Tag Archives: Atlanta Business

Down Payment Resource donates $10,000 to help an Atlantan buy a home this holiday season

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced a $10,000 donation to the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership to be used as a grant to help an eligible homebuyer working with the local nonprofit housing agency.

"Atlanta is ranked first in home price appreciation (68.6%) and fourth in rent increases (30%) according to data reported by the Atlanta Regional Commission data, factors that make it even harder for first-time homebuyers to get their foot in the door," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "We are proud to partner with ANDP to help a local homebuyer have a homeownership stake in their community. We want to do all we can to tip the scales in favor of homeownership, particularly among traditionally underserved buyers."

ANDP develops, finances, and advocates for affordable housing that promotes racial equity and healthy communities where families thrive. The grant funded by DPR is intended for a buyer whose income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) and not receiving additional financial assistance from ANDP. The funds can be used for down payment or closing costs (including a rate buydown) on the purchase of an ANDP property.

"We are pleased to receive donations year-round, but there's something special about gifts received during the holidays that just makes this gift very special. We appreciate the ongoing support of DPR, especially in these times when buying a home may seem out of reach for many," said John O'Callaghan, president and CEO of ANDP. "Gifts like these restore hope for our clients and help them take that all-important step toward building generational wealth through homeownership."

About ANDP:

ANDP was created in 1991 as a result of the merger of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber of Commerce's Housing Resource Center and the Atlanta Economic Development Corporation's Neighborhood Development Department. The impetus for ANDP's creation was to address the diminishing supply of affordable housing in the Metropolitan Atlanta region as well as to help reclaim declining neighborhoods in its core. Throughout its history, ANDP has supported the creation of more than 11,000 units of housing for people of low-to-moderate incomes. For more information, visit the ANDP Homes website.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced a $10,000 donation to the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership to be used as a grant to help an eligible homebuyer working with the local nonprofit housing agency.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Renowned Climate Activist and HBCU Green Fund Founder, Felicia Davis, Unveils Empowering Global Youth Initiatives at COP28

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Distinguished climate activist and founder of the HBCU Green Fund, Felicia Davis, took center stage at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, making groundbreaking announcements that underscore the organization's commitment to global climate action and youth empowerment.

In a momentous press conference, Davis announced the official opening of the HBCU Green Fund's new Africa office in Senegal and revealed plans for the third annual Pre-COP Africa, African American Youth Climate Summit, set to take place in Dakar in June 2024.

"Establishing a significant presence in Africa positions HBCU Green Fund to give voice to people most impacted by climate change and help to cultivate innovative youth leadership," Davis commented.

Cheikhou Thiome, HBCU Green Fund's Africa director adds, "Our Pre-COP29 summit will bring young leaders, activists, and innovators from the United States and across Africa together in Dakar, Senegal to engage in constructive dialogues, share insights, and ignite climate action."

HBCU Green Fund's Managing Director, Illai Kenney, shared insights into the organization's extensive involvement at COP28, with eight delegates from the United States credentialed through partner Omega Institute, and network representatives from 12 African countries. Kenney emphasized the HBCU Green Fund's dedication to empowering future leaders through supporting youth led projects in Africa and the US.

"We have a unique Eco Spring Break program that is a service-learning experience connecting HBCU students with peers in West Africa that involves hands-on environmental restoration projects. The program offers students, faculty, and alumni the chance to plant trees, dig wells, plant gardens and gain firsthand experience in addressing environmental challenges," said Kenney.

Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, executive vice president, National Wildlife Federation; Hussein Kassim, Ghana project director; Sharon Gakii Mureithi, Kenya project director, and Denise Ayebare, Uganda local youth coordinator joined Davis, Kenney and Thiome for the press conference.

In addition to the press conference, HBCU Green Fund delegates actively contributed to multiple COP28 side events. Davis delivered a powerful keynote speech at the Uganda Pavilion emphasizing the role of youth in addressing the climate crisis. She also participated in a panel discussion with Dr. Ali at the Kenya Pavilion and Lucky Abeng, a coordinator from Nigeria, organized a conversation that included contributions from Davis and Mithika Mwenda, executive director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance. Davis also contributed to side events organized by young climate leaders from Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.

