Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland, Inc. Media Kit

Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland, Inc.
Media Kit
Creating Homeownership - Building Communities.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland has been delivering exemplary programs and
services to the residents of the northeast Ohio for 37 years. Our mission to provide ongoing programs
and services for achieving, preserving and sustaining the American dream of homeownership has been
the foundation of which we have built our many successes. We truly believe that continued
collaborations with our corporate, governmental and nonprofit partners in the areas of homeownership
education and preservation will have an increasingly positive impact the lives of the residents of our
service area.
This past year, Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland has been recognized by Vice
President Joseph Biden in Washington, DC and meeting with President Barack Obama and highlighted in
The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Crain’s Cleveland Business, and The Plain Dealer, just to name
a few of the outlets that we have been able to move our message.
In 2011 – 2012, NHSGC
• Assisted nearly 700 clients with Homebuyer Education programs
• Helped 100 Homebuyer Education graduates purchase a home
• Provided $227,000 in Down Payment Assistance leveraging over $1.5 million in investment
• Provided foreclosure prevention assistance to over 1,000 clients
• Raised more than $500,000 in housing subsidy for Land Trust development
• Helped attract over $14 million of investment by new homeowners in northeast Ohio
• Administered a $2.2 million rehab portfolio of loans underwritten and serviced by NHSGC
NHSGC is one of the first chartered NeighborWorks® organizations, a network of over 235 organizations
working in nearly 4,400 urban, suburban and rural communities nationwide. NeighborWorks® America is
the country’s preeminent leader in affordable housing and community development. We work to create
opportunities for lower-income people to live in affordable homes in safe, sustainable neighborhoods
that are healthy places for families to grow.
Thank you for your interest in Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland. If you have
additional questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at
216.458.HOME (4663) x 312, by email at [email protected], or visit our website at
www.nhscleveland.org.
Lou Tisler
Executive Director
History of NHS of Greater Cleveland
Creating homeownership, building communities. For over 37 years, Neighborhood Housing Services of
Greater Cleveland (NHSGC), a trusted not-for-profit organization, has provided families in Northeast
Ohio with the housing education and home repair loans they need to buy, improve and keep their
homes. Our mission is to provide ongoing programs and services for achieving, preserving and sustaining
the American dream of homeownership, currently providing Homebuyer Education, Community Land
Trust, Down Payment Assistance, Home Maintenance Training, Home Repair Lending, Reverse Mortgage
Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention among others.
Incorporated in 1975, NHSGC is one of the oldest community development corporations in Cleveland
and was one of the first Neighborhood Housing Services programs developed in the country (the 5th to
be formed nationally). Originally established to revitalize Cleveland neighborhoods by providing
programs and services that improve the communities and enhance the quality of life of residents,
NHSGC operated under the traditional neighborhood-based model of providing rehab services and
home ownership training to its 6 neighborhood target markets. In 1996, NHSGC realized its primary
market niche was providing a comprehensive service package to clients interested in homeownership.
Beginning in 1998 through 2001, NHSGC began transforming itself from the traditional NHS model to a
HomeOwnership Center. NHSGC launched several strategic alliances, programs and services that
significantly enhanced the growth and reputation of the organization. The foundation has been set, the
reins of leadership has been accepted, now NHSGC is moving to be one of the premier NeighborWorks®
organizations, not only in the Great Lakes region, but across the nation.
NHSGC partners with the both public and private institutions to provide programs and services that
improve the communities and enhance the quality of life of resident, providing assistance to more than
3,000 people each year. In our efforts to build strong communities, we are led by local residents and
guided by local needs.
As a chartered member of NeighborWorks® (a Congressionally chartered public non-profit and one of
the premier community development networks in the country) one of 235 organizations working in
nearly 4,400 urban, suburbs and rural communities nationwide, NHSGC is certified to meet a high
standard of fiscal integrity and service to help residents in developing leadership, improving their
neighborhoods, and securing decent housing that is affordable. Our link to this powerful and unique
nationwide network of community development organizations adds great value to what we do here,
both locally in the City of Cleveland, but throughout our service area of Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie, Huron
and Medina counties.
