Over the past 12 years, NIA has rehabbed, built, marketed, and sold over 77 housing units to low and moderate income families. In this time period, we have gained practical experience and knowledge in property acquisition, construction management, government regulations, developing financial proformas, negotiation techniques, capitalization and marketing. NIA is particularly energized in providing affordable housing development in the City of Savannah. As part of our affordable housing initiative, NIA provides home buyer education for first time home owners. Over the years, NIA has educated over 1,600 individuals in its sessions.
The participants are afforded the opportunity to hear from a variety of experts to include a credit expert, realtor, a mortgage lender, a home inspector, and an attorney. NIA is a State of Georgia, Department of Community Affairs (DCA) approved housing counseling agency. Under this agreement we utilize our professional resources in the community to assist in facilitating the workshops. Our classes are free of charge and feature topics on credit, budgeting, predatory lending, mortgage lending, home inspection, home owners’ insurance, closing the loan and life as a homeowner. We also educate the potential homeowner on ways to reduce energy costs, and what to look for in an energy efficient home. Potential homebuyers who are interested in learning how to pull, read and correct errors on a FREE credit report can also attend a Credit Clinic Class offered by Consumer Credit Counseling Services. Spaces are limited and you must contact CCCS to reserve a seat.
Individuals who complete the class will receive a certificate of completion for First Time Home Buyer Education. Consumers that are interested in perusing down payment assistance and gap financing under the City of Savannah Dream Maker Program or the Georgia Dream program are required to have a certificate. Households with a combined annual income of 80% or less of the area median income for this area, as defined by HUD, may qualify for these types of financing support. Workshops are held monthly and are one day long. Certificates for attending workshops are issued at conclusion. Check our Facebook page for time and locations for our 2017 First-time Homebuyer’s Classes.
