May 2014

AHFA.com--New & Improved
 
AHFA is proud to announce the launch of its newly designed website. 
 
We have just completed a major update of our internet web presence to ensure that information remains fresh and timely.
 
Visit www.AHFA.com to see the site for yourself and let us know what you think.

Servicing Operation Expands to North Carolina

ServiSolutions®, a department of the Alabama Housing Finance Authority, has been named as the Master Servicer for North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. 

 

In this capacity, ServiSolutions® will service all types of mortgages including FHA, VA, Rural Development, conventional uninsured and conventional insured loans. 

 

We expect to begin accepting the Agency's loan reservations on July 15.  

 

Habitat for Humanity Home Builders Blitz 2014-- 
Birmingham Affiliate Builds 13 Homes in a Single Week; AHFA helps sponsor

Greater Birmingham Habitat for Humanity partnered with area homebuilders to raise walls on 13 homes in partnership with low-income families seeking decent and affordable housing in the city of Clay as part of Habitat for Humanity's Home Builders Blitz 2014.

 

During this year's event, the nationwide project sought to build and renovate over 250 homes, thanks to the skilled labor provided by local professional homebuilders and construction firms.

 

Home Builders Blitz 2014 is a partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the building industry to build homes across the nation. Builders and Habitat affiliates work closely to organize all aspects of building, including securing subcontractors and suppliers, fundraising and seeking donations of materials.  Builders participating in the program this year will work with more than 80 Habitat affiliates.  

 

"Many of Habitat's most prolific supporters have come from the building community whose members understand the importance of creating strong communities," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "We are incredibly grateful that so many home builders choose to give of their time, talent and resources to help build hope in the lives of families in need of decent shelter."

 

Construction on the homes began on Thursday, May 1. Families received their keys on May 8.   

 

Partner families qualify for Habitat's homeownership program through a demonstrated need for an affordable housing solution, having the ability to repay a no-interest mortgage, and the willingness to complete required educational workshops and invest 300 hours of sweat equity.

 

"Owning a home will give my family stability; I will have the space to play with and teach my children new things," says homeowner Brittney Dixon. "It is such a blessing to be a part of this program and to know that very soon my daughters will have a place to call our home. God has truly answered my prayers and I am indeed thankful."

 
ALCARH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

AHFA's Earlene Hayden Receives Award for her Service to Affordable Housing in Alabama

Earlene Hayden was honored with the James M. Davis award on May 15 at the Alabama Council for Affordable and Rural Housing conference. This award is given each year to an honoree that has shown extraordinary dedication and outstanding service to affordable housing in Alabama.

Earlene is one of AHFA's HOME Technicians and has been employed with AHFA since 1996.

The James M. Davis award was established in 1989 by the Alabama Council for Rural Housing Development. The award bears the name of a retired Farmers Home Administration architect known throughout Alabama for his dedication to USDA's rural housing programs.

 

When selecting an honoree each year, the ALCARH board of directors considers each candidate's qualities and attributes as well as the support of ALCARH members and the candidate's colleagues.

 

 


Huntsville Manager Honored for Exceptional Service
 
Lisa Reeves, manager of Olympia Gardens Apartments in Huntsville, has been honored as the Alabama Housing Finance Authority's 2014 Manager of the Year.

As manager, Reeves oversees the daily operations of the development's 48 affordable housing units.

The Manager of the Year award recognizes outstanding management staff at AHFA-funded multifamily housing developments. Nominees were evaluated on tenant relations, experience and education, the complex's curb appeal, and AHFA program compliance.

"This award is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the hard work of managers like Lisa," said AHFA Executive Director Robert Strickland. "The AHFA board and staff are proud to honor such dedicated individuals."

SunBelt Management Company nominated Reeves for the award she received during a May 15 presentation.

"The level of dedication Lisa has shown goes above and beyond her title as manager," said Elite Patrol Services CEO Callie Reeves. "Lisa has sacrificed personal time and has worked excessive hours without a compliant. She works under difficult, high-pressure situations and still attains a professional, positive attitude."
AHFA Offices to Close for July Holiday   
 
The AHFA offices will be closed Friday, July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

A Good Sign for Alabama's Housing Market

 

The Birmingham Business Journal reports that April residential sales for Alabama increased slightly over the last month, but gains in inventory could be the boost housing has been looking for in local markets.

 

April housing inventory increased across the South last month, according to the National Association of REALTORS. This is supported by Alabama Center for Real Estate reports of a 3.2 percent increase in inventory in Alabama in April. However, Alabama's lack of "quality" inventory is limiting sales.

 

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