NHS of Greater Cleveland’s Mission Statement
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland provides ongoing programs and services for
achieving, preserving, and sustaining the American dream of home ownership.
NHS of Greater Cleveland’s Vision Statement
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland strengthens neighborhoods and communities in
Northeast Ohio through high quality programs and collaborations in support of homeownership that is
affordable. Trusted by stakeholders and as a premier NeighborWorks® organization, NHSGC assists and
educates clients along the continuum of home ownership.
NHS of Greater Cleveland’s Core Values
Our core values guide our operations, leadership and decisions.
• Excellence – working with a commitment to quality, best practices, and being outcomes-based and
customer service focused
• Education – devoting resources, time and energy to empower clients to become financially stable,
sound decision-makers, and aware of how to build wealth and independence
• Community – developing caring relationships with individuals and organizations to enable the
development of communities and the region
• Equity – offering equal opportunity and access to programs and services Integrity – being responsible,
accountable, reliable, and transparent
• Collaboration – developing effective partnerships to further the mission of the organization.
Programs and Services of NHS of Greater Cleveland
NHS of Greater Cleveland has two primary program lines; homeownership education and
homeownership preservation (sustainability). NHSGC’s goals and objectives revolve around access to
homeownership and then giving the homeowner as many tools as possible to maintain and retain
homeownership. The following are programs and services offered by NHSGC.
NeighborWorks® HomeOwnership Center
Homebuyer Education – NHSGC provides potential homeowners the opportunity to learn about the ins
and outs of owning a home through comprehensive classes conducted by HUD-approved housing
counselors. Also, guest speakers from the lending, real estate, insurance, home inspection and
developer industries are on hand to give the participants a real life glimpse of what to expect when
dealing with the many professionals in the home buying process. Classes are free and open to the
public. Participants are given certificates of completion as well as the opportunity to have additional
one-on-one guidance in credit repair, financial literacy, budgeting, document review and closing
assistance.
Community Land Trust - The Land Trust has helped low- and moderate-income families purchase quality
homes through a land-lease mechanism that provides strong homeowner support and preserves the
community’s investment for future buyers. A qualified Homebuyer Education graduate purchases an
NHSGC Land Trust home that has been either rehabbed or newly built to green standards with a
traditional bank mortgage. By combining energy-efficient quality construction with below-market
pricing, NHSGC Land Trust homes offer excellent value and affordable payments. Homeowners enter
into a 99-year renewable lease to the land with NHSGC, which provides them with private and secure
access to the property.
Post-Purchase Education and Counseling - Preserving homeownership is not only about ensuring that a
family has a safe place to live, but that one can appropriately keep up with the physical and financial
maintenance that homeownership requires. NHSGC offers a full line of services to support homeowners
who are looking to make necessary home repairs, explore innovative ways to save money, repair their
credit, or investigate re-financing options with classroom education and counseling. Courses include
EnergYou, an innovative program that investigates a wide range of issues that influence our everyday
energy consumption and exploring ways in which we can reduce our monthly expenses....and
participant’s overall footprint, as well as Home Maintenance Workshops, homeowners learn the basics
in home repair from weatherization and being winter-ready to spring cleaning, window replacement,
utility choice. All workshops are free and open to the public.
Foreclosure Prevention – NHSGC continues to provide leadership in the area of foreclosure prevention.
From individual counseling, loss mitigation to mortgage assistance programs (rescue funds), NHSGC
provides a full cycle of prevention. As a participant in the Cuyahoga County Foreclosure Prevention
Program and the Ohio NeighborWorks® Foreclosure Prevention Program, NHSGC is able to offer a
multitude of programs and services for homeowners to avoid foreclosure.
