Realtors Housing Opportunities Fund

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Meghan

The Realtors® Housing Opportunities Fund (RHOF) is an endowed fund created by the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® supporting non-profit organizations to make a positive difference in the local community. RHOF’s giving mission is three-pronged: the repair or rehabilitation of low-to-moderate income housing, creation of new affordable housing, and education to encourage responsible homeownership.

The Fund is administered by the Coastal Community Foundation and since its inception, RHOF has provided OVER $1 million in funding to Lowcountry nonprofits.

Donate Today!

On April 8th 2022, the Realtors®️ Housing Opportunities Fund (RHOF) Committee hosted a Build Day with Dorchester Habitat for Humanity. RHOF granted them $3,125 towards a new home for The Levine Family. Tyornia Levine is the chef manager at the College of Charleston and a single parent of six children. This grant was just one of 15 grants awarded in 2022 totaling over $58,995!

This spring, the Realtors® Housing Opportunities Fund (RHOF) Committee presented a check to Dorchester Habitat for Humanity for $5,000 towards a new home for Laura, a first time homeowner and single mom of 4 children who had previously been living in a garage apartment. The committee also helped build Laura’s home! This grant was just one of 18 grants awarded in 2019 totaling over $54,000!

How You Can Help:

Donate
100% of your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and will be granted back out into our local community. Mail in a check payable to RHOF to CTAR, c/o RHOF, 5006 Wetland Crossing, North Charleston, SC 29418 or click here to donate online.

Volunteer
Sign up to help us at our next volunteer project for one of grant recipients. We volunteer each spring and fall. Contact us if you’d like to be added to the volunteer list.

Serve on the Committee
The RHOF committee is made up of volunteer Realtor leaders who meet 5-6 times per year to award grants and coordinate fundraisers.

Attend a Fundraising Event
RHOF hosts 2 Cocktails for Community events each year. Just by attending, you are helping us raise money!

For more information on RHOF or to get involved please email
jessie@www.charlestonrealtors.com.

Changes to NFIP Flood Insurance

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Meghan

The Latest News

Pre-FIRM Subsidized rates will be assumable starting May 1
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a bulletin stating that pre-FIRM subsidized rates can start being transferred to buyers and policy purchasers starting May 1. This is the first implementation phase of the new Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act.

Help guide the implementation of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act by participating in a survey, here.

Find a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the new flood insurance regulations, here.

About the Flood Insurance Affordability Act

On March 21, 2014, President Obama signed the “Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act” into law. This law repeals FEMA’s authority to increase premium rates at time of sale or new flood map, and refunds the excessive premium to those who bought a property before FEMA warned them of the rate increase. The bill limits premium increases to 18% annually on newer properties and 25% for some older ones. Additionally, the bill adds a small assessment on policies until everyone is paying full cost for flood insurance.

WATCH: Flood Insurance Reform is Law, but Now What?

Now that flood insurance reform has been signed into law, you need to understand what’s changed, what the new regulations are and how it will affect your business.

CTAR’s Government Affairs Director, Ryan Castle, walks you through the changes this law creates, how your pending closings will be affected and when we can expect to see the full implementation of this law.

Watch or download the presentation below, or find it here.

Download a side-by-side comparision of how the new Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act compares with Biggert-Waters, here.

Want to know more? We have a speaker for you!

For more information – have CTAR’s Government Affairs Director Ryan Castle come to your office and discuss flood insurance. You can contact him directly at Ryan@CharlestonRealtors.com or (843) 793-5212.

Flood/FEMA data now on CRS Reports

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Meghan

In response to the change in flood insurance laws, CTMLS and CRS Data is pleased to bring you new flood zone information to the CRS property reports. The new information is located at the bottom of the CRS Property Report.

Click the thumbnail below to access a full-sized version of the image.

This information covers:
– the zone code
– flood risk
– zone description
– panel ID and the effective date

This information also includes 4 links: FIRM Panel ID Map, Zone source, FEMA’s Flood Hazard Mapping, and the FloodSmart.gov Flood Risk profile specific to the property address.

This addition to the CRS reports should save those of you working with flood zone properties a significant amount of time and energy to find the important information you need to assist your clients with these complex transactions.