Another member of the delegation, Pamela Fann of Impact Energy, moderated a discussion about the energy transition with Davis as a panelist. Fann also coordinated sessions for partner organization, Harambee House/Center for Environmental Justice, featuring renowned environmental justice leader and executive director, Dr. Mildred McClain.

Young leaders in the HBCU Green Fund delegation played a pivotal role in several youth events. Kenney, a former youth activist and the youngest speaker at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in South Africa in 2002, spoke about cultivating young leaders at the launch of the Stone Soup for a Sustainable World Curriculum. She also organized and facilitated the HBCU Green Fund's day-long workshop and 2024 strategy session for youth delegates. The workshop included a briefing by the founder of the Chisholm Legacy Project, Jacqui Patterson, along with her team, on the Global Afro-Descendant Climate Justice Collaborative.

In response to the overall outcome of COP28 Davis says, "A stronger commitment to phasing out fossil fuels remains a reach, however, acknowledging the need to transition away from fossil fuels is still a small step forward. Ultimately, it is action rather than rhetoric that will make the difference for vulnerable communities already impacted by climate change." She continued, "The HBCU Green Fund's impactful presence at COP28 reflects its commitment to global climate action, sustainability, and empowering the next generation of leaders in the fight against climate change."

For more information on the HBCU Green Fund, Sustainable Africa Network, or the 2024 Pre-COP Africa, African American Youth Climate Summit visit https://hbcugreenfund.org/ or check for @hbcugreenfund on social media.

Distinguished climate activist and founder of the HBCU Green Fund, Felicia Davis, took center stage at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, making groundbreaking announcements that underscore the organization's commitment to global climate action and youth empowerment.

Related link: https://hbcugreenfund.org/

Strategic Benefits Advisors hires industry veteran Michael Yaschik as a senior benefits consultant

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) today announced the appointment of Michael Yaschik as a senior benefits consultant. In this role, Yaschik will counsel SBA's clients as they navigate both strategic benefits initiatives and everyday administration of their pension, 401(k) and health and welfare (H&W) plans.

Yaschik brings more than 25 years of pension consulting experience to SBA. He most recently served as a senior project manager at global professional services firm Aon (NYSE: AON), where he managed a team of customer service representatives, pension analysts and technical analysts as they helped new clients implement custom pension administration systems and provided ongoing pension administration services. Prior to his 24 years at Aon, Yaschik was a benefits analyst for Atlanta-based pulp and paper company Georgia-Pacific.

"At this time of sweeping transformation in the benefits landscape, employers need experienced advisors they can rely on for sound guidance and creative approaches for anticipating and solving problems," said SBA Founding Principal Mindy Zatto. "SBA is proud to welcome Michael Yaschik as a senior benefits consultant. His quarter-century of experience significantly augments a team we are already proud to call one of the most tenured in the business."

"The most rewarding part of my career has been building long-term trust with clients through the delivery of thoughtful guidance and attentive service," said Yaschik. "I'm excited to join a team that shares these values, and I am energized by the opportunity to forge new relationships and solve fresh challenges on behalf of SBA's clients."

Yaschik earned his bachelor's degree in risk management in 1997 from the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business, where he graduated cum laude. He earned his master's degree in business administration (MBA) in finance from Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business in 2000.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors:

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 1,000 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 25 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) today announced the appointment of Michael Yaschik as a senior benefits consultant. In this role, Yaschik will counsel SBA's clients as they navigate both strategic benefits initiatives and everyday administration of their pension, 401(k) and health and welfare (H&W) plans.

Related link: https://www.sba-inc.com/

Down Payment Resource highlights 61 down payment assistance programs offering up to $120,000 in funds for Veterans and service members

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, is highlighting homebuyer assistance programs to support Veterans, service members and their surviving spouses in conjunction with Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month, both observed in November. While service members are eligible for any of the 2,200-plus U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, DPR found there are 61 programs offering up to $120,000 in assistance specifically developed to help them build, buy or make accessibility-related home renovations.