Reverse Mortgage Counseling - NHSGC has the only HUD approved and AARP approved counselor in
Northeast Ohio and is one of only two agencies in the Greater Cleveland area that provide the required
counseling for reverse mortgages and the only agency referred by AARP. In partnership with
NeighborWorks® America, NHSGC will be administering the NeighborWorks® Reverse Mortgage
Information Center, (888.990.HECM) a national call center for those seeking assistance with- or
interested in obtaining- a reverse mortgage. This call center will provide callers general reverse
mortgage information, accesses to particulars about HECM and HUD approved counseling services, a
localized point of contact and other supporting, wrap-around senior services as needed.
NeighborWorks® Full Cycle Lending
Rehab lending – NHSGC is a licensed mortgage lender providing home repair and rehabilitation loans to
residents of Cuyahoga and Lorain counties while focusing on the city of Cleveland. All loans are
originated and underwritten by NHSGC as the lender. Construction management, specification writing,
payments to contractors and final construction approval are all managed by NHSGC. This is a mortgage
product for one and two family (two family must be owner occupied) and has no income restrictions.
The interest rate is 6.5%, with a term up to 30 years. The average loan amount is around $10,000.
Year 16 Lease Purchase Program- Approximately 160 families, lower-income renters, who have a solid
history of paying their rent on time (some for as many as 15 years) will have the opportunity to purchase
their homes with an NHSGC 1st mortgage product. Terms include mortgages of up to $15,500 at 6.5%
interest for 15-years. The strategy is intended to complement the city’s efforts to stabilize and
reinvigorate center-city neighborhoods, which includes selective demolition and significant
infrastructure improvements. The financial stability and wealth-building opportunity these families will
gain will provide stronger motivation than ever to be an integral part of turning around the
neighborhoods that they already call home. Partners in the project include the Cleveland Housing
Network, Enterprise Community Partners, the city of Cleveland and various CDCs.
Other Services
NHS Consumer Law Center - The Consumer Law Center exists to arm the citizens of Ohio with the
information that they need to make informed, intelligent and financially safe consumer decisions –
through the use of educational materials, seminars, practical advice, and public awareness campaigns.
NHS launched the Consumer Law Center in 2012 to provide an additional tool for its clients in their
pursuit of the American Dream of Homeownership. Because homeowners face important financial
decisions every day, NHS wants to be there to continue to help them through the maze to financial
stability and success.
Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) - NHSGC partnered with the Cuyahoga County Earned Income
Tax Coalition and became a VITA site offering free tax preparation assistance in January 2012. NHSGC
serves anyone interested in receiving free tax assistance with the only exclusions being for those
persons who are self-employed, own their own business, receive rental income, or have any other
situation that is determined to be “advanced” by volunteer preparers.
Frequently Asked Questions of NHS of Greater Cleveland
How can I reach NHSGC if I have a general question?
You can email us at [email protected] or call 216-458-4663.
Where is NHSGC located?
Our main offices are located in the City of Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood at 5700 Broadway
Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44127.
When is NHSGC open?
NHSGC offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. If you are visiting after hours
or over the weekend and need to drop off paperwork, we have a secure drop box located on the back of
the building.
I don’t live in Cleveland. Can you still help me?
Yes. NHSGC serves individuals and families in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Erie, Huron and Medina counties.
I don’t speak English and/or have trouble communicating. Can you still help me?
NHSGC has two Spanish-speaking staff members. We also partner with regional organizations to
coordinate assistance in other languages and any other special communication needs that our clients
may have.
Where does NHSGC get funding from?
NHSGC receives support from grants, public and private institutions, and individual donations.
What is NeighborWorks America®?
NeighborWorks America® is the country’s preeminent leader in affordable housing and community
development, made up of a network of 235 independent, community-based nonprofit organizations
serving more than 4,500 communities nationwide. For more information, please visit www.nw.org.
Are there any employment opportunities at NHSGC?
Employment opportunities will be posted as available. However, you can always submit a letter of
interest, including your resume and salary requirements, to our Executive Director Lou Tisler at
[email protected].
