Affordable Housing

Today there are young people in this country who can't live where they grew up. There are people who can't live where they work. Instead, they must commute great distances because they're priced out of the market and there's a lack of decent affordable housing.

At risk are not just the indigent and working poor. Our nation's teachers, firefighters and municipal workers now are among those with the most critical housing needs. Fewer and fewer can live where they work.

This is a big problem. REALTORS® didn't cause it, but we're in a position to help solve it. We see the face of this problem every day when buyers come to us for help.

To that end, the Columbus Board of REALTORS® has an active Affordable Housing Committee that strives to keep REALTORS® abreast of affordable housing programs and opportunities. The Committee has identified affordable housing as properties priced $125,000 and below. Following are programs in place that help us address the affordable housing market in the Columbus area.

Resources...

• Affordable Financing - Compilation of Central Ohio government, low downpayment and downpayment assistance programs.
• Columbus Housing Partnership provides quality, affordable housing and related services to low to moderate income working households in Columbus and the surrounding area.
• Power Tools for Affordable Housing - National Association of REALTORS®
• Rural Housing Service - U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Fannie Mae Foundation
• HUD - U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development 
• The Faces of Affordable Housing - article published in the September 2002 issue of In Contract magazine.
• Ohio Housing Finance Agency

Affordable Housing Finance Programs 

The Affordable Housing Committee has put together a compilation of downpayment and special financing programs available for buyers and sellers in the greater Columbus area. The compilation includes a brief description of each program and contact information. Click here for more info.

Affordable Housing Roundtables

Held monthly, these roundtables feature industry experts speaking on a variety of affordable housing topics. The roundtables also provide a forum for discussing buyer and seller needs, as well as a vehicle for showcasing affordable listings. Click here for more info and a schedule of roundtables and topics.

Affordable Housing Continuing Education

CBR provides several education classes throughout the year to educate REALTORS® on affordable housing issues, programs, financing, etc. Click here for detailed course descriptions and dates.

Cooperative Ventures for Consumer Services

Certified Affordable Housing Realtor® Certification

The Columbus Board of REALTORS® Affordable Housing Committee has created a Certified Affordable Housing REALTORS® (CAHR) certification program to recognize those REALTORS® who have committed their time and obtained experience in working the affordable housing market. Click here for more info and a list of REALTORS® who have received the CAHR.