We Appreciate Your Generous Support

Your Donation Matters

"TRIP rents apartments at affordable prices."

"Really? I thought TRIP helps people become homeowners."

"No, TRIP is about rehabbing old, unmarketable homes and making them useable again."

"Hmm, I thought TRIP supported neighborhood leaders and associations."

Many people don't know that TRIP does all of the above... and more. These core activities enable us to work towards our mission and vision, which is about people, homes, and communities.

We hope you will take ten minutes to watch a video entitled "TRIP - More Than Housing: Building Leadership." it will give you an idea of the impact we can make upon one individual and where that can lead. Enjoy!

To make a secure donation to the work of TRIP, click here.
Or
Please make check payable to:
Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, Inc. or TRIP and mail to:

TRIP
415 River Street
Troy, NY 12180

Come the Housing Fair!

2013 Capital District Housing Fair

Interested in buying or repairing a home?  Want to save money on utility bills?   Not sure who to call for a house inspections? 

Visit us at the 2013 Capital Region Housing Fair Saturday, April 27th!  The event is from 10 am until 2 pm at the Main Branch of the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue.  

For home buyers and owners, the event features information on programs for down payment assistance, energy efficiency and home repairs. Learn about programs for home purchase, home repair and energy efficiency; apply for energy efficiency programs, meet lenders, realtors, home inspectors.  Consult with an attorney about your current mortgage; sign up for a free credit report and more.  

For more details, go to http://www.ahphome.org/housing_fair.html

RCHR Program Profile: Rensselaer County Homeownership Program (Small Cities)

Similar to the Homebuyer Incentive Program available in Troy, the Small Cities program offers prospective homebuyers in Rensselaer County grant funding to assist with down payments and closing costs. Eligible applicants do not need to currently live in Rensselear County.

Administered by the RCHR & TRIP NeighborWorks Homeownership Center, Small Cities funding is available to first-time homebuyers with an annual household income at or below 80% of the area median income (80% of the area median income for Rensselaer County is approximately $62,500 for a family of four), and can provide applicants with either $15,000 or $20,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

To qualify for the Small Cities Program, applicants must complete a homebuyer education program and be looking to purchase a house anywhere in Rensselaer County (excluding Troy). Funds can be used towards down payments, closing costs, and/or to reduce the mortgage amounts to make the purchase affordable for the homebuyer.

If the benefits of this program sound like something that you or someone you know might be interested in, the first step is to attend a Homebuyer Orientation session. More information can also be found on the TRIP website:

www.triponline.org/buy/down_payment_closing.html.

Homecoming Dinner to Celebrate TRIP & RCHR's Excellent Customer Service

The 2012 TRIP & RCHR Homecoming Dinner, happening on Monday, October 29th at 5:30pm at The Franklin Terrace Ballroom, 126 Campbell Ave., Troy, will honor NYS Assemblymember Ron Canestrari and Troy Treasure Michael Esposito.  It is also an opportunity to celebrate the high-quality services provided by TRIP & RCHR.

** Tickets are still available, visit

www.triponline.org/news_and_events/Homecoming_Dinner_RSVP.html to RSVP. **

One part of the TRIP & RCHR mission is to promote responsible homeownership, and the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership center recently earned high quality service marks from NeighborWorks America.

NeighborWorks America scores each affiliated HomeOwnership Center across the country on a quarterly basis, and we are happy to announce that the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center received a 9 out of 10 overall score!

To determine each HomeOwnership Center's Level of Service, NeighborWorks examines the number of homebuyer education clients who successfully purchase homes and the rate at which post-purchase clients maintain homeownership and avoid foreclosure. NeighborWorks organizations consistently strive for excellence, and this score simply underlines the excellent programming available at TRIP.

TRIP's NeighborWorks Center is a one-stop shop for homebuyers and homeowners. Quality, confidential housing advice and group education programs are available to anyone regardless of income or geography on a range of topics whether you are a long-time homeowner or just starting on the path to becoming a homebuyer. Getting this information today will save you money and headaches tomorrow. TRIP HomeOwnership Center staff hear again and again "I wish I'd heard about TRIP before I bought my house!"

To learn more about the programs offered through the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center visit www.triponline.org or call (518) 690-0020.

Information on NeighborWorks American is available at www.nw.org.