NHS of Greater Cleveland Logo and Naming Convention
Color Logo
Greyscale Logo
Our organization can be listed or appear as any of the following;
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland, Inc.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
NHS of Greater Cleveland
NHSGC
Sample of Past Media - NHS of Greater Cleveland in the News
Warning About Fast Money from Tax Returns
Fox8 News Cleveland - January 24, 2013
http://fox8.com/2013/01/24/warning-about-fast-money-from-tax-refunds/
NeighborWorks Organizations Offer Free Tax Prep Services and Encourage Filers to Stay Informed and
Avoid 'Low-cost' Quick Refund Services
Globe Newswire - January 16, 2013
http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2013/01/16/neighborworks-organizations-offer-free-tax-prepservices-and-encourage-filers-stay-inform
Talk with the boss: Foreclosure problems different, but not easier
The Plain Dealer / Cleveland.com - December 22, 2012
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/12/talk_with_the_boss__lou_tisle.html#incart_river_default
Housing organization NHS launches free Consumer Law Center
The Plain Dealer / Cleveland.com - October 23, 2012
http://www.cleveland.com/consumeraffairs/index.ssf/2012/10/nhs_launches_free_consumer_law.html
A flurry of alerts about traveling house-flipping seminars
The Plain Dealer / Cleveland.com - August 08, 2012
http://www.cleveland.com/consumeraffairs/index.ssf/2012/08/a_flurry_of_alerts_about_trave.html
Fed's Pianalto: Foreclosures Have Become A 'National Crisis'
Market News International Washington Bureau - February 10, 2012
https://mninews.marketnews.com/content/feds-pianalto-foreclosures-have-become-national-crisis
The $26 billion mortgage settlement: who gets help and how
The Christian Science Monitor - February 9, 2012
http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/2012/0209/The-26-billion-mortgage-settlement-who-gets-helpand-how
GMAC Takes Steps to Fix Its Problems in Mortgages
The Wall Street Journal - September 19, 2011
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904491704576575233947205102.html
The 50 State Katrina
Newsweek - February 17, 2010
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/02/16/the-50-state-katrina.html
Walk Away: Why More People Should Abandon Their Homes
ABC News - November 20, 2009
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/shame-cost-homeowners-big/story?id=9120264
If it
be
a new resource
for today’s consumer
216.458.4663
[email protected]
www.nhsconsumerlawcenter.org
A PROGRAM OF NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF GREATER CLEVELAND
LEARN HOW TO
If it
be
PROTECT YOURSELF
The NHS Consumer Law Center is a non-profit organization in Ohio providing comprehensive education to
consumers on all aspects of consumer law, including
information about the legal rights that consumers
possess when they are purchasing (or obtaining financing for) consumer goods.
The NHS Consumer Law Center focuses on the
following areas among others;
Credit Card Usage
Interest Rates
Scams & Scam Artists
Financial Literacy
Credit Reports & Scores
Debt Collection
Payday Loans & Quick Cash Lending
Home Improvement Contracts
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
The NHS Consumer Law Center offers educational
programs and outreach seminars that teach consumers
about Consumer Law and how to make the most
informed, intelligent and financially beneficial decisions
for themselves and their families.
ONLINE TOOLS
Consumers can visit the NHS Consumer Law Center’s
website to explore various aspects of Consumer Law, keep
informed about the latest trends, learn about how to make
the best decisions and get advice from the experts.
216.458.4663
[email protected]
www.nhsconsumerlawcenter.org
You’re only
steps away...
Creating
Homeownership -
Building
Communities
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland provides ongoing programs and services for
achieving, preserving, and sustaining the American
dream of homeownership.
Homebuyer Education
Loan Document Review and Closing
Credit Counseling
Down Payment Assistance
Home Improvement Loans
Home Maintenance Workshops
Foreclosure Prevention
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Refinancing Seminars
...from Achieving
your dream
Achieving
the American Dream of
Homeownership
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
5700 Broadway Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
216.458.HOME (4663)
www.nhscleveland.org
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
Achieving
the American Dream
of
Homeownership
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
Let Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland show you the way!
