Frequently Asked Questions
Please find our most frequently asked questions below. Review the questions & answers below to find answers to your questions.
RFP - Request for Proposals (9)
General RFP information can be found at the link above. The Sub-categories below represent the programs implemented by MFA sub-grantee partners.
Page 11 #6 Financial Management a. Provide a purposed budget for the Offerors NM Energy$mart program costs, including costs for financial audit & liabilty insurance.............The attachment on the MFA website for the budget, there is one column per region, Audit & Liabity Insurance come under the Admin Category, Where would you like us to add these costs? Also for the Cost Allocation plan...do you want this to include Admin, Program Ops, Leverage, H & S and T & TA? In the RFP training, We were told that we needed to, mark up the budgets to include Admin, Leverage and T & TA. Please advise.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Please put the Audit and Liability costs in the slot for Region 1. We will make note not to include them in the budget for Region 1. The cost allocation plan should be a written outline of what expenses an Offeror is planning to share within your organization. Examples of those costs could include rent, utilities, supplies, building maintenance fees, agency management wages not directly related to a home.
FORMS FOR RFP. Where are they located? including the application
Answer: For what RFP are you requesting forms?
How many copies of the RAP aplication are required to be submitted to MFA?
Answer:
Provide 1 original and 3 copies of the entire package. Provide 1 copy of the agency audit including all correspondence referenced and management response, if applicable.
Does HUD have a regulation that states how long and individuals HQS certification is good for? Also what type of software will MFA have available to assist in determining rent calculations?
Answer:
Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Certification are required for units at initial move-in and annually for TBRA assistance. MFA provides an Excel Spreadsheet to determine income and rent calculations.
Documentation of evidence of organization is not applicable for Tribal entities. Regarding letters of good standing, if you are receiving federal funding; for example NAHASDA or ICDBG then you should requests letter of good standing from those funding sources.
For HOME rehab-1) NOFA states: "Recipients of 2010 HOME Owner Occupied Rehabilitation funds must have committed funds prior to the release of this RFP". Does this means ALL HOME funds awarded committed through a contract with a contractor OR all of the HOME funds awarded are committed through an agreement with a homeowner to complete the rehab?. If the former, it would seem inconsistent with the scoring criteria relative to % of units complete.
This means that recipients of 2010 HOME Rehab funds must have begun setting up projects with MFA on that contract prior to the 2011 RFP release. 2010 recipients are 7 months into the 2010 program year and should at least have projects set up in the MFA system. Ideally, the 2010 recipients have begun drawing down thier funds and should have completed 1/2 of thier projected projects by now.
Requirement that applicant attended the training on the 18th is not in the RFP, so we are assuming it is not a threshold requirement for an eligible entity submitting an application. Is that correct? 2) Are these elements that have to be included in the MOU with the EnergySmart provider or does MFA have a preferred or sample form of that MOU?
Particiaption in the Rehab RFP Training webinar was not mandatory. Regarding the MOU, MFA hoped to have this document available before the release of this RFP. As that did not happen, all respondents that pass minimum threshold will be given these points.
The lead in to paragraph 14 states that "Services under this RFP will be provided on an hourly basis," but paragraph 14(E) requests a flat fee. Can you clarify? Will a proposal be deemed non-responsive if no flat fee is proposed?
Paragraph 14E of the RFP is an exception to what is otherwise anticipated to be services remunerated on an hourly basis. If no flat fee is proposed, the response will be deemed non-responsive as to that question. It is expected that all responses will include a flat fee for the services described in 14E, therefore a response providing an hourly fee would be impossible to compare to all other responses providing a flat fee.
We own our property and also a really old trailer, which is falling apart and offers no insulation. We have also been hearing that this particular type of trailer has the whole electrical system wrapped in paper, which was usual during the time of it being manufactured, and makes it prone to fires. We have been looking into building a house on our property but simply can’t afford it at the moment. Do you offer any type of assistance for home construction?
The mortgage products that are available through MFA are primarily for first time homebuyers. However, MFA has a owner occupied rehabilitation program that may be able to assist you. The homeowner rehabilitation program provides assistance to low-income homeowners who lack the resources to make necessary repairs to their homes. For further information about the program, please contact Laurie Linden,Program Specialist at 505.767.2260 or llinden@housingnm.org.