According to the Urban Institute, 78 percent of Veteran households were homeowners, 14 percentage points higher than the total population. Active-duty service members, who are often relocated every few years, had a homeownership rate of 43 percent. Military families are not only challenged by frequent relocation (Permanent Change of Station or PCS orders) but are struggling financially in a housing market with rising home prices and mortgage interest rates the highest seen since 2000. Results from the Blue Star Families' Military Family Lifestyle Survey indicate that housing costs and relocation issues have become increasingly stressful and expensive for service members in recent years, making assistance with down payment and other purchasing costs even more essential.

An analysis of the 61 programs showcases the range of assistance available to promote homeownership among Veterans, active-duty service members and their surviving spouses:

* Financial assistance range: The programs offer homebuyer assistance ranging from $2,000 to $120,000.

* Program types: The homeownership assistance program types consist of 24 second mortgage programs, 18 affordable first mortgage programs, 15 grants, and one each below market rate (BMR)/resale restriction program, combined assistance program, voucher program and other assistance type.

* Repayment features: Twenty-four programs offer forgivable assistance, provided that all program conditions, such as owner-occupancy, are met. Fifteen programs are given as gifts with no strings attached provided eligibility criteria are met.

* Program eligibility: Thirty-five programs are for first-time buyers, while 34 are open to repeat buyers or provide a waiver for service members and Veterans.

"Having assistance to buy now, even when interest rates seem high, can help our service members start to build equity, enjoy a sense of community, and have an asset they can keep or sell if they receive PCS orders," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "We are extremely grateful to our Veterans, service members and their families and hope these programs can unlock the doors to homeownership and all the benefits it brings."

Individuals can search for their homebuyer assistance program eligibility for free at https://downpaymentresource.com/are-you-eligible/.

Methodology:

DPR produced homebuyer assistance program findings by analyzing its DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database for programs with incentives for people with disabilities. The DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database tracks the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of all U.S. homebuyer assistance programs using data sourced from more than 1,300 housing finance agencies (HFAs), municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. Homebuyer assistance programs of all types are tracked, including down payment and closing cost assistance, Mortgage Credit Certificates and affordable first mortgages.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, https://downpaymentresource.com/.

X/Twitter: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance #VeteransDay #MilitaryFamilyAppreciationMonth #Veterans

RELATED LINKS

https://bluestarfam.org/research/mfls-survey-release-2023/

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, is highlighting homebuyer assistance programs to support Veterans, service members and their surviving spouses in conjunction with Veterans Day and Military Family Appreciation Month, both observed in November.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Down Payment Resource reports housing authorities rolled out 54 homebuyer assistance programs in Q3 and are funding buydowns to offset home affordability crisis

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, reports that homebuyer assistance program administrators are responding to the mounting home affordability crisis by rapidly rolling out new homebuyer assistance programs and funding buydowns.

There are now 2,256 homebuyer assistance programs available to help people affordably finance homes, an increase of 54 programs over the previous quarter, according to DPR's Q3 2023 Homeownership Program Index (HPI) report.*

"Most first-time homebuyers are well aware that interest rates are hitting generational highs and affordability is in the gutter - but what they are not hearing is that there are 2,256 homebuyer assistance programs available to help," said Rob Chrane, founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource. "Program providers are working around the clock to ensure the programs they offer meet the needs of their markets. For this reason, many programs now allow funds to be used for buydowns and other popular financing strategies that take the edge off of monthly mortgage payments."

Key HPI Report Findings

An examination of the 2,256 homebuyer assistance programs that were active as of October 25, 2023, resulted in the following key findings:

* 295 programs will fund buydowns. Buydowns allow borrowers to lower their interest rates by paying an upfront fee. They have become a popular financing strategy as interest rates have surged.

- 253 programs will fund permanent buydowns. Permanent buydowns allow borrowers to lower the interest rate over the life of the mortgage loan by paying an upfront fee. 11.21% of programs support these buydowns.

- 66 programs will fund temporary buydowns. Temporary buydowns allow borrowers to lower their interest rates for a defined number of years at the beginning of the loan by paying an upfront fee.

* 224 programs will fund certain upfront loan fees. 9.93% of programs allow funds to be used to pay the upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) on FHA loans, the funding fee on VA loans and the guarantee fees on USDA loans.