There are many options available for you to
become part of the millions of people who are
taking part in achieving the American dream of
Homeownership.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater
Cleveland (NHSGC) mission is to provide ongoing programs and services for achieving,
preserving, and sustaining the American dream
of homeownership and has assisted numerous
renters, first time homebuyers, and others in
becoming homeowners. NHSGC is working in
all of the neighborhoods within the City of
Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and Lorain
County to achieve this same dream!
A dream into reality...
Begin the journey of becoming a homeowner by
getting the knowledge that will aid in your quest
for homeownership. Before setting off to find the
perfect house it is good to know that the certified
professionals from NHSGC are available to help
you. Taking our classes will be one of the best
decisions you will make to begin the process of
achieving the dream of homeownership.
The first step is simple, attend an orientation.
After reviewing the information that you provide
to our HUD certified housing counselor, you will
then be scheduled into a homebuying class and
on your way. Call 216.458.HOME (4663) now to
receive a schedule of orientations.
NHSGC will take you from A to Z in the homebuying process. Our classes will cover:
• Are You Ready to Buy a Home?
• Managing Your Money - Understanding Credit
• Getting a Mortgage Loan
• Loan Document Review
• Home Shopping and Sustaining Homeownership
Is this for you?
If you are renting, buying your first home,
or just need a refresher to know what to
do when you purchase your next home...
Attending our classes will show you how to
afford your dream, keep your dream and avoid
losing your dream. An educated consumer is a
powerful consumer. Classes are conveniently
held at the NHSGC Homeownership Center.
Achieve your dream - Register today.
Call today 216.458.HOME (4663)
or visit www.nhscleveland.org
Home Improvement Lending
Refinance
Home Maintenance
Foreclosure Intervention
Creating
Homeownership -
Building
Communities
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland provides ongoing programs and services for
achieving, preserving, and sustaining the American
dream of homeownership.
Homebuyer Education
Loan Document Review and Closing
Credit Counseling
Down Payment Assistance
Home Improvement Loans
Home Maintenance Workshops
Foreclosure Intervention
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Refinancing Seminars
Preserving
the American Dream of
Homeownership
All the services
you need to Preserve
Homeownership
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
5700 Broadway Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
216.458.HOME (4663)
www.nhscleveland.org
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
Preserving
the American Dream
of
Homeownership
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater
Cleveland’s (NHSGC) mission is to provide
ongoing programs and services for achieving,
preserving and sustaining the American dream
of homeownership. NHSGC is working in all of
the neighborhoods throughout Northeast Ohio,
and adding programs and services to preserve
this same dream and provide homeowners as
many tools as possible to maintain and retain
their homeownership.
Home Improvement Lending & Management
Need a new roof, furnace, or electric upgrade?
The Home Improvement Loan Program gives
you the extra attention needed when starting a
rehab project. NHSGC will assist you with job
specifications, cost estimates, contractor selection and oversight of your project.
NHSGC provides a mortgage product that is
affordable AND accessible to many of those
who may not be able to access conventional
lending products. Every application is underwritten, originated and serviced in house, as
well as having professional, and accredited,
construction management services. With some
of the most customer friendly terms, NHSGC
lending products are one of the most responsive
and affordable home improvement loan products
available.
Refinancing Seminars
Let NHSGC guide you through when, why, why
not and how to refinance your home. This seminar informs homeowners on what to be aware
of, understanding the language of code words,
recognizing fees that should raise a red flag, and
how to move forward if they find themselves in a
predatory loan. NHSGC’s Refinancing Seminars
are free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required because seating is limited.
Home Maintenance Workshops
As a homeowner, you understand that a home
requires constant care and maintenance.
NHSGC offers homeowners an opportunity to
learn the basics in home repair and maintenance
from weatherization and being winter-ready to
spring cleaning, window replacement and utility
choice among others. All workshops are free and
open to the public.
