range from Selling in the Columbus City School District to working with the English as Second Language buyer. The In Contract prints the upcoming topics each month.

Barbara Lowery, Co-Chair     Jerome Witcher, Co-Chair

Our Manual Subcommittee compiles information on various lending and down payment assistance programs and credit counseling services geared toward this market. This manual is available online and is updated in a timely manner.

The Education Subcommittee is once again offering several courses to make us better REALTORS®. Past courses have included Train the Trainer, Bidding on HUD Homes, and Affordable Housing Finances. In Contract prints the upcoming class schedules.

The Cooperative Ventures Subcommittee works with city, county and private entities to get information to prospective buyers. In the past they have worked with Columbus Housing Partnership, HUD's National Homeownership Week and Fannie Mae Minority Housing Expo.

Did you know you can be designated a Certified Affordable Housing REALTOR®?  The Promotion and Review Subcommittee has a program for recognizing experience and community involvement. The application is online.

This market will always have a need for housing. The more tools a REALTOR® has to help these buyers the easier the process becomes. The Affordable Housing Committee hopes you'll join us to fill your toolbox.