* 71 programs will fund mortgage insurance (MI) buydowns. These programs allow funds to be used to lower monthly MI premiums.

* 50 new agencies began offering programs. More agencies have stepped up to administer homebuyer assistance programs as affordability worsens. Now, a total of 1,373 agencies provide assistance to aspiring homeowners, a 3.78% increase over the previous quarter.

A more detailed analysis of the Q3 2023 HPI findings, including infographics and examples of the programs described in this release, can be found on DPR's website at: https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/the-down-payment-resource-q3-2023-homeownership-program-index-report/.

For a complete list of homebuyer assistance programs by state, visit: https://downpaymentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/HPI-state-by-state-data.Q32023.pdf.

Methodology

Published quarterly, DPR's HPI surveys the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs administered by state and local housing finance agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. DPR communicates with over 1,300 program providers throughout the year to track and update the country's wide range of homeownership programs, including down payment and closing cost programs, Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) and affordable first mortgages, in the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database.

*On October 25, 2023, DPR updated the way it classifies certain homebuyer assistance programs that are available to the general public but also offer expanded benefits to veterans and military personnel. As a result of the update, DPR's total count of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs was adjusted downward; however, its breakdowns by region, assistance type and funding source remained the same. This change reflects an evolution of DPR's reporting methodology, not a reduction in the overall availability of homebuyer assistance. DPR normalized last quarter's data using its new counting methodology before calculating quarter-over-quarter trends.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,200 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions, reports that homebuyer assistance program administrators are responding to the mounting home affordability crisis by rapidly rolling out new homebuyer assistance programs and funding buydowns.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Millionaire Mastermind Academy Receives Grant from Truist Foundation to Support Diverse Entrepreneurs

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Millionaire Mastermind Academy announced it received a recent grant from Truist Foundation to support program operations, technical assistance, and support services for diverse entrepreneurs.

"The Millionaire Mastermind Academy addresses barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded, and we are grateful for the support of Truist Foundation," said CEO and founder Dr. Velma Trayham. "When more women have access, economies grow. Women's economic empowerment boosts productivity, increases economic diversification and income equality, and other key positive development outcomes for individuals and communities."

The academy has helped over 8,000 women entrepreneurs develop and grow businesses nationwide. It serves thousands of women annually with resources, tools, and access to move forward. The Truist Foundation grant will help the Millionaire Mastermind Academy support more underserved entrepreneurs with technical support.

"Truist Foundation believes in building stronger communities and better lives by supporting the innovative work of nonprofits like the Millionaire Mastermind Academy," said Katie Saez, Truist Regional President in Georgia. "We are honored to help grow diverse entrepreneurship across Georgia and beyond."

About Millionaire Mastermind Academy:

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aiming to end poverty through empowered entrepreneurship, with a mission to educate and support the growth of minority women-owned businesses. Technical assistance, access to capital, and economic empowerment programs operating in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

For more information, please visit https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

About Truist Foundation:

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation's leading initiatives - the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at http://Truist.com/Foundation.

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy announced it received a recent grant from Truist Foundation to support program operations, technical assistance, and support services for diverse entrepreneurs. The academy has helped over 8,000 women entrepreneurs develop and grow businesses nationwide.

Related link: https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/

Down Payment Resource highlights 42 Native American homebuyer assistance programs in honor of Native American Heritage Month

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, is highlighting 42 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs in 14 states that are specifically designed to support Native Americans (American Indians and Alaska Natives) in conjunction with Native American Heritage month. While Native Americans are eligible for any of the 2,300-plus U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, these programs were specifically developed to provide help with down payments and/or other home-buying costs for Native American homebuyers.

The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies reports that 56.7 percent of Native American households own their homes, a full 15.0 percentage points lower than white households. While the federal government is responsible for providing funding for housing programs on tribal lands, historically this funding has been insufficient, according to the National Indian Council on Aging. Native Americans have faced numerous obstacles when it comes to homeownership, says the Council, including high unemployment rates and poverty, with only 8 cents of wealth for every dollar of the average white American household.

An analysis of the 42 programs showcases the range of assistance available to promote Native American homeownership.