New Faces at TRIP: Caitlin Casterlin

Caitlin Casterlin

Welcome to TRIP's newest HomeOwnership Advisor, Caitlin Casterlin! With her strong financial background, having previously worked in banking and at the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Caitlin is sure to be a valuable member of the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center team!

Caitlin's lifelong interest in helping people, especially on an individual level, led her to work with TRIP & RCHR. She looks forward to working with clients as they navigate the worlds of financial stability and homeownership. Having recently purchased a home herself, Caitlin knows how daunting the process can be and hopes to guide others away from possible obstacles.

In addition to the time Caitlin spends working on her new house, she also enjoys hiking with her dog. As a foster pet owner, Caitlin houses, trains, and socializes dogs who will eventually be adopted. This process allows animals to live in comfortable homes rather than shelters while shaping their behavior into desirable pets.

We are all excited to have Caitlin as a member of the TRIP & RCHR community! Welcome!

TRIP & RCHR Program Profile: Homebuyer Incentive Program

Providing first-time homebuyers with opportunities for success is the backbone of the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center, and the foundation of the Homebuyer Incentive Program (HIP). HIP funding, administered through the City of Troy, is available to first-time homebuyers with an annual household income at or below 80% of the area median income (which is $62,500 for a family of four) and can provide eligible applicants with either $15,000 or $20,000.

To qualify for a HIP grant, applicants must be looking to purchase a one or two family house in the City of Troy. Funds can be used towards down payments, closing costs, and/or to make up any difference between the purchase price and the sale price that would be affordable for the homebuyer. If HIP sounds like a program that you or someone you know might be interested in, the first step is to attend a Homebuyer Orientation session. A schedule of upcoming workshops can be found at  http://www.triponline.org. 

More information about HIP can also be found at  http://www.triponline.org/buy/down_payment_closing.html#HIP.

HomeOwnership Center Luncheon a Success!

On Thursday, May 17th, the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center hosted its 9th annual HomeOwnership Center Luncheon. This year's theme was "Homebuying-- Now's the Time, Join the Team." Attendees included supporters of the HomeOwnership Center, local realtors, and elected officials.

Welcoming guests was the Honorable Steve McLaughlin of the 108th NYS Assembly District. Doug Dylla , a national homeownership consultant, provided information about national trends, including a pent-up demand for home purchases particularly among first-time homebuyers, the demographics of future homeownership markets, the challenges facing today's buyers, and how strong partnerships between lenders, realtors, government, and not-for-profits such as TRIP's HomeOwnership Center can best help homebuyers reach their goals.

TRIP Board President Joseph Fleming and Doug Dylla
at the 2012 TRIP HomeOwnership Center Luncheon

Paul Semanek, past president of the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, spoke about local trends and the current state of homebuying in Rensselaer County. He also endorsed pre-purchase education such as that offered at TRIP's HOC to create prepared, informed, and ready buyers.

TRIP Executive Director, Patrick Madden, and Bobbi Carter, Director of TRIP's HomeOwnership Center, provided data about the outcomes of our work and the subsequent local economic impact. The 2012 donors of our HomeOwnership were thanked and new partners were warmly greeted. Thank you to everyone who atteneded; we look forward to seeing you again next year!

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Documents the Benefits of Pre-Purchase Counseling

TRIP & RCHR, our customers, and our supporters know all about the importance of pre-purchase homebuyer counseling, but now the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released a study corroborating that knowledge.

Released in May, the study written by Jennifer Turnham and Anna Jefferson, sampled 573 individuals and found significant levels of achievement in homebuyers who received pre-purchase housing counseling. They were more likely to be mortgage-ready, have a signed purchase agreement, and havevdecent credit scores as a result of the financial, budgeting, and homebuying information received.  Additionally, the study tracked participants at 12 to 18 months after receiving pre-purchase counseling services and found that "only one of the purchasers had fallen at least 30 days behind on his or her mortgage payments and none had a major derogatory event on a mortgage account."

If you or someone you know is considering homeownership, don't miss out on pre-purchase education and its benefits. At the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center we offer free, professional housing counseling with certified counselors. For more information, go to http://www.triponline.org or call us a (518) 690-0020.

To read the complete HUD Pre-Purchase Counseling Outcomes Study go to  http://www.huduser.org/publications/pdf/pre_purchase_counseling.pdf.

