• Marketing and Outreach o The CBO will coordinate and conduct marketing and outreach for the First Time Homebuyer Assistance as well as any other Home Ownership programs as requested. o The CBO will advertise the availability of the program via press releases in neighborhood newspapers, CBO newsletters and information pamphlets distributed to area community community/resource centers. Additional outreach will be conducted at neighborhood events, home buyer classes, social media, CBO websites, and block club meetings. Contact should also be made with area lenders, real estate agencies, and groups providing financial education. o The CBO will conduct educational sessions and webinars for lenders and realtors. • Loan Application o The CBO must fully explain the Program guidelines and processes as part of the initial interview and screen process. o The CBO will receive and process all applications and review them for accuracy, completeness, and appropriate supporting documents necessary to determine income eligibility. o The CBO will assist applicants that submit incomplete applications by informing them of the information needed to complete the application package. o The CBO must verify the applicant has qualified for a mortgage loan with a mortgage financing institution. o The CBO must verify that the applicant attends a housing counseling session customized to the consumer. o The CBO will conduct follow-up contacts for any non-responsive applicant to finalize eligibility for the program. • Property Inspection o The CBO will document the inspection of the property to be purchased to determine and assess its general condition. • Education o The CBO will ensure that all applicants complete the minimum number of hours required by HUD for homebuyer education, including both workshops and individual counseling. A CBO with a HUD certified counselor may provide both the individual counseling and workshops in-house. CBOs with no HUD certified counselor must refer the educational component to an agency with a HUD certified counselor. • Loan Closing o The CBO will meet with the applicant to review the terms and conditions of the program prior to the scheduled closing of the loan by BURA staff. This includes re-payment terms and residency requirements. • Client Documentation & Records o The CBO will maintain a file for each applicant/household, including those that are denied assistance. All records and files containing private/protected information of any individual or household who applies for assistance must be kept secure and confidential. Access to confidential information should be available to those employees who have a need to know. Hard copies of information/documents should be kept in a locked cabinet and/or room and electronic copies should be password protected. • Reporting / Monitoring o The CBO will be required to provide weekly progress reports, quarterly program reports and participate in any monitoring and technical assistance sessions scheduled by BURA.