Charleston Realtors complete Leadership Development Program

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Meghan

The Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR) is pleased to announce the thirteen graduates of the inaugural class of the CTAR Leadership Development Program. The program is designed to provide those with interest in taking a leadership role in the Association and their community the education and training to enhance and develop their leadership skills.

front row (l-r): Wendy Deitsch, Katesha Breland, Cynthia Haskins Hill, Joni Byars, Trina Woods, Jana Bantz back row (l-r): Kaz Ansari, Ben Schulyer (program chair), Meghan Byrnes Weinreich (staff liaison), Michael Fenwrick, Jim Hamilton, Steve Williams, Joseph Cullom, Owen Tyler (CTAR President) not pictured: Lisa Burbage, Lynn Carmody

The three-month program includes four sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of leadership development: teambuilding, communication, community activism and effective leadership. Speakers for the various sessions include local community leaders like etiquette and communication expert Cindy Grosso, representatives from the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA), George Stevens of the Coastal Community Foundation, Jennet Alterman of the Center for Women, as well as other local businesses and industries.

“We designed this program to help our members develop their leadership and communication skills, which will help them not only if they choose to pursue a leadership role with the Association or in the community, but also in their day-to-day business. We provide the opportunity for our members to learn from those who have achieved success in real estate as well as other industries” said Wil Riley, CEO of CTAR.

Graduates of the 2013 Inaugural CTAR Leadership Development Program
Kaz Ansari, J. Meyer Homes /Carolina Elite
Jana Bantz, Prudential Southern Coast Realty
Katesha Breland, Sweetgrass Realty Group
Lisa Burbage, Elaine Brabham and Associates
Joni Byars, Good Faith Mortgage
Lynn Carmody, Carolina One Real Estate
Joseph Cullom, Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service
Wendy Deitsch, LifeTree Real Estate, LLC
Michael Fenwrick, Keller Williams Realty, West Ashley
Jim Hamilton, RE/MAX Pro Realty
Cynthia Haskins Hill, Pathway Real Estate Group, LLC
Steve Williams, Coldwell Banker United, Mount Pleasant
Trina Woods, Century 21 Properties Plus

Those interested in participating in the CTAR Leadership Development Program must be a REALTOR® member in good standing and apply for the program. There is a fee to participate, but financial aid is available. The dates for the next session are to be determined, but interested parties should contact Meghan Weinreich at CTAR.

Charleston REALTORS® present $16,000 to local Habitats for Humanity

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Meghan

As part of the third annual REALTORS® Care Week, the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® presented $16,000 to four local Habitats for Humanity funded by the South Carolina REALTORS® American Dream Housing Fund.

The American Dream Housing Fund raises money through sales of the “Homeownership: The American Dream” license plate, which supports construction of new affordable housing in South Carolina.

$4,000 was awarded to (each) Berkeley, Dorchester, East Cooper, and Sea Island Habitats for Humanity who all submitted applications for grant funding earlier this fall.

pictured (l-r):

Owen Tyler, 2013 CTAR President and SCR Housing Opportunities Committee Member
Matt DeAntonio, 2012 REALTORS® Housing Opportunities Committee Chairman
Belinda Simmons, Berkeley Habitat Board Member
Bob Hervey, East Cooper Habitat for Humanity Executive Director
Jaye Elliott, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity Executive Director
Corwyn Melette, 2013 CTAR President Elect and SCR Housing Opportunities Committee Member
Amanda Helton, Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Director of Development
Terry Hyde Ketchem, CTAR CEO

Don’t Miss the Midyear Market Update

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Meghan

Join us on Wednesday, August 15 from 9:30-11am in the Crystal Ballroom of the Charleston Marriott for the 2012 Midyear Market Update!

Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) will be our keynote speaker and share his analysis of the national and local real estate markets as well as share a forecast for the remainder of 2012 and beyond.

Seating is limited–register today!

Come early for coffee and pastries and browse our Affiliate Expo!
Join us from 8:30-9:30am in the Crystal Ballroom lobby for a cup (or two!) of coffee, a breakfast snack and to meet more than 30 of CTAR’s affiliate member companies.

Our affiliate members are lenders, home inspectors, title companies, attorneys, advertising outlets and companies who offer homeowner support services.

Thank you to our Annual Sponsors!

The Post and Courier South Carolina Federal Credit Union

Reading with Realtors

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Meghan

The Reading with Realtors® program has continued to enrich the lives and improve the literacy of underserved children in the Lowcountry for over ten years. To reach even more students, we’ve joined with Reading Partners®.

Our volunteers work with elementary students throughout the area by reading with a student one hour most weeks during the school year and we would love for you to join us! To learn more, check out this brief 3 minute video.

Make a forever difference in a child’s life and they ‘ll make a forever difference in yours!

You can do it! Simply go to the Reading Partners South Carolina website, select “register now,” then be sure to click “Reading With Realtors®” and complete the application.

You’ll hear from Christine Messick with Reading Partners® to schedule a 45 minute Orientation and when you’re ready you’ll be assigned a student.

Questions? Contact teena@www.charlestonrealtors.com

Realtors Giving Back

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Meghan

The Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR) has a long-standing commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy among its staff and membership.