Energy $mart (23)
Energy $mart RFP
For example, please advise what the difference between supplies and WAP materials, or vehicle expenses and travel. Offerors should provide high level budget numbers, not detailed budgets. Page 3 of the RFP lists and provides a brief description of all the budget categories.
- An example of a Vehicle Expense would be the purchase or maintenance of a vehicle.
- An example of Travel would be anticipated travel expenses, such as fuel and per diem, necessary to serve the Offeror's proposed territory.
- WAP materials relate to items being put into a home, such as insulation or light bulbs.
- Supplies refers to office supplies needed for your operation that are not attached to a home such as paper, ink etc.
- Maintenance, Repairs and Property Insurance refers to the structure that houses the weatherization program.
The NM Energy$mart Program will provide tools and equipment to successful Offerors, these items do not need to be included in the budget.
The PDF document of the RFP is the correct Application document. MFA has removed the incorrect word version of the application and will upload the correct Application document in Word format as soon as possible.
The MFA review team contains staff that work outside of the NM Energy$mart program. RFP packages are not altered in any way when disbursed to the review team therefore it is important that you provide complete packages, which would include “proof of work” and “proof of frequency of findings” for review.
The RFP lists the Building Performance Instutute's (BPI) certifications. These nationally recognized certifications require an individual to pass a proctored exam from a BPI affiliate, such as the NM Energy$mart Academy at Santa Fe Community College. BPI courses and NM Energy$mart trainings prepare individuals to pass thes tests, however, that training is not a substitute for the certification.
BPI describes the two "Envelope" certifications as follows:
Envelope – quantify performance and prescribe improvements to help tighten the building envelope (shell), stop uncontrolled air leakage and optimize comfort, durability and HV/AC performance.
Residential Building Envelope Whole House Air Leakage Control Installer – implement measures to tighten the building envelope to reduce energy loss from air leakage and also reduce pollutants and allergens through air migration. Improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency through the proper installation of dense-pack insulation materials.
For the category "“Frequency of Findings: Federal Funds,” please provide the most current letter dated 2010 or 2011. Anything older than that is not necessary to provide. If you did not receive a letter from a monitoring, please a list the names of the agencies and the dates of the most recent monitoring visit." If the Offeror was not monitoried it is acceptable to list the federal sources that have not conducted a monitoring visit as "No Monitoring Visit/Letter."
Yes. Offerors may provided MFA with legible, double-sided documents.
Please provide 1 (one) bound copy of your external audit on top of the proposal.
Page 7 of RFP: 2.4 Additional Proposal Requirements Applications and forms may be downloaded from the MFA website: www.housingnm.org. Where are the forms located?
The forms are located at: http://www.housingnm.org/general-publications.
Page 11 # 6 Finanical Management:
- In the RFP Training, We were told that we needed to mark up the budgets to include Admin, Leverage, and T & TA is this correct?
- Also in normal budgets we allocate items to admin, program, leverage, H&S and T & TA on the budget form provided, we do not have that option.
- What total are you looking for in the budget form provided? Do you want the Estimated amounts provided my MFA or do you want it to include amounts including all of the above mentioned categories? Please advise.
- An Offeror does not need to include Admin, Leverage and T & TA into the budget form that has been provided
- Offerors may include their desired T & TA amount in the training section of their training plan; however, this is not mandatory.
- Please provide estimates based on the amounts provided by MFA.
Is it possible for MFA to provide a sample RFP response that would provide guidance to applicants who are new to the WAP. Information that would be especially helpful is a QAP that has had MFA approval, and a description of the makeup of the crew that others use to accomplish this work. Thank you for your assistance.
The intent of this section is for the Offeror to provide MFA with the process that it will use to implement the program.
This RFP is new and no prior proposals nor approved Quality Assurance Plans are available. MFA will not be able to provide a sample RFP response.
In terms of staffing, the NM Energy$mart Technical Standards (Standards)provide a description of the different job categories in section 15000 “Weatherization Personnel.” More detail from a Department of Energy Perspective can be found at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/retrofit_guidelines_overview.html#pubs. DOE “core competencies” by job category are available here: http://www.waptac.org/Training-Tools/Core-Competencies.aspx.
