The Virginia Housing Coalition and the VHC Information Service would like to extend a special thank you to the VHDA for sharing their news clipping service.
To view headlines and summaries of recent news articles related to housing, with links to the full article, simply click on the appropriate link below.
VHC News Clips, volume 2009-25 (December 23, 2009)
Dowtown Revitalization: Time for Action
Augusta Free Press, December 21
(RECAP: Waynesboro could potentially receive up to $1 million in funds towards downtown revitalization.)Tracking Stimulus Money Locally
Charlottesville News & Arts, December 21
(RECAP: While the benefits of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a.k.a. the stimulus package, are being debated in Congress and around the country, for one city agency, that money has helped push forward important projects that would otherwise be left untouched for years.)Only 24% of Eligible Getting Mortgage Modifications
eCreditDaily, December 21
(RECAP: The underperformance focus of the government's primary mortgage-relief program has centered on how many payment reduction trials have been made permanent. But the larger question is why only one-in-four of those eligible are getting any help at all.)Fannie, Freddie Halt Holiday Foreclosures
Financial News USA , December 21
(RECAP: Mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are suspending foreclosures and evictions for about two weeks in a temporary break for borrowers during the holiday season.)Home Buyers Need Good Credit Score
USA Today, December 21
(RECAP: Credit scores have never mattered quite as much as they do now. The higher standards could frustrate buyers hoping to take advantage of low interest rates, depressed home prices and generous tax breaks that were recently extended until next spring. Even buyers who qualify for a mortgage might find they're ineligible for the best rates because lenders have tightened their standards across the board.)Mortgage Interest Rates as Low as 2% ... if You Can Land the Loan
Wallet Pop, December 21
(RECAP: If you're struggling to make home-mortgage payments and losing your home is a real possibility, some banks are offering sweet deals on loans, some with rates as low as 2%.)Housing Costs Rising for Families
Washington Examiner, December 21
(RECAP: Housing has become less affordable, despite skyrocketing foreclosures and plummeting home prices, according to a new report.)What Happens to Housing's 'Turnaround' When Uncle Sam Backs Out?
Daily Finance, December 20
(RECAP: Many are heralding the recent blip up in housing starts as evidence that housing is "turning the corner." But let's not forget that unprecedented government intervention throughout the mortgage and housing industries is the only thing keeping these markets afloat.)Richmond Habitat Starts Virginia 's First Community Land Trust
Richmond Times-Dispatch, December 20
(RECAP: Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity has created the first community land trust in Virginia . Because the land will be owned by the trust, homebuyers will lease the land for a nominal fee and take out mortgages for less than what it would cost if they were to buy the land and the house.)Economy Stalls Fourth Phase of Town Center Plan in Virginia Beach
The Virginian-Pilot, December 20
(RECAP: The next phase of Town Center , which includes a hotel, boutiques, apartments and an office tower, has stalled. The project, which was planned for two city blocks, has become the latest victim of the down economy.)New Exmore Apartments Open
Delmarva Media Group, December 19
(RECAP: Crispus Attucks Apartments have been completed and are open for business. The 22 apartments include 12 three-bedroom units, and 10 two-bedroom units. Five of the apartments are fully handicapped accessible.)Foreclosure Rate in Lynchburg Area Increases
The News & Advance, December 19
(RECAP: The number of homeowners defaulting on their mortgages and losing their homes in the Lynchburg area has spiked this year.)A Bright Spot in Housing Industry
The Virginia Gazette, December 19
(RECAP: Affordable housing is now available in James City County due to historically low interest rates and deflationary values in house prices.)Decision on Funding for NHTF Deferred to 2010
from National Low Income Housing Coalition's Memo to Members, December 18
(RECAP: The end-of-the year push to get the long-promised $1 billion for the NHTF through Congress got caught up in the complicated negotiations between the Senate and the House on defense appropriations and other items with legislative deadlines.)HUD Issues Notice Implementing Protections for Section 8 Tenants in Foreclosed Properties from National Low Income Housing Coalition's Memo to Members, December 18
(RECAP: HUD published notice PIH 2009 - 52 (HA) on December 15, providing public housing agencies with guidance on how to implement the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act and the tenant protection provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.)Holiday Cheer: Citigroup Suspends Foreclosures for 30 Days
The Christian Science Monitor, December 17
(RECAP: Starting Friday, Citigroup is giving some 4,000 homeowners 30 days without the threat of being evicted or foreclosed on. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are planning to announce moratoriums on evictions for the holidays. Many other financial institutions are expected to follow suit in the days ahead. )GRTC Sells Property Near Fan to RRHA for $5.4 Million
Richmond Times- Dispatch, December 16
(RECAP: The GRTC Transit System has placed the future of its coveted, century-old headquarters near the Fan District in the hands of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.)Fannie, Freddie Overseer Said to Consider Seeking More U.S. Aid
McFarlin & Geurts, December 15
(RECAP: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's federal regulator is renegotiating the companies' financing plan with the U.S. Treasury Department and may seek an increase to their $400 billion federal lifeline before the end of the year, according to people familiar with the talks.)County Breaks Ground on Silver Trail Subdivision
VaNcNews.com, December 15
(RECAP: Brunswick County applied for, and was awarded, a Community Development Block Grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development in the amount of $700,000. The grant will be used to help fund the Silver Trail Subdivision.)News Clips Archives
To access previous issues, including prior fiscal years, of News Clips click here.