Homeownership Done Right

Comprehensive Standards Support "Homeownership Done Right TM"

The National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling set criteria so consumers around the country can be confident that the housing counseling they receive from agencies that adopt the standards is high quality, comprehensive, and valuable. These Standards hold local nonprofit housing counseling agencies to a high standard of excellence, ensuring that consumers are provided the most consistent and critical information, advice, and guidance.

Here in Troy, the TRIP NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center adopted the Standards for Homeownership Counseling in 2008 and we have elevated our quality of services for our clients. "Homeownership counseling is crucial to successful long-term homeownership," says Bobbi Carter, Director of TRIP's HomeOwnership Center. At TRIP, we have two highly trained pre-purchase housing and foreclosure prevention counselors who work one-on-one with clients to help them determine the best course of action for them, whether they are looking to buy their first home or trying to keep the home they grew up in.

The Standards were developed by the Advisory Council for the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling. The Advisory Council is comprised of leading housing industry representatives including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), working together to provide a way for counseling organizations to demonstrate accountability and commitment-- an approach known as "Homeownership Done Right." Michael Haley of Minnesota Housing and Chairman of the Council noted that the National Industry Standards protect the best interests of the consumer. "The ultimate beneficiaries are the homeowners that receive these services and become better equipped to enjoy successful, sustainable homeownership," Haley says.

For more information about homeownership education and counseling available at TRIP, please contact Bobbi Carter, (518) 690-0020 ext. 222, bobbi@triponline.org, or visit our website, http://www.triponline.org.

To learn more about the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling, visit http://www.homeownershipstandards.org/.

Come to the Housing Fair!

Prospective buyers and homeowners will want to attend the Capital Region Housing Fair on Saturday, April 28th from 10 am-2 pm at the Albany Public Library, 161 Washington Avenue in Albany. 

Featured will be dozens of information booths including:

• Non-profit housing groups like TRIP
• Lenders
• Attorneys
• Housing inspectors
• Real estate agents
• Free Credit Reports
• Free Consultations

Seminars will be held on topics such as:

• How to hire a contractor
• How to finance your home

Fair-goers can learn about new programs:

• How to make your home more comfortable while saving money and the environment

With foreclosures continuing to wreak havoc on families and neighborhoods, participants having trouble with their mortgages can meet with an experienced lawyer or housing counselor for a free consultation about their situation. Also, representatives from Bank of America and Fannie Mae will be available to meet with borrowers and discuss loan options.

One of the most popular features of last year's fair, the free credit reports, will be available this year too. Just bring a photo ID and obtain a free credit report and a credit consultation.

Sponsors include the HomeSave Coalition, Albany Public Library, M&T Bank, NBT Bank, Bank of America, SONYMA, First Niagara, IAR Attorneys at Law, Community Realty, Metroland, and SEFCU.

All are welcome! Door prizes will be drawn throughout the day. More details at http://www.ahphome.org/ or call (518) 434-1730.

Grant Opportunity for First Time Homebuyers

Buying a home is obviously a huge financial commitment, but for those who think they could never afford homeownership, take a look at the First Home Club:

Program Description

The Capital District Individual Development Account Program was organized by local housing counseling agencies to assist working households to build wealth through homeownership.

• Receive $4 for every $1 saved, up to $7,500 toward the purchase of your first home.  Need to save $1,875 to receive the maximum match of $7,500.
• Save for a minimum of 10 months up to a maximum of 24 months
• Use your savings and the matching funds for the down payment and closing costs associated with your home purchase.  Save the maximum, you will have $9,375 ($1,875 of your savings plus $7,500 matching funds) toward your purchase.
• You can purchase a home anywhere your bank lends.
• The home is to be owner occupied for at least five years, or some of the funds may need to be repaid.
• You must open a dedicated savings account at a participating institution.

Participating Banks/Credit Unions

• First Niagara Bank
• M&T Bank
• Pioneer Savings
• SEFCU
• Capital Communications FCU
• NBT Bank
• Glens Falls National Bank* (Only in Northern Rensselaer & Albany Counties)

Who's Eligible?

• First time homebuyers
• Earn less than the following amounts:
• $61,600 if you are a 1 or 2 person household
• $70,800 if you are a household of three or more people

Sound good?  The first step to enrolling in this program is to come to one of our Homebuyer Orientations.  Our next session will be held Monday, April 16th; register online at triponline.org or call (518) 690-0020 ext. 221.

You Can Help TRIP! Support the Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs and the Foreclosure Program

We Need Your Urgent Help.... Again!