Foreclosure Intervention
NHSGC continues to be a leader in the area of
foreclosure intervention. From individual counseling and loss mitigation workouts to mortgage
assistance programs (rescue funds), NHSGC
provides a full cycle of intervention. As a participant in local, statewide and national foreclosure
prevention programs, NHSGC is able to offer a
multitude of programs and services for
homowners to avoid foreclosure. Afternoon and
evening sessions are held weekly at NHSGC’s
Homeownership Center. Please contact NHSGC
for registration or additional details.
Call or visit our website for additional programs
and services to preserve homeownership.
Call today 216.458.HOME (4663)
or visit www.nhscleveland.org
Creating Homeownership. Building Communities.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
provides ongoing programs and services for achieving,
preserving, and sustaining the American dream of
homeownership, including;
Homebuyer Education
Loan Document Review and Closing
Credit Counseling
Down Payment Assistance
Home Improvement Loans
Home Maintenance Workshops
Foreclosure Intervention
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Refinance Seminars
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland
5700 Broadway Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
216.458.HOME (4663)
www.nhscleveland.org
Are
youyouor someone
know
?
we
can
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland (NHSGC) is an
organization providing free, fair and unbiased information, programs
and services to the residents of Greater Cleveland and the surrounding areas of northeast Ohio to assist residents in achieving, preserving and sustaining the American dream of homeownership.
What we do...
Rescue loans
Certain homeowners currently experiencing a delinquency, default or active
foreclosure with their mortgage lender or servicer may be eligible for rescue
funds from several different sources. Financial assistance can be used to
assist homeowners in reinstating their mortgage or as a contribution
towards a workout agreement. In general, rescue funds are based on the
following criteria:
• Ability to sustain future monthly mortgage payments
• Documentable cause and subsequent resolution of hardship
• History of timely mortgage payments
• Borrower meets income criteria
In order to determine eligibility, homeowner must meet with an NHSGC
counselor.
What You Need...
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland will provide the following services to all homeowners who seek our assistance:
• Development of a spending plan
• Analysis of the cause of mortgage default
• Presentation and explanation of reasonable options available
• Assistance communicating with the mortgage servicer and other creditors
• Timely completion of promised action
• Explanation of collection and foreclosure process
• Identification of assistance resources
• Referrals to needed resources
• Confidentiality, honesty, respect and professionalism in all services
for more information
In order for the counseling process to be as thorough and effective as
possible, your counselor will ask you to put together the following information;
• Proof of ALL household income covering last 60 days
• W2’s or 1099’s and Federal Income Taxes Returns for past two years
• Last 2 months bank statements - checking and/or savings
• Statements from your lender showing current status of mortgage
• Loan documents
• Copy of ALL monthly bills, i.e. utilities, insurance, etc.
• 1 page hardship letter explaining reason for delinquency
• Documented reason for delinquency (if available)
• Proof of Homeowners Insurance coverage
visit us at www.nhscleveland.org
Or call 216.458.4663
History of the Land Trust Program
Since 2001 – first as a separate non-profit and now
with NHSGC – the Land Trust has helped low- and
moderate-income families purchase quality homes
through a land-lease mechanism that provides strong
homeowner support and preserves the community’s
investment for future buyers. The Land Trust’s work
is based on a nationally successful model
that has helped stabilize communities
around the country.
Creating Homeownership.
Building Communities.
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland provides ongoing
programs and services for
achieving, preserving, and sustaining
the American dream of homeownership,
including;
Homebuyer Education
Down Payment Assistance
Community Land Trust
History of Community Land Trusts
The first community land trust in the United States
was formed in 1969 in rural Georgia to lease land
for housing, small farms and businesses, primarily
to black farmers who had been sharecroppers. Since
then, over 240 CLTs have been established in 46
states in the United States. Community land trusts
steward thousands of homes, ownership and rental,
in urban and rural areas. CLTs also hold land in
trust for commercial uses, farms, community
gardens, park space and land conservation. More
information about CLTs is available at
www.cltnetwork.org
Foreclosure Intervention
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Home Improvement Loans
Loan Document Review and Closing
Credit Counseling
Home Maintenance Workshops
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland
216.458.HOME
5700 Broadway Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
216.458.HOME (4663)
330.764.HOME (4663)
www.nhscleveland.org
LandTrust
HomeOwnership
LandTrust
HomeOwnership
Quality Homeownership
NHSGC works with potential homeowners to
prepare them for the responsibility of homeownership through our HUD-approved Homebuyer
Education course, home maintenance training, and
one-on-one counseling to suit individual needs.