* Eligibility: Most programs are limited to members of federally recognized tribes for purchasing homes on reservations or within specified service areas.

* Financial assistance range: The programs offer homebuyer assistance ranging from $2,125 to $90,000.

* Income requirements: Ten programs have no income requirements. Thirty-two programs have income requirements that range from 80% to 120% of the Area Median Income.

* Availability: Assistance programs are offered in 11 states and the District of Columbia. The states with the most programs are Oklahoma (13), Michigan (9) and Oregon (4). Sixteen programs are statewide, and 25 are local.

* Program types: The homeowner assistance programs encompass various types, including 33 second mortgage programs, seven grant programs and two matched savings programs. Twenty-three programs are for first-time homebuyers only, and 19 programs can be accessed by repeat buyers.

* Forgivable programs: Thirty-six of the programs offer forgivable assistance, provided that all program conditions, such as owner-occupancy, are met, further alleviating the financial burdens for aspiring homeowners.

"Native Americans continue to face hardships that can delay or prevent them from becoming homeowners, which is an important pathway to economic prosperity and community development," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "It's my hope that mortgage ready Native Americans will access our database to find programs specific to their tribe and region that can provide them with the resources and support they need to achieve homeownership."

Individuals can search for their homebuyer assistance program eligibility for free at https://downpaymentresource.com/are-you-eligible/.

Methodology:

DPR produced homebuyer assistance program findings by analyzing its DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database for programs with incentives for people with disabilities. The DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database tracks the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of all U.S. homebuyer assistance programs using data sourced from more than 1,300 housing finance agencies (HFAs), municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. Homebuyer assistance programs of all types are tracked, including down payment and closing cost assistance, Mortgage Credit Certificates and affordable first mortgages.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With tool sets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, is highlighting 42 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs in 14 states that are specifically designed to support Native Americans (American Indians and Alaska Natives) in conjunction with Native American Heritage month.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

The Wealthy SIS Network is proud to present the Inaugural SIS-Expo Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- On Saturday October 21, 2023. The Wealthy SIS Network is proud to present the Inaugural "SIS-Expo Atlanta." The Global mission of the Sis-Expo is to redefine how entrepreneurship is viewed with women leading the charge in economic impact. This event is dedicated to fostering community and the empowerment among women of all backgrounds and stages of business development.

Through a dynamic sisterhood of women and the men that support us; Sis-Expo is a transformative event, designed to empower women to feel more connected in every aspect of their lives. The expo zealously sets the bar with several engaging panels, a fail-proof system that includes strategies on branding, marketing, access to capital and the implementation of the necessary steps required for women to make progress toward the lives that they desire.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

* Opening Remarks & Performance.

* Visionary Keynote Speakers: Esteemed women leaders, authors and entrepreneurs sharing insights, stories of success that embodies the essence of empowerment and strategies for growth.

* Networking Opportunities: bringing together visionaries, thought leaders, industry experts forging relationships, bridging the gap and creating a supportive community.

* Zeal Workshops: Interactive and thought provoking workshops that will equip attendees with the practical skills and knowledge to enhance their business acumen.

* Vendor Exhibits: Explore a wide range of products, art pieces, and services offered by female-led businesses.

* Noble Woman Award Ceremony & Reception: The Sis-Expo will culminate in a grand ceremony honoring Linda Boston, a phenomenal legend who has made outstanding contributions in her body of work, an advocate for her community and a woman empowered to empower!

Date: October 21, 2023

Time: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. EDT

Location: Matchstic @ The Jane - 437 Memorial Dr. SE, Ste. A7, Atlanta, GA 30312

Join us for an unfolding monumental journey at the SIS-Expo ATL. Secure your spot today and be a part of a quintessential experience that ignites change and propels women towards new heights.

More information on the event can be found at https://www.sis-community.com/sisexpo

About SIS-EXPO:

SIS-EXPO is a dynamic platform dedicated to empowering and uniting women in business. Through our transformative events held in cities nationwide, SIS-EXPO integrates female entrepreneurs, visionaries, thought leaders, and professionals to inspire, educate, uplift, and foster a sense of community among women seeking to scale their businesses.

