In Dare County the gap between housing cost and wages has been growing exponentially for years. Little affordable housing is being constructed and land cost is the major culprit. Finding affordable housing for rent or purchase has become increasingly difficult for many hardworking Dare County residents (including teachers, nurses, police officers and firefighters). The CDC’s Housing Center can help.

HOUSING CENTER SERVICES
The Housing Center’s free services are available to anyone seeking affordable housing and home ownership. Two CDC staff members hold real estate licenses (one also has a mortgage license). Each of these staff members is certified to provide housing counseling services. Individuals may contact the CDC’s Housing Center for help with any housing-related issue, from advice about first-time homebuyer products, to mortgage pre-qualification, financial management and counseling, and information about dollar-for-dollar down payment matching programs.

The Housing Center helps Dare County residents:
• prepare for the responsibility of renting and owning homes
• maintain and keep their homes
• reduce debt and improve credit scores
• save money for down payments
• identify suitable first-time home buying programs
• become eligible for affordable housing

Our program is especially appropriate for first-time home buyers. Prospective homebuyers need to be credit-worthy to take advantage of first-time home buyers programs and applicants often need at least one year to improve their chances of obtaining mortgages. Now is the time to start preparing for a new home purchase.

To make an appointment, call our office at 480-2507. Applicants must register with the Housing Center to be considered for affordable housing units (either for sale or rent).


Other Services
The Housing Center also provides counseling for loss mitigation (foreclosure) and reverse mortgages.