Ongoing Support
After purchase, the new homeowner is offered a
full-range of support services from NHSGC
including home maintenance workshops, credit
counseling, budgeting and savings planning, and
foreclosure prevention counseling if necessary.
Efficient Use of Public Resources
Today’s housing market is full of risks for lower-income families and, as the high numbers of foreclosures
and abandoned properties demonstrate, for the larger community as well. NHSGC’s Land Trust Program
helps people fulfill their dreams of owning a home - effectively creating secure homeownership and fostering
stable neighborhoods.
A qualified Homebuyer Education graduate purchases an NHSGC Land Trust home that has been either
rehabbed or newly built to green standards with a traditional bank mortgage. By combining energy-efficient
quality construction with below-market pricing, NHSGC Land Trust homes offer excellent value and
affordable payments. Homeowners enter into a 99-year renewable lease to the land with NHSGC, which
provides them with private and secure access to the property.
Land Trust homeowners can do all of the things in their homes and on the land that other homeowners can
do – plant a garden, build a swing set – and the lease continues until the homeowner decides to move. Land
Trust homeowners build equity and can leave their houses to their heirs. If they decide to move, they agree
to sell to another lower-income buyer at an affordable price.
for more information
visit us at www.nhscleveland.org
Or call 216.458.4663
NHSGC substantially reduces the price of highquality homes for our clients. Through our landlease arrangement, NHSGC is able to maximize
homeownership opportunities in the long-term
and make efficient use of the public investment in
affordable housing.
Stable Communities
NHSGC stays connected to our homeowners,
ensuring that Land Trust homes remain owneroccupied and in code compliance, and continue to
be assets in their neighborhoods.
keep in mind:
If it
sounds
too good
to be
true...
Creating Homeownership.
Building Communities.
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland provides ongoing
programs and services for
achieving, preserving, and sustaining
the American dream of homeownership,
including;
Homebuyer Education
Loan Document Review and Closing
Credit Counseling
Down Payment Assistance
Home Improvement Loans
Home Maintenance Workshops
...then
call us.
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland
216.458.HOME
Foreclosure Intervention
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland
5700 Broadway Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
216.458.HOME (4663)
330.764.HOME (4663)
www.nhscleveland.org
Consumer Guide
on
SELECTING A
Contractor
and a guide to Contract Basics
SELECTING A
Contractor
Shop Around
Get two to four written “estimates” or “proposals” for any job. Both approaches are legitimate
and should be itemized as much as possible. Proposals present a range of options based on
things like “the amount of money you are willing to spend” and “what the contractor is able
to do”. An Example: “I have a leaky roof. What are my options in getting it fixed?”.
Estimates offer one price and a basic product/service with no options. If you know exactly what
you want, get an estimate. Example: “I have a leaky roof. Please use Brand X tar paper and
Brand Y shingles.”
Record Important Information
Write down the name, address and phone number of each contractor.
Check with Others
Check with the Better Business Bureau, your local Consumer Affairs Department and others to
make sure that no complaints have been filed against the contractor. If complaints were filed,
check to see if they were resolved. From the contractor, get three to five references of past
customers and contact them for their comments. Consider the length of time each contractor
has been in business.
Verify the Insurance and Licenses
Make sure the contractor carries “comprehensive liability” and “worker’s compensation”
insurance. With these, the contractor, not you, is financially responsible for any accidents on
or around the jobsight. Also, check with your local building department and make sure that the
the contractor has a state and/or city “contractors license” to operate.