Learn more about The Wealthy SIS Network: https://www.sis-community.com/

On Saturday October 21, 2023. The Wealthy SIS Network is proud to present the Inaugural "SIS-Expo Atlanta." The Global mission of the Sis-Expo is to redefine how entrepreneurship is viewed with women leading the charge in economic impact. This event is dedicated to fostering community and the empowerment among women of all backgrounds and stages of business development.

Related link: https://www.sis-community.com/

Six mortgage lenders inked deals with Down Payment Resource in September to support homebuyers with affordable pathways to homeownership

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced it has onboarded six mortgage lenders this September. DPR's expanded client base includes Elevations Credit Union, Embrace Home Loans, Homeowners Financial Group, HomeStreet Bank, RWM Home Loans and a regional bank. This significant milestone reflects the growing need for solutions that promote accessible and sustainable homeownership.

"With consumer awareness and demand for down payment assistance (DPA) programs on the rise, DPR has become an invaluable resource for lenders seeking to assist homebuyers to navigate the challenges posed by high interest rates and soaring home prices," said Down Payment Resource Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "It is with great pride that we welcome these lenders who have a shared commitment to growing homeownership in their communities by supporting homebuyer assistance programs."

DPR's robust solution for enterprise lenders comes equipped with four tools that streamline the operationalization of homebuyer assistance programs. The searchable DPA Directory enables product managers to curate programs that meet secondary market requirements, CRA compliance goals and community needs. The Loan Officer Portal automatically matches incoming borrowers to approved assistance programs. The Underwriter Portal provides quick access to program guidelines, and the Consumer Portal generates leads by inviting homebuyers to search for DPA.

"Purchasing a home is a major financial decision that requires careful consideration. At Elevations Credit Union, we understand the significance of this decision and are dedicated to supporting our members throughout the process," said SVP Lending at Elevations Credit Union Elizabeth Million. "We are committed to our Colorado community and strive to make homeownership accessible for all our members, regardless of their circumstances. We recognize that obtaining a down payment can be a significant barrier to homeownership, and so we partner with down payment assistance providers to increase homeownership opportunities for all members, including those with low and moderate incomes, enabling us to continue investing in our Colorado community."

"It's important that our customers get the down payment assistance they need, so our partnership with DPR makes perfect sense," said Brian Gilpin, CFO and Head of Capital Markets with Embrace Home Loans. "Working with DPR enhances our efforts to promote sustainable, affordable homeownership for underserved communities."

"Homeowners Financial Group is committed to supporting our local communities. We are experts in local homebuyer assistance programs and strive to help everyone achieve the dream of homeownership," said Chief Operations Officer at Homeowners Financial Group Nelson De Leon. "Our partnership with Down Payment Resource enhances our ability to match prospective homebuyers with affordable lending products and ensures an exceptional customer experience."

"RWM is dedicated to helping as many people as possible achieve their dream of homeownership. We are proud to offer a variety of down payment assistance programs as a solution when the down payment is a barrier to purchasing a home," said RWM Home Loans Director of Sales Success Victoria Nash. "Our partnership with Down Payment Resource allows us to keep track of all of our approved DPA programs, in one easy-to-use directory. The LO and Underwriting Portals are huge time-savers for our team so that they can focus on what really matters - finding DPA matches for our borrowers and helping them become homeowners much sooner than they thought possible. This is a great resource for loan officers, homebuyers, Realtors, underwriters, processors and anyone who is looking for more information on how they can utilize down payment assistance programs!"

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With tool sets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents.

For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

For media queries, contact Depth: https://depthpr.com/contact-us/

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced it has onboarded six mortgage lenders this September. DPR's expanded client base includes Elevations Credit Union, Embrace Home Loans, Homeowners Financial Group, HomeStreet Bank, RWM Home Loans and a regional bank. This significant milestone reflects the growing need for solutions that promote accessible and sustainable homeownership.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Depth promotes Lindsey Neal and Leslie Colley to executive vice president roles

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies within the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech) and regulatory technology (regtech) industries, announced the promotions of Lindsey Neal and Leslie Colley to executive vice president.

"Anyone who knows our firm knows Lindsey and Leslie are integral to