Loan board to help with Logan housing

People in Logan who have disabilities and are facing challenges of adjustable mortgages and the faltering economy will get a boost from the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund Board, which earlier this month approved $420,000 for specialized housing.

"Those who purchased homes with adjustable-rate mortgages that are now resetting are hurting and looking to refinance," said Gordon D. Walker, director of the Utah Division of Housing and Community Development. "Still others are benefiting as housing prices drop and stabilize, making it easier for them to find something accessible and affordable."

An influx of clients has come for the grant recipient, the Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corp. in Logan. The money will finance second mortgages at discounted rates.

Through the nonprofit's HomeChoice program, Utahns with disabilities can get credit counseling, down-payment assistance and flexible loans. The nonprofit serves clients statewide.

"When we started the program in 2002, we had 121 inquires. By the end of last year, we had 311 calls," said Kim C. Datwyler, executive director of Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corp.

Datwyler credits increased phone traffic to word of mouth. But falling home prices mean more of the callers are actually eligible buyers, she said.

"Many of our clients live off Social Security, disability and other limited sources of income, which makes it difficult for them to find a home that they can afford," she said.

"The slowing housing market has made it easier for some of those on the bubble to find a home," she said, noting that one family was able to save $20,000 for a down payment. In other cases, extended family members have stepped in to help provide additional down-payment assistance, she said.

For more information about HomeChoice and who qualifies, visit nnhc.net.

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