Through our philanthropies, the REALTORS® Housing Opportunities Fund (RHOF), and Reading with REALTORS®, CTAR and its members display an ongoing commitment to enhancing our local community.

With more than 2,500 members, staff and leadership actively supporting one or more of its charitable causes, CTAR is making a significant impact on the betterment of the Charleston and Lowcountry communities.

REALTORS® Housing Opportunities Fund
So far this year, RHOF has granted out more than $30,000 to local affordable housing organizations including: Dorchester, East Cooper, Berkeley, Sea Island, and Charleston Habitats for Humanity, Operation Home, United Methodist Relief Center, Human Needs Network, Humanities Foundation, Charleston Area CDC, Home Works of America and the Rural Mission.

The funds distributed by RHOF can ease the cost of repair or reconstruction for those living in substandard housing. The Fund is administered by the Coastal Community Foundation and since its inception over a decade ago, RHOF has provided nearly $730,000 in funding to Lowcountry nonprofits. Learn more about RHOF, here.

Reading with REALTORS®
The Reading with REALTORS® program has enriched the lives and improve the literacy of more than 350 underserved children in the Lowcountry.

Volunteer REALTORS® spend one hour a week throughout the school year reading with a child at James Simons Elementary and accompany them on special field trips. The trips are designed to introduce the students to new experiences and opportunities they may not otherwise have without the Reading with REALTORS® program. Learn more about the program, here.

Congress extends flood insurance for 5 years

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Meghan

Certainty will never be achieved when talking about the Lowcountry and flooding, but at least now – thanks to the actions of Congress – home buyers can have certainty in knowing there will be available, affordable flood insurance for purchase.

On June 29, both the Senate and House passed the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 as a part of H.R. 4348, the Surface Transportation Conference Report. The President will sign the measure this week. The bill includes a 5-year reauthorization and reform of the National Flood Insurance program.

This is the culmination of a successful multi-year REALTOR® Party campaign, with many Calls for Action and a final push at NAR’s Midyear Legislative Conference and Rally in May. Congress had been extending the National Flood Insurance Program a few months at a time since 2008. Twice this led to program shut downs, including one that stalled more than 40,000 home sales in June 2010.

Check out our presentation on how the recent changes can affect you, your clients and your business:

National Flood Insurance Program – 2012-13 Update from Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS

While the passage of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 brought certainty to the flood insurance marketplace, it also brought change. And that change is what REALTORS® need to be aware of to answer many of their clients potential questions.

For more information about the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance program, click here.

SC Help: New Options to Avoid Foreclosure

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Meghan

South Carolina Funding Options Helps Homeowners

Approximately 295 million dollars in Hardest Hit Funds has been awarded to the State of South Carolina to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. When retaining the property is no longer an option, SC HELP offers a program that will give the homeowner monetary assistance if they can avoid foreclosure by means of a Short-sale option or Deed-in-Lieu.

Watch the SCR Webinar (archived here; login required) with Mandie Mills from the SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority, who shares details about the SC HELP Property Disposition Assistance and how it can help your clients, friends, or family.

Key components for SC HELP include:
• Monthly Payment Assistance-assisting homeowners with monthly payments for a defined period of time while they seek employment and a return to self sustainability.
• Direct Loan Assistance-for borrowers who have experienced a hardship but have regained the ability to pay. Funds can be used to pay arrearages in order to bring the loan current.
• Property Disposition Assistance-in cases where the mortgage cannot be salvaged, funds may be provided to incentivize short sales, deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure and to help transition families from homeownership to rental housing.

Homeowner applicant criteria:
Homeowners applying for Monthly Payment Assistance or Direct Loan Assistance must meet certain threshold requirements in order to apply for help:
1. Borrower or co-borrower must be able to document that the delinquency was a result of a hardship event beyond his/her control (i.e. unemployment, death of a spouse, catastrophic medical expenses, etc.)
2. Mortgage payments must have been made on time for 12 months preceding the hardship event with no more than two 30-day late occurrences
3. The property securing the mortgage must be owner-occupied as a full-time residence
4. Borrower must provide a financial hardship affidavit
5. Mortgage can be no more than 120 days delinquent
6. Loan servicer/investor must be willing to accept payments and provide required data and reporting

Assistance from SC HELP will be provided in the form of a nonrecourse zero-percent interest, non-amortizing, forgivable loan secured by a subordinate lien on the subject property. The loan will be forgiven over a five-year period at a rate of 20% per year. If property is sold or refinanced
prior to the loan termination date, funds will be recovered should sufficient equity be available
from the transaction. The Property Disposition Assistance Program will provide a one time,
lump sum grant to the recipient.

Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS®

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