Are you interested in becoming a homeowner but don’t know where to begin? The Virginia Housing Development Authority and local nonprofits are offering free homeownership education classes throughout December 2012 in the Northern Virginia area. Homeownership education classes cover topics including credit issues, personal finances, home inspections, and the role of lenders and real estate agents. In addition to helping home buyers understand the home buying process, the completion of a homeownership education class is now required of all borrowers before applying for a VHDA home loan. Attend one of the many free sessions below to learn about the advantages of homeownership.

More information can be found here.

The Long Branch Business League and Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) are initiating a series of events, called Discover Long Branch! The events offer both spectacle and specials to introduce residents to the range of shopping, food, and culture that the neighborhood has to offer. At each Discover Long Branch! event, beginning in December, customers will get the chance to personally meet the business owner, enjoy special discounts and be entertained by innovative arts and music in the eclectic neighborhood whose Silver Spring-Takoma Park boundaries include Piney Branch Road between Flower Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue.

The first Discover Long Branch! event will be held at El Golfo Restaurant on December 3, hosted by owner Ada Villatoro. The second event will be a two-day 50 percent off sale at the Community Thrift Store, December 14-15 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

The City of Alexandria recently released its draft Housing Master Plan for public review and comment. The Housing Master Plan is intended to guide future preservation and enhancement of affordable housing opportunities, community diversity, and economic sustainability in Alexandria. In developing the Plan, the City held a series of 15 public meetings; a bus tour of the City’s affordable housing stock; and an allocation exercise that gave residents and other stakeholders the opportunity to consider future housing needs and locations.

For an “At A Glance” overview of the Plan, additional information on the Housing Master Plan process, and extensive background information on affordable housing resources, please visit the Housing Master Plan webpage at alexandriava.gov/HousingPlan

• Multifamily Housing Mortgage and Housing Assistance Restructuring Program (Mark to Market)
• Requirements for Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Federally Owned Residential Properties and Housing Receiving Federal Assistance
• Request for Information on Adopting Smoke-Free Policies in Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and Multifamily Housing: Reopening of Public Comment Period
• Notice of Neighborhood Stabilization Program; Closeout Requirements and Recapture