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Mr. Erickson said there is no limit. The figure of $150,000 was selected because it was <br />enough to create a reasonable program to see how it works. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michelotti felt single-family dwellings had less risk to start the program. <br /> <br /> Mr. Erickson believed that the Commissioners felt the single-family and duet housing <br />market was quicker to rebound from the economic slump of the early 90's, whereas townhomes <br />and condominiums have been slower to rebound. There was a sense of having a greater <br />likelihood of seeing appreciation among those, thereby protecting the City' s interests as well as <br />the borrowers' interests. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michelotti asked if the program would be open to a variety of household incomes. <br /> <br /> Mr. Erickson said townhomes were definitely on the lower end of the price scale, so by <br />restricting the program to single-family and duets, the program is raising the lower end of the <br />price scale. The higher end is targeted at homes priced at $230,000 for moderate income <br />households. <br /> <br /> Ms. Dennis pointed out that there are new townhomes at $250,000. It seems the <br />program would include older single-family homes. It does not appear that people would be able <br />to qualify for new condominiums. <br /> <br /> Mr. Erickson explained that one of the reasons the Commission was excited about the <br />program is that it creates a new element to the housing programs by incorporating a means of <br />getting affordability to existing housing stock. All prior homeownership programs have focussed <br />on new construction. <br /> <br /> Mr. Pico asked if the analysis considered the condition of a house and whether it was a <br />fixer upper. That could be beyond the means of a buyer in this program. <br /> <br /> Mr. Erickson indicated NEH insures that the homes are inspected and that the buyer's <br />income is sufficient to make whatever repairs might be necessary. <br /> <br /> Ms. Michelotti asked if there were any speakers on this item. <br /> <br /> Tiffany Tarver, 1144 Arak Court, spoke in support of this program. However, she felt <br />many people could be excluded because the program is based on a four person household. <br />There are many single parent families and young couples who are just starting out. She hoped <br />Council would amend this to include families of less than four people. She also supported <br />including condominiums and townhomes in the program. Her dream was to buy a <br />condominium, build equity, then buy a single-family home in Pleasanton. She thought this <br />program was to help people buy a home, not for the City to turn a profit. She suggested <br />designating a small portion of the fund for condominiums; the single-family homes can still be <br />used to generate some profit to keep the program going. She is a responsible adult who wants <br /> <br /> 24 12/03/96 <br /> <br /> <br />