May 14, 2013 [Chris M. Worrell, cleveland.com]
The City of Euclid hosts a free housing fair Sunday, May 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. The event takes place at Henn Mansion, which adjoins Sims Park, at 23131 Lakeshore Blvd. Registration is not required for the fair.
Marty Castelletti, manager of neighborhood development, explains, “this event is being held to promote the affordable, well-maintained housing in Euclid, as well as the excellent city services and amenities that the city has to offer.”
Visitors will learn about homeownership opportunities and related programs in Euclid. Area realtors, bankers, city officials and neighborhood leaders will be on hand to answer questions. Prospective home buyers can also chat with representatives from Euclid City Schools, the library, the Cuyahoga County Land Bank, safety services and the city recreation department.
Lolly the Trolley will be available for 45-minute tours of available homes at 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Several of the residences on the tour were acquired and subsequently rehabbed by the city.
Euclid used a portion of a $2.6 million award to purchase and improve abandoned and foreclosed properties as part of HUD’S Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The NSP homes feature modern layouts, energy-saving appliances and high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, as well as new windows, roofs, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and more. All of the city-owned structures underwent lead paint abatement and were evaluated for asbestos contamination. Persons interested in purchasing NSP homes must meet certain income guidelines.
Interested parties may be eligible for a down payment assistance program offered through the Euclid Development Corporation. The city-managed down payment assistance program is for first-time home buyers and is based on area median income and family size. Home buyers can receive loans for up to 17 percent of the purchase price with a maximum loan of $14,500. The program is restricted to single-family dwellings. Half of the interest-free, deferred loan is forgiven after five years of owner occupancy.
Representatives from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency also plan to attend Sunday’s event. OHFA facilitates the development, rehabilitation and financing of low- to moderate-income housing.
For further information about the housing fair and housing opportunities in Euclid, call the Euclid Planning and Development Department at 216-289-8140.