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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-04-13 - AGENDA REPORTS - FRESH RATE HOME MORTGAGE PGM (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approv Item to be presented by: Dennis Lu ens UNFINISHED BUSINESS DATE: April 13, 1999 SUBJECT: INDEPENDENT CITIES LEASE FINANCE AUTHORITY FRESH RATE HOME MORTGAGE PROGRAM Resolution No. 99-21 DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt Resolution No. 99-21, and direct the City Manager to enter into an agreement with the Independent Cities Lease Finance Authority (ICLFA), a JPA, to become an associate member and participate in the Home Mortgage Finance Program as described in the attached agreement. BACKGROUND At their February 23, 1999 regular City Council meeting, the Council directed staff to bring this item back after the April 6, 1999 Study Session on Affordable Housing. Adopting Resolution No. 99-21 makes the City an associate (non-voting) member of the ICLFA and an eligible jurisdiction wherein eligible home buyers could receive 101% home mortgage financing. For example, a person who earns no more than $63,120 and qualifies under FHA underwriting standards could purchase a home not exceeding $208,800 for an out-of-pocket cost of approximately one month's mortgage payment. Recent real estate data shows nearly 500 listings for single-family units selling at $200,000 or below in the Santa Clarita Valley. Currently, 40 cities participate, and of these jurisdictions, 38 FreshRate loans have been made in 14 jurisdictions. The City of Los Angeles leads with 14 loans. Below you will find a list of pros and cons for the program. Pros • 101% financing for moderate income home buyers. • Augment City's affordable home ownership goals established in our General Plan Housing Element, Five -Year Consolidated Plan for HUD, and the City's Standard Management Procedures on Affordable Housing. My t RESOLUTION NO. 99-21 April 13, 1999 — Page 2 • Alternative to the City's mortgage credit certificate (MCC) program as the demand for this high and quickly exceed supply. • Essentially for one month's mortgage payment a home buyer can get into a home. • Uses 97% FHA financing and underwriting standards, layered with a 4% soft second, which is forgivable over time. Cons • Home owners have zero equity and makes it easier to "walk away from their mortgage." • Participants pay a higher interest rate, approximately 1h percent higher than the going rates. ALTERNATIVE ACTION 1. Not adopt No. Resolution 99-21, and defer action until after the May 1999 City Council Study Session on Housing. 2. The City Council could choose to not adopt Resolution No. 99-21 and decide not to participate in the program. FISCAL IMPACT No direct cost. Minimal indirect costs associated with staff time for initial coordination, and introduce the program to the community. SUMMARY With no financial risk to the City by adopting staffs recommendation, the City Council would make these loans accessible to moderate -income home buyers in Santa Clarks. ATTACHMENTS Resolution No. 99-21 Associate Member Agreement Program Summary DEL:hds Wall\.69-21