In terms of Quality Assurance Plans, the Standards Section 2900 describes Final Inspection procedures. In addition, the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs has a sample final inspection “best practice.”
Answered in a previous question.
The budget should be based on each individual region.
Is there a breakdown for the following Admin. and what is the 5% based on. Also where do we get the rest of the line items for Prog. Ops,Leverage, Health and Safety T&TA and for how may years?
Offerors should submit the most accurate estimates possible. MFA will determine final allocations and will support the successful Offerors in developing complete budgets.
- Admin can be no more than 5 % of the total award.
- Line items should reflect true estimated costs for audit liability insurance, leverage.
- Leverage can be up to 5% of the total award.
- T & TA has historically been 5% of the total, but the Offeror can make a case for their training plan up to 15% if justified by need.
- Program Operations can be determined by using the Mock Schedule A.
- At the state level, Health & Safety has been budgeted at 15% of program operations.
On Page 21 - Attachment B Estimated Funding & Production by County - Please clarify that the dollar amount given in the region is the Progarm Ops amount only?
The dollar amounts on Attachment B are estimates of Program Ops only.
Item 2.4.3 in the rfp says that MFA forms released with the application, including application, budgets, certifications, and schedules must be on forms provided by MFA. The only form we can find on the MFA website is the 2012 NM Energy$mart RFP Application checklist. Are there budget, schedule, certifications, or other forms we must use and where are they on the website?Thank you.
We apologize for the confusion. As of this date there are now forms for the Application, Budget and Certifications on the website.
Page 7 of the RFP says 1 original and six copies of the application and all required schedules and attachments. The RFP checklist says 1 original and 4 copies. Which is correct?Thank you.
The correct answer is 1 original and 6 copies
Please clarify the clarification posted 11/29 re letters of recommendation. We currently provide services in multiple counties. Do we need to provide a letter from a unit of local government for each county we currently serve? For example, if we serve 5 counties now, we need to include 5 letters in the proposal. Thank you.
What do Offeror’s provide if the monitoring agency has not provided a letter and what years are required?
Please provide the most current letter dated 2010 or 2011. Anything older than that is not necessary to provide. If you did not receive a letter from a monitoring, please a list the names of the agencies and the dates of the most recent monitoring visit.
The requirement states that if Offeror is not a unit of local government, Offeror must submit a Letter of Recommendation from a unit of local government from areas where the Offeror has performed services. A Letter of Recommendation should be in the form of a letter supporting the Offeror’s application, dated no more than 180 days prior to the application date, signed by a local government official authorized to sign such a letter of the city, town, village or tribe in which the program activity will take place. For activities that will take place in unincorporated areas, the county is the unit of local government. The letter must specifically endorse the project/activity proposed in the application.
As clarification, In order to fulfill the RFP requirement an Offeror must submit one (1) letter of support from a unit of local government where an Offeror has, or is currently performing services. If an Offeror is ultimately awarded a service territory, a letter of support from a unit of local government for the awarded service territory will become part of their contract for NM Energy$mart.
An Active GB 02 or GB 98 license is required as part of minimum threshold. The question is whether an agency can certify that they will obtain the proper certification if awarded NM Energy$mart Funds.
At a minimum, an Offeror should have a partnership in place that is contingent on the award of funding in order to pass the GB 02 or GB 98 requirement. Proof of this can be in form of MOU with the qualifying party.
The RFP states the CPA’s auditors report must be conducted in accordance with Government Auditing Standards (GAS). The presentation states it must conform to GAAP Standards. What is the correct reference?
The correct Reference is that the audit must conform to Government Auditing Standards (GAS).
Rental Assistance Program (RAP) RFP (16)
Rental Assistance Program
Page 7 of the RFP states "If awarded for Essential Services under 2011-2012 TSS EHA RFP, Offeror willbe eligible to apply for this RFP however, if awarded, Offeror must rescind oneaward." Is there any chance that this will change?
Answer:
Not at this time.
RE: Homeless Prevention eligibility requirements on page 13. Please clarify "in addition to the requirements above"
Answer:
"In addition to the requirements above" refers to Section G. Beneficiary Eligibility items 1-4 on pages 12 and 13 of the RFP.
