With the recent release of NC economic data indicating a drop in the median income level, the rising cost of living, and increasingly rigid lending requirements, one local company, with an eye on important public servants, has set out to educate and prepare people for the new era in home buying.
As the current sub-prime fallout hits Wall Street and national real estate trends continue to stagnate, buyers are faced with risk evading banks and vanishing lenders. In lieu of these conditions, a statewide initiative by DNJ Mortgage dubbed the "North Carolina Hometown Heroes Program," has been created to help reduce the strain on local teachers, police, fire & rescue, and military personnel. The program provides a package of benefits that includes an educational workshop series as well as an array of free and discounted services that can be used in conjunction with current government offers.
"The economy isn't awful, but it sure isn't ideal; times like these make it tough for those on budgets - lots of un-needed stress on people that we really depend on" comments Austin Herbert, senior loan advisor at DNJ Mortgage. With cooperation from regional real estate firms, DNJ's program helps to reduce the cost and stress for home buyers and sellers by providing them with unique & county-specific, cost saving benefits.
"It's our way of giving back - we really wanted to show our appreciation for our local firefighters, educators, etc..." comments Austin. "As the market continues to change, people are seeing the importance of being informed and up-to-date, it's not like a few years ago?.things have totally changed."
"I found that what a lot of people need is just some straight-talk about their financing options" remarks senior advisor Cari DeCandia, "there's too much confusion and misinformation floating around." These borrowing options, which continue to dwindle, have started to come with tighter restrictions for borrowers. Banks now require higher down payments, credit scores, and incomes to qualify for loans. "People need to start planning ahead and being proactive with their credit management - and that's what we teach in our workshops."
The workshops are informational lectures which are held regularly and require pre-registration, but no admission fees. With local professionals stepping up to help their neighbors, the Hometown Heroes Program hopes to provide relief, education, and hope, for some of our most valuable community members.
ABOUT DNJ MORTGAGE- Providing North Carolinians superior home financing solutions and strategies for over 20 years.
