Is this a first-time homebuyer’s program? No, you do not have to be a first-time homebuyer. It is available to any employee of a member company.

Can I use these programs to purchase outside of Santa Barbara County? Yes, you may use CHP discount programs when purchasing a home in Ventura County, Santa Barbara County or San Luis Obispo County.

I own a condo, but want to purchase single-family home? Am I eligible to use CHP programs? Absolutely! As long as you are an employee of a company that is a member of CHP, you are eligible.

Do CHP programs apply to mobile homes? No and yes. The discount on the lender fee does not apply for the purchase of a mobile home. (Loans for mobile homes are personal property loans, not real estate loans.) However, the discount on the home inspection fee and the real estate commission credit do apply for a mobile home.

What discount programs are available to employees of CHP members? Employees of CHP member companies are eligible for the following savings:
1) closing costs discounts for a home purchase
2) discounts on upfront fees for a mortgage refinance
3) reduction in market rent on new leases

How do I obtain a letter of authorization? You will need to fill out an application. Click here and download or call or e-mail the Coastal Housing Partnership office. The phone number is 969-1025. The e-mail address is Julia@coastalhousing.org.

Do I have to use all the discounts to take advantage of the programs? (I’m using a real estate agent on your list, but not a lender. Am I still eligible for the real estate agent savings?) You may use any or all of the discounts available to you. Each discount is independent of the other. For instance, you do not forfeit the real estate agent saving if you decide to use a lender that is not part of the program. In order to obtain the discounts, you must use a provider that is in the program. The savings do not come from the Coastal Housing Partnership. They come directly from the dicsount providers.

I closed escrow and want to use the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center discount. How do I do that? Just one more call to the Coastal Housing Partnership office (969-1025). We need to know your name, your employer, the date of close of escrow and your new address. We will submit a request to the Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center.

Does Coastal Housing Partnership profit if I use one of the providers on your Discount Providers List? No. Coastal Housing Partnership does not receive any money from your transaction. The entire discount/saving goes directly to you.

Would you recommend a real estate agent? No, Coastal Housing Partnership does not make any recommendations as to which discount provider you should use. We are continually growing our list of discount providers, so that you have as much choice as possible. It is still up to you to interview the real estate agents, loan officers and home inspection companies to determine which companies will best serve your needs. (Click on Discount Providers for more information)

What if I am buying the home with someone who is not an employee of a Coastal Housing Partnership company? Only one of the partners purchasing the home has to be an employee of a CHP member company. However, the home has to be the primary residence for that partner.

Steps you can take to avoid foreclosure
Remember that lenders want to help borrowers keep their home.  They are in the business of lending money, not acquiring property.  In addition, foreclosure is expensive for lenders.  Generally, lenders want to work with you to help you keep your property.  Your lender is your biggest ally if you encounter difficulty paying your mortgage on time.  Contact your lender as soon as you have a problem.
 
Free foreclosure prevention counseling services are available through the HOPE National Helpline.  It is open 24 hours & assistance is available in English and in Spanish.  The toll free number is 1-888-995-HOPE.

Understand Your Options 
Help for Homeowners Facing the Loss of Their Home
HUD Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure
http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/index.cfm

You Can Avoid Foreclosure and Keep Your Home
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page?_pageid=33,717348&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

Falling Behind on Your Mortgage Payments?
FHA Avoiding Foreclosure
http://www.fanniemae.com/aboutfm/borrower_resource.jhtml