Is HQS inspections required is applying for Homeless Prevention Funds Only?
Answer:
HQS inspections are required for units assisted with TBRA funds only.
Our audit had no findings...that being the case, there is not a management response letter. Is there anything we can provide in lieu of this or is it acceptable that we don't have one due to their being no findings?
Answer:
If your audit did not have any findings, you would not have a management letter to provide.
Regarding the question about how to show the amount of funds sought from ESG funding and TBRA funding, it does not appear we can enter anything into the proposed scope of work section that is not part of the chart that is present. Would it be acceptable to provide detail for the request in a cover letter only?
Answer:
Yes, it is acceptable to provide detail regarding the funding request in the cover letter.
Under Threshold requirements it states, in lieu of a certificate for the MFA RAP RFP training, Offer must provide a letter from MFA documenting that the absence was excused. What is the procedure for being considered for or getting an excused absence from MFA?
Answer:
If an agency was unable to attend the RAP RFP Training, the agency should have contacted MFA prior to the training or within 24 hours to request an excused absence. If MFA excused the absence from the mandatory RAP RFP Training, attach the email or letter to the RFP application.
Regarding the proof not debarred from the federal government-when I go in the EPLS site, I enter our agency name and TIN and it says "your search returned no results". Is that all that I need to print out to provide the proof?
Answer:
Yes, print the EPLlS creen that states "your search returned no results."
We will be applying for funds for a county that is eligible for both TBRA funds and ESG funds. We would like to use ESG funds to pay for case management/mediation for those eligible for TBRA funds. There does not appear to be a way to reflect this on the application. While we can request a certain amount, we cannot specify that we would like a certain amount from each funding type. Will grantees automatically be given funds from both sources?
Answer:
Outline your request for TBRA and ESG funding in the Proposed Scope of Work Section of the application (page 24 of 26). Additional explaination may be provided in a cover letter. Both TBRA and ESG funding will be awarded to selected agencies for all areas outside of the city limits of Albuquerque and Las Cruces where only ESG funding is available.
I am looking to clarify what funds can be used for and eligibility requirements: We are seeking to apply for funds for two counties. One county is only eligible for the ESG funds. From what I understand, the ESG funds for Homeless Prevention can be used for mediation between tenant and landlord, as well as to provide rental assistance to someone who has received an eviction notice (among other things). The second county is eligible for ESG AND TBRA funds. It appears the TBRA funds cannot be used for Case Management or Mediation. Also, in order to be eligible to receive assistance with TBRA funds, the participant must meeting the definition of homelessness according to HUD. Am I understanding this correctly? Also, for the county that is eligible for both funds, could the ESG funds be used to provide case management and/or mediation for those receiving assistance with TBRA funds?
Answer:
Yes, the eligible activities for ESG and TBRA are outlined correctly. In order to be eligible to receive TBRA assistance, the participant must meet HUD's definition of homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Yes, ESG funds my be used to provide case management and/or mediation to clients eligible for TBRA assistance.
HQS Certification, if an individual has the certification how long does HUD say it is good for or how often does the individual need to go back to be recertied once he is certified.
Answer:
Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Certification is required in a TBRA assisted unit at initial move-in and annually during the term of the TBRA assistance.
We are looking to apply for funds to assist two counties. One of the two counties is eligible for the TBRA funds and one of the counties is only eligible for the ESG funds. Are we able to apply to serve both counties? The TBRA funds would be used only for the county that is eligible.
Answer:
Your agency is able to apply to serve both counties. Yes, TBRA funds could only be used in a county that TBRA funds are eligible.
I understand that attending the training was mandatory, however if there is funding left over, may we still turn in an application for consderation for those funds not used?
Answer:
The mandatory RFP Training was held on March 18, 2011. This training was widely advertized and agencies were notified of this new program beginning in January 2011. The RFP training is one of the requirements of the RFP application and procurement process. MFA will award all of the funding through the RFP process.
Answer:
The mandatory RFP Training was held on March 18, 2011. This training was widely advertized and agencies were notifed of this new program beginning in January 2011. The RFP training is one of the requirements of the RFP application. There will not be another training held for this RFP.