As we reported last month, the governor has eliminated all funding for the Neighborhood Preservation Program, the Rural Preservation Program and the Foreclosure Prevention Program.  TRIP and RCHR receive relatively small amounts of funding from these programs to help with basic operational expenses as well as for our full-time foreclosure prevention counselor.

Thank you so much for your response to our previous plea for help. Unfortunately, the governor did not restore any of the funding that he originally eliminated, so the budget is now in the hands of the state legislature.  We believe they intend to finalize their budget bills this week, which means they need to hear from supporters like you urging them to fund these three critical housing programs. 

 

Please call your state senator and assemblymember(s) today and leave messages urging funding for the Neighborhood and Rural Preservation Programs and the Foreclosure Program.

For those in Rensselaer County:

• Senator Roy McDonald: (518) 455-2381 or mcdonald@nysenate.gov
• Assemblyman Ron Canestrari:  (518) 455-4474 or canestr@assembly.state.ny.us
• Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin:  (518) 455-5777 or mclaughlins@assembly.state.ny.us
• Assemblyman Tony Jordan:  (518) 455-5404 or jordanj@assembly.state.ny.us

If you live outside Rensselaer County, to find out who your legislators are enter your address at the following links:

• State Assembly:  http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?sh=search 
• State Senate:  http://www.nysenate.gov/

Some of TRIP and RCHR's programs supported by these funds include Homebuyer education and counseling, foreclosure prevention counseling, financial counseling, Mini-Repair services and Landlord Training, among others. We are able to assist hundreds of customers each year with these programs, which in turn leverages local dollars through new homeowners, contractors, and preserving our tax base. 

Many of you are passionate about the communities in which we live and work.  TRIP and RCHR, and hundreds of similar organizations around the state, are deeply committed to helping revitalize, preserve and improve our communties with a variety of services and programs, some of which depend upon state support.

We hope you will call or email your state representatives today in support of the Neighborhood and Rural Presevation and Foreclosure Prevention programs.

Thank you so much for your help,

Your friends at TRIP & RCHR

Spring Home Maintenance Training Workshops

Spring is right around the corner! Notice anything around your house that you need or want to fix up? Maintaining a home is a huge part of responsible homeownership-- come to TRIP's Home Maintenance Training Workshops and learn the skills you'll need to keep your house in tip-top shape!

Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 7:30pm beginning March 13th and running through May 1st.  All workshops are FREE and held at the TRIP building (415 River Street, Troy, Second Floor.)

Participants are welcome to come to all or as many workshops that interest them.  Each class will have a new topic:

3/13 -- Intro to Home Maintenance Training: Hardware & Tools, Creating a Work Plan

3/20 -- Electrical: Installing GFCI outlets, Light Switches, Dimmers, and Light Fixtures

3/27 -- Plumbing 1: Installing Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks & Faucets, Toilet Replacement

4/3 -- Plumbing 2: Pipe Cutting, Sweating Copper & Valve Replacements, How to use Pex Tubing

4/10 -- Flooring: How to Install Tile & Wood, Tools & Surface Prep

4/17 -- Sheetrock: How to Repair Damage, Install New, Taping & More

4/24 -- Painting: Surface Prep and Paint Techniques

5/1 -- Weatherization and Energy Efficiency

To register visit http://triponline.org/news_and_events/calendar.html or call (518) 690-0020 ext. 221.
Hope to see you there!

Dreaming of Buying a Home?

Considering home ownership in 2010?  TRIP’s national partner, NeighborWorks America, has created a web site to assist people who are considering buying a home called “Keys to My Home” at http://www.keystomyhome.org.   NeighborWorks America tells consumers that “Your dream of owning a home can become a reality if you set realistic goals, get sound advice, plan carefully and clearly understand the costs of homeownership." That is why  NeighborWorks America  has partnered with E*TRADE Financial to create the educational Web site “designed to help you make informed, sound decisions related to the home buying process.”  Topics include getting ready, understanding credit issues, financing considerations, finding a home and managing one’s home.   If you are considering buying a home, this website will help you understand the big picture to prepare you for each step.

 You should also plan on attending one of TRIP’s Homebuyer Orientations. They are offered once a month and provide useful information about local home buying programs as well as what TRIP can offer someone on their path to becoming a homeowner.  To register for an orientation or to access quality, free financial and housing counseling, contact the TRIP NeighborWorks Homeownership Center at 690-0020 or rose@triponline.org.