Examine Warranties
Examine the warranties on workmanship and materials - they typically last for at least a year.
Ask the contractor to describe situations where he/she has honored his/her warranties.
CONTRACT BASICS
When you have chosen a contractor, prepare to
sign a contract. If possible, give yourself a day or
so to read it. Read everything and make sure you
have no mis-undertandings. You have the right to
modify the contract to accomodate the needs of
your particular project. These basics should be
included:
Scheduling: start and completion dates
Product Choices: colors, brands and warranties
Right-to-Rescind Clause: This allows a time period in
which the homeowner can cancel an agreement
without penalty (normally 3 business days).
Clean-up Clause: consider your convenience and
safety needs for each day and indicate them on the
contract.
Compliance with Local Ordinances: This includes
securing proper permits and should indicate that the
contractor will secure ALL permits.
Contractor Warranties: Should include the duration
of both “workmanship” and “materials”.
Agreed Price for Entire Project: The contractor
cannot exceed this price without your approval.
Beware the contractor who cannon finalize a price
before beginning work.
Payment Terms: These indicate at what point(s) in the
project the contractor expects payment. Know when
you’ll be expected to pay.
Inspection Clause: An inspection should be
conducted before work starts to establish “pre-work
conditions” of the property. An inspection after the
job’s completion for any property damage is advisable.
*Always be sure to read and understand the fine print.
X
Signature
for more information
visit us at www.nhscleveland.org
Or call 216.458.4663
X
Signature
keep in mind:
If it
sounds
too good
to be
true...
Creating Homeownership.
Building Communities.
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland provides ongoing
programs and services for
achieving, preserving, and sustaining
the American dream of homeownership,
including;
Homebuyer Education
Loan Document Review and Closing
Credit Counseling
Down Payment Assistance
Home Improvement Loans
Home Maintenance Workshops
...then
call us.
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland
216.458.HOME
Foreclosure Intervention
Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Refinance Seminars
Neighborhood Housing Services
of Greater Cleveland
5700 Broadway Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44127
216.458.HOME (4663)
330.764.HOME (4663)
www.nhscleveland.org
Consumer Guide
BEWARE
of Foreclosure
RESCUE
SCAMS
Borrower Beware
Your Guide to Foreclosure
RESCUE SCAMS
When you are faced with a foreclosure, your information is made available to the public. This means
that your personal information can also be found by a number of for-profit companies and attorneys,
looking to take advantage of you. You may begin receiving solicitations by phone, mailings and even
personal visits by those who “want to help you”. Though there are a variety of foreclosure rescue
programs, there are several easy ways to tell if you are being approached by a scammer.
Warning Signs of Scams
• They charge a fee for their services
• They state that you have been “pre-selected”
• They make promises or provide guarantees
• They claim un-realistic success rates and tell you that “no one else can help you”
• They tell you “don’t contact your lender”
• They encourage you to file bankruptcy or tell you that they can refinance your loan
What’s most important to remember is that “if it sounds too good to be true”, it probably is. Contact
Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland, a trusted non-profit organization serving
Northeast Ohio for over 30 years. Don’t ever pay someone when FREE help is available by qualified, foreclosure prevention professional. Call today for free, fair and unbiased support and allow us
to help you through this difficult time.
for more information
visit us at www.nhscleveland.org
Or call 216.458.4663
Tips to Avoid Scams
• Don’t pay when FREE help is available
• Only pay your lender or servicer
• Don’t respond to unsolicited mailings,
calls or visitors
• Read the fine print
• Get all promises in writing
• Understand everything you are asked to sign
• Never sign over the deed to your home
Reporting a Scam
• Save all paperwork and/or contact
information that you receive
• Contact NHS of Greater Cleveland at
216-458-4663.
• Contact the Ohio Attorney General at
1-877-AG4OHIO
• Contact the Better Business Bureau at
www.bbb.org