Tennille Bernard tenbernard@salud.unm.edu Our program coordinates a network of "navigators" or people to work with community groups and charities to provide funding and other support to those clients in need. Provided that our group meets all the minimum requirements, and we specify which groups we will be partnering with, would we be able to redistribute the funds within our network to clients who meet the requirements, or must we give the funds to the clients directly?
Answer:
Part IV, Section K. of the RFP states: "Use of subcontractors must be clearly explained in the proposal and the method of selection must be noted. The offeror will be wholly responsible for the entire performance whether or not subcontractors are used. MFA must approve in writing any subcontractors." In practice, both Prime and Subcontractors distribute funds directly to qualifying clients. Explain your agency's plan for expending the funds within your agency's RFP response.
If I am reading the RFP right, Albuquerque is only eligible for a portion of the approximately 300k in ESG funds, that would be spread to agencies throughout the state. Sandoval county, however, would be eligible for a portion of the ESG funds and a portion of the TBRA funds. Is this correct? Am I reading this correctly?
Yes, this is correct. The City of Albuquerque receives TBRA funds directly from HUD and is therefore, only eligible for the ESG funds. At this time, Sandoval County is eligible for TBRA and ESG funds through the RAP RFP.
Homebuyers (14)
No, the MFA programs review the income based on the Gross current income from the most current pay stubs.
Currently MFA does not have the HERO Program available. Unfortunately you are over income for our programs.
You will need to contact the MFA Servicing Depatment to determine if the loan is eligible to be subordinated.
If a Married Couple Is trying to to get a MFA 1st time homebuyers loan, do they both have to quaifly?
We do require both borrowers to have at least a credit score of 620 to qualify for our first time homebuyer programs.
All target areas of New Mexico are listed here by county. If the county you are inquiring about is not listed, the census bureau has not designated any areas for that county.
I am interested in buying a modular home. Are there any general criteria for buying such a home?
It needs to be larger than a single wide and on a permenant foundation.
My wife and I owned a home for 9 years and are now renting. I am an educator and my wife is a nurse. Can we qualify for the HERO program?
If we had funds for the program yes; however we are not offering the HERO Program at this time.
Currently we do not have this program available.
my daughter has a credit score of 595 but she did straighten out the problem that would've brought up her score, it's been app. 3 mos. since this happened, and still her credit score is the same. How long does this take for her credit score to adjust and secondly would she still be able to qualify?
The MFA is not a credit reporting agency. The only thing we can tell you is that the Bureau updates every 30 days. If you have not seen an update you would need to contact the credit bureau to check the stauts.
The lenders each have their own minimum credit score required; however currently MFA requirements are the same as FHA or Conventional.
MFA does not have a credit score requirment. Our guidelines are based on income and purchase price, the lender will qualify you for a loan based on credit scores. Lender's generally use a credit score of 620 or above to qualify a borrower. However, each lender may vary their credit score requirments.
Yes, MFA Funds can be used to purchase a HUD home and the Tax Credit Loan can be used for down payment and closing costs. You will need to contact one of our participating lenders to get pre-qualified. Once you have signed a purchase agreement for the home then you will go back to the lender for the processing of your loan and they will access our funds.
Yes, all of our down payment assistance programs must be accompanied with our first mortgage products.
---OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY--three year limitation--Does that mean that borrower cannot be in title to a property for three years prior--OR, does that mean that the borrower must not have lived in that property as primary residence for past 3 years. If curraent property is being rented, does borrower still qualify as first time borrower?
In order to be considered a first time homebuyer you can own property as long as this has not been your primary residence for the past 3 years.
Homeowners (5)
MFA does not directly assist. However we refer to two agencies that can assist you, United South Broadway (USBC) and ILRC. Their contact information can be found on MFA's website under the Homeowners tab, Foreclosure Prevention.
We pay more than the minimum and it would be nice to have an account statement or somethings online we can look at our performance. It has been 15 months since we got the 2nd mortgage and we have never seen an account statement of any kind. Thanks!
Please contact the MFA Servicing Department for this information; at this time MFA does not provide this information on-line.
They cannot be added as a Co-Mortgager without refinancing and qualifying them on the loan.
What would an application for home improvements, such as leaky roof, broken doors and windows, and a water leak in my outside wall, be listed under? I found it once, but can't remember where.
