FAQ'shttp://hocnetwork.squarespace.com/faqs2/en-US2008-09-08T16:48:47ZSquarespace Site Server v5.0.0 (http://www.squarespace.com/)QUESTIONS ABOUT FAIR HOUSINGhttp://hocnetwork.squarespace.com/faqs2/2007/3/23/questions-about-fair-housing.htmlHOC Administrator2007-03-23T17:35:50Z1. What is Fair Housing?

The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines “fair Housing “as

  • The ability of persons of similar income levels who are seeking housing

in similar housing markets and who have like qualifications, to have available

to them the same range of housing choices , regardless of race, color, religion,

national origin, sex, disability or familial status, the “protected” classes under

federal law. See Fair Housing Planning Guide-Volume(s) 1 & 2 , U. S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development-Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

  • The State of California incorporates the federal definition and each of the federal

“protected “classes into its state fair housing laws and adds: sexual orientation;

marital status; source of income; age; ancestry; and arbitrary as “protected” individuals and

families.

2. What legal authority exists for enforcement of fair housing rights?

Federal

  • 1st Civil Rights Act of 1866 -Guaranteed property rights to ALL citizens regardless of race.
  • Fair Housing Act of 1968- Prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, or religion; also prohibits violence, intimidation and harassment.
  • Housing & Community Development Act of 1974- Adds sex (gender) to prohibited basis of discrimination.
  • Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988- Expanded coverage of FHA to prohibit discrimination in housing practices based on disability & familial status

California

  • Unruh Civil Rights Act- Protects against discrimination by all business establishments in CA, including real estate offices, property management companies, homeowners’ associations, & public accommodations on the basis essentially the same as federally prohibited basis
  • Fair Employment and Housing Act of 1963- prohibits discrimination based on age, sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, or national origin in the areas of employment & housing.
  • Ralph Civil Rights Act- Prohibits acts of violence or intimidation by threat of violence against persons or property. Prohibits violence or threat of violence in rental housing situations, including houses, apartments, hotels, boarding houses, & condos.
  • Other Related Housing Financial Discrimination Act of 1977- Financial institutions are prohibited from discrimination in financial assistance. Law prohibits refusal to lend based upon neighborhood characteristics (red-lining) & appraisals that are based upon neighborhood trends or changes in race, color, etc.
]]>FIRST TIME HOME BUYER QUESTIONShttp://hocnetwork.squarespace.com/faqs2/2007/3/23/first-time-home-buyer-questions.htmlHOC Administrator2007-03-23T17:32:20Z
  1. Why should I buy, instead of rent?
    • Answer: A home is an investment. When you rent, you write your monthly check and that money is gone forever. But when you own your home, you can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes. This will save you a lot each year, because the interest you pay will make up most of your monthly payment for most of the years of your mortgage. You can also deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. In addition, the value of your home may go up over the years. Finally, you'll enjoy having something that's all yours - a home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are.
  2. What are "HUD homes," and are they a good deal?
    • Answer: HUD homes can be a very good deal. When someone with a HUD insured mortgage can't meet the payments, the lender forecloses on the home; HUD pays the lender what is owed; and HUD takes ownership of the home. Then we sell it at market value as quickly as possible. Read all about buying a HUD home. Check our listings of HUD homes and homes being sold by other federal agencies.
  3. Can I become a homebuyer even if I have I've had bad credit, and don't have much for a down-payment?
    • Answer: You may be a good candidate for one of the federal mortgage programs. Start by contacting one of the HUD-funded housing counseling agencies that can help you sort through your options. Also, contact your local government to see if there are any local homebuying programs that might work for you. Look in the blue pages of your phone directory for your local office of housing and community development or, if you can't find it, contact your mayor's office or your county executive's office.
  4. Are there special homeownership grants or programs for single parents?
    • Answer: There is help available. Start by becoming familiar with the homebuying process and pick a good real estate broker. Although as a single parent, you won't have the benefit of two incomes on which to qualify for a loan, consider getting pre-qualified, so that when you find a house you like in your price range you won't have the delay of trying to get qualified. Contact one of the HUD-funded housing counseling agencies in your area to talk through other options for help that might be available to you. Research buying a HUD home, as they can be very good deals. Also, contact your local government to see if there are any local homebuying programs that could help you. Look in the blue pages of your phone directory for your local office of housing and community development or, if you can't find it, contact your mayor's office or your county executive's office.
  5. Should I use a real estate broker? How do I find one?
    • Answer: Using a real estate broker is a very good idea. All the details involved in home buying, particularly the financial ones, can be mind-boggling. A good real estate professional can guide you through the entire process and make the experience much easier. A real estate broker will be well-acquainted with all the important things you'll want to know about a neighborhood you may be considering...the quality of schools, the number of children in the area, the safety of the neighborhood, traffic volume, and more. He or she will help you figure the price range you can afford and search the classified ads and multiple listing services for homes you'll want to see. With immediate access to homes as soon as they're put on the market, the broker can save you hours of wasted driving-around time. When it's time to make an offer on a home, the broker can point out ways to structure your deal to save you money. He or she will explain the advantages and disadvantages of different types of mortgages, guide you through the paperwork, and be there to hold your hand and answer last-minute questions when you sign the final papers at closing. And you don't have to pay the broker anything! The payment comes from the home seller - not from the buyer.
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