California Association of Realtors launches Mortgage Protection Program for first-time home buyers

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(News Source: California Association of Realtors)

(LOS ANGELES, C.A.) -- The California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) today launched the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program (C.A.R.H.A.F. MPP) for first-time home buyers.

Through the Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program, first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month, for six months, to help make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, and receive a monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months.  Program benefits also include coverage for accidental disability and a $10,000 death benefit. 

Quick Facts:

• C.A.R. is the first statewide association in the nation to offer a mortgage protection plan for consumers

• Approximately 3,000 households expected to receive assistance in first year

• C.A.R.'s Housing Affordability Fund is dedicating $1 million toward program

C.A.R.'s Housing Affordability Fund is dedicating $1 million toward its Mortgage Protection Program, and estimates that as many as 3,000 families will benefit from the program this year.
 
"The Mortgage Protection Program was developed to help ease the anxiety of consumers who are concerned about potential job loss and its impact on their ability to pay their mortgage should they purchase a home," said C.A.R. President James Liptak. "It also provides peace of mind to those buyers who are actively searching for a home."
 
To qualify for the Mortgage Protection Program, applicants must:

• Be a first-time home buyer - someone who has not owned a home in three or more years

• Open escrow April 2, 2009, or later, and close on or before Dec. 31, 2009

• Use a California Realtor in the transaction

• Purchase the property in California

• Be a W-2 employee (cannot be self-employed)

To apply for the program, home buyers must request an application for the H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program from their Realtor.

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