The NM Energy$mart program is managed by four partner agencies who provide this service throughout New Mexico. To find the provider for your area, enter this web address into your web browser http://www.housingnm.org/nm-energymart or call Gina Martinez, Program Specialist at 505-767-2274 or Michael Furze at 505-767-2256.
The HOME Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program is managed by several partner agencies who provide this service throughout New Mexico. Currently, MFA does not have full state coverage for this program. To find out whether your home is in a covered area please contact Laurie Linden, Program Specialist at 505-767-2260.
There has been some miscommunication regarding MFA’s Second Mortgage Loans being forgivable after a period of 5 or 10 years. Generally, Your loan is due on sale, transfer or refinance of the property. If there is a forgivable provision on your loan, it will be stated in the Note and Mortgage or Award and Restrictive Covenant you signed at closing. If there is not a "forgiveness" stipulation, the debt remains due. Contact our MFA Mortgage Servicing Department (505) 843-6882 to discuss the specific terms of your loan regarding "forgiveness".
Renters (7)
Please contact the agency serving your county on our Renters page: http://www.housingnm.org/rental-and-utility-assistance.
Please contact MFA directly at (505) 843-6880 (or 1-800-444-6880); or HUD at (505) 346-6463. More detailed information is needed to answer this question, as local public housing authorities each have a specific administrative plan covering their occupancy guidelines.
11/18/2010
Is there a HUD/MFA policy that legislate against a family of five, (4) children, (1) adult, selecting (the family's choice) a 2 bed room apartment?
HUD allows local public housing authorities to set their own occupancy standards, which may include minimum requirements for number of bedrooms or number of sleeping rooms for the number of people per unit.
7/27/2010
Perspective Renters and Landlords can view and post housing from our site at the following location. http://www.housingnm.org/property-listings
Does it matter if I make over the limit now (prior to move in) because when I completed the application I was initially qualified. I am supposed to move in 1 month, but I just got a new job. I am trying to be honest by telling them I no longer qualify, so what happens now? I applied at a Low Income Housing Tax Credit property. Thanks so much.
Well this is a very good question and one that does not come up very often. Typically, when you complete an application and the property staff verifies the information that you provided and they determine that you are qualified to move in, nothing will change before you actually occupy the unit. In your case this is not how things occured. You obtained a new job that makes your income higher than the applicable limit and therefore you no longer qualify to live at this particular property.
Unfortuately, you must be qualified at move in even if you were qualified when you completed the application. Any changes that occur from the point of your initial qualification until the day you move in should be reported to the property staff so they can re-examine your application and verify that you are still eligible to move in. Always work with the leasing professionals to navigate the many regulations that govern affordable housing programs. They should be able to assist you with this process and ensure that you are ready when moving day arrives.
I hope this answers your question and helps clarify your concern.
Well, this is an interesting question and one that we get quite often. The properties that we are contract administrators for are Project Based S/8. The owners of these properties signed Housing Assistance Payment Contracts 30 to 40 years ago when HUD was first implementing this program. The S/8 is actually assigned and tied to the unit rather than to an individual. If that tenant moves out the S/8 will remain for the next qualified applicant that moves in. They are no longer funding or establishing new properties at this time so the Project Based S/8 program is not available for you to apply for.
However, there are also Tenant Based S/8 vouchers that are administered by Public Housing Authorities throughout the State. Those that qualify and recieve a Tenant Based S/8 voucher can then take that voucher and use it at any property that meets the affordable restrictions outlined by the PHA. If the tenant moves out they take the S/8 voucher with them and can use it somewhere else. If you would like to market your property you should contact the local PHA in your area and let them know that you have units available to those with S/8 vouchers. The PHA can explain to you what you need to do for a Tenant Based S/8 voucher holder to move into your community.
So these are similar yet very different S/8 programs. Please contact your nearest PHA and ask for information regarding their Tenant Based S/8 program and how you can become involved with it as an owner or agent of a property. I hope this helps explain the S/8 program and answers your question. Thank you.
You can access the application via MFA's web site by going to the Lender/Realtor tab then choose Program Manual and Forms. Scroll down and look on the left of the screen under other lender resources; you will choose become an approved lender.
Complete the Application and the Reps and Warranties forms and send to MFA's Homeownership Department for approval.
Emergency Housing (1)
Programs and Resources relating to emergency housing assistance or special needs housing.
I am unemployed and staying with friends who can no longer let me stay with them. Applying for unemployment has been unsuccessful. I am also a recent college graduate. I have nowhere else to go. I don't know where to turn to for help. I have an email account at [question truncated]
Please contact the emergency shelter in/near your community listed at http://www.housingnm.org/emergency-shelters, or the emergency rent/re-housing provider serving your county at http://www.housingnm.org/rent-mortgage-and-utility-assistance.
11/30/2010
Do you have a direct purchase program where investors can buy bonds directly from you
No
There is not an additional 60 days added to the processing of the loan for an MFA product. Typically you can expect to add an additional week if not less to the processing of the loan. Please give MFA a call so that we can determine the situation with the lender.
MFA does not require the lenders to audit the loans that have been purchased by MFA.
The maximum debt to income ratio is determined by FHA, VA or Fannie Mae. The loan needs to obtain underwriter approval - MFA does not grant any exceptions.
Yes. Condominiums can be purchased with MFA funds.
As long as the home is in the state, there are no restrictions on the area where you purchase (rural or not).
Yes, as long as they are permanently attached to the foundation.
Compliance:
1st - 20th: Maximum of 3 days
21st - End of Month: Maximum of 5 days
Purchase:
12 business days.
Yes, as long as co-signer does not occupy the property.
Asset Management (3)
Please contact the agencies listed at our Rent and Utility assistance page.
All forms are currently being updated and expected to be posted in the near future.
Current forms are located at http://www.housingnm.org/housing-credit-compliance-manual
I am new to HUD Section 8 and was wondering (1) How do I achieve 100% compliance with TRACS? and (2) How do I stay informed on the latest changes in the industry?
Your first question is a very difficult question to answer and there are many steps that would be involved in being compliant with TRACS requirements. First, having software that has been tested and can submit the required information to TRACS without any errors is vital. Second, having personnel that have been trained and have experience in affordable housing programs and are familiar with the HUD Occupancy Handbook 4350.3 as well as with the Monthly Activity Transmission (MAT) guide. Third, you must have access to HUD's Secure Systems so you can review the certification submissions that are stored in TRACS. When you submit your voucher for payment the units and tenants on it must match the units and tenants that are in TRACS. If at least 90% of these certifications don't match you will not be paid. You need to be able to see what is in TRACS so if there are units or tenants missing you can correct this. Each one of these items has much more information that can be added to it but there is not enough space to list it all. If you have these things you will be well on your way to being compliant with TRACS.
To stay up to date with the latest information regarding TRACS and the industry you should regularly visit the HUD website. The link is http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/mfh/trx/trxsum.cfm You can view new documents as well as any announcements about TRACS. There is also a discussion forum that you can sign up for where industry experts discuss day to day issues that occur in submitting to TRACS via HUD or a CA.
I hope this helps explain what is required to be compliant with TRACS and how to stay up to date. These are not exclusive by any means and it takes a constant effort to accomplish this. Your peers in the industry are a great way to gain experience and knowledge. Thank you.
Developers (3)
Where are the 2011 Multifamily Utility Allowances for Luna County? I have been unable to locate them on several websites, and have not been advised otherwise.
MFA does prepare utilities allowances nor post this information on its web site. It can be obtained by contacting the local housing authority. The contact for Luna County is:
Cathy Demarco, Executive Director
Western Region Housing Authority
P.O. Box 3015
Silver City, NM 88062
(575) 388-1974 Ext 18
cathy_demarco@qwestoffice.net
or
Sonia Flores, Deputy Director
csonia_floresd@qwestoffice.net
Ext 16
No. If the credit score is not 620, this is not an acceptable reason to take title as sole and seperate under an MFA loan.
Income limits can be found in several places on MFA's website. HOME Program income limits are posted with program application material at at http://www.housingnm.org/home-rental-loan-program. Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program income limits are posted with program application material at http://www.housingnm.org/low-income-housing-tax-credits-lihtc-allocations. HUD income limits may also be accessed via a link posted with Asset Management hand books and notices at http://www.housingnm.org/handbooks-and-notices
