February 2020 Newsletter
TSAHC Recognizes Top 2019 Lenders
TSAHC's homeownership programs experienced another record-breaking year in 2019. In partnership with a network of dedicated mortgage loan officers, TSAHC helped 9,397 families purchase a home last year.
 
In total, our home buyer programs provided more than $1.35 billion in mortgage loans and more than $50 million in down payment assistance in 2019 and helped 2,878 first-time home buyers obtain a federal mortgage interest tax credit that reduces their federal income taxes over the life of their mortgage. 
Top Loan Officers
 
Each year, TSAHC recognizes the three top-producing loan officers. With more than 2,500 loan officers originating at least one loan in 2019, this is a significant achievement. This year's awards are presented to:
Cardinal Financial Company
Mr. O'Brien helped 137 home buyers in 2019, originating more than $25.2 million mortgage loans. Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and serving home buyers statewide, this is his second consecutive year on the Top 3 Loan Officers list.
Premier Nationwide Lending
Ms. Schriever assists home buyers statewide and is based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In 2019, she worked with 57 home buyers and originated more than $10.9 million in mortgage loans. This is Ms. Schriever's fourth year in a row on the Top 3 Loan Officers list.
Gateway Mortgage Group
Mr. Allyn assisted 49 home buyers in 2019, originating over $9.1 million in mortgage loans. He is located in the Houston area, but serves Texans statewide. This is Mr. Allyn's first year on the Top 3 Loan Officers list.
Top Mortgage Companies
880 Home Buyers Served
$164 Million in Loans Originated
628 Home Buyers Served
$109 Million in Loans Originated
510 Home Buyers Served
$91 Million in Loans Originated
Senator Lucio Recognizes TSAHC's Park Meadows Neighborhood in Harlingen, TX
Earlier this month, TSAHC had the honor of being recognized by Texas Senator Eddie Lucio Jr. for the success of one of the neighborhoods in our Affordable Communities of Texas (ACT) program.

The homes in the Park Meadows neighborhood were built in order to revitalize a subdivision that foreclosed during the 2008 financial crisis. The neighborhood, developed in partnership with Harlingen CDC, was specifically commemorated for its creation of affordable housing opportunities in the city.

Homes in Park Meadows are priced between $84,450 and $120,000, and are targeted towards households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Family Income (which is approximately $35,200 for the area).

To learn more about the event and meet the homeowners, click here .
TSAHC's Draft 2020 Texas Foundations Fund Guidelines
Available for Public Comment
At their meeting on Wednesday, February 12th, TSAHC's Board of Directors approved the publication of TSAHC's Draft 2020 Texas Foundation Fund Guidelines and made them available for public comment.
 
The public comment period for the Draft 2020 Texas Foundations Fund Guidelines began on February 13th, 2020 and will run until March 16th, 2020 . If you have comments on the guidelines, send them to Michael Wilt by email at [email protected] .
TSAHC Issues Request for Proposals for Audit,
Tax and Accounting Consulting Services
On February 12th, TSAHC issued a  Request for Proposals for Audit, Tax and Accounting Consulting Services Entities that provide these services are encouraged to apply and must submit all materials listed in the RFP by  3:00 p.m. CDT on   March 31st, 2020.  All questions and communications concerning the RFP must be submitted to Melinda Smith at [email protected] .
Upcoming Events
March 1 - 3 in Corpus Christi - 2020 Texas Community Development Conference

March 2 in Fort Worth - "Overcoming the Down Payment Hurdle" class hosted by Greater Fort Worth Association of REALTORS®. This free session provides one credit of mandatory continuing education (CE) for REALTORS®.   Register Here 

March 3 in West Lake Hills - "Overcoming the Down Payment Hurdle" class hosted by Chicago Title. This free session provides one credit of mandatory continuing education (CE) for REALTORS®.   Register Here 

March 11 in Humble - "Overcoming the Down Payment Hurdle" class hosted by Hometrust Mortgage. This free session provides one credit of mandatory continuing education (CE) for REALTORS®.   Register Here 

March 19 in Sugar Land - "Overcoming the Down Payment Hurdle" class hosted by Hancock Mortgage Partners. This free session provides one credit of mandatory continuing education (CE) for REALTORS®.   Register Here 

March 25 in Dallas - "Overcoming the Down Payment Hurdle" class hosted by Supreme Lending. This free session provides one credit of mandatory continuing education (CE) for REALTORS®.   Register Here 
Below are February 2020 excerpts from On the House , a blog TSAHC launched in 2014 on affordable housing topics. We invite you to drop by On the House as we explore important issues, provide an inside look into our programs, and share other valuable resources.  
Tiny Homes: A Big Solution to Homelessness?
Tiny homes have been a hot topic lately, but they’re not just trendy as a dream home or the latest in luxury living. Organizations and governments around the country are harnessing tiny homes’ big potential to help house the Americans that most need an affordable place to live.

Writing for Shelterforce in 2019, Sharon Lee, the executive director of the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), reported on progress made in LIHI’s efforts to use tiny house villages as transitional housing for residents of Seattle experiencing homelessness.
Why We Love Tax Season
We know that most people dread doing their taxes and on top of that, it's Valentine's Day — a day you either love or hate. But we just can't hold it back any longer: We LOVE tax season! 

That's right — tax season is our valentine this year, and we're not afraid to say it! After all, it gives us the perfect opportunity to remind homebuyers about our Mortgage Certificate Program and the immense savings they could see in their future.
Affordability and its Effect on Job Growth
Can rising home prices and decreasing affordability within a city also lead to slower job growth?

A recent study conducted by the National Association of REALTORs ® (NAR) suggests that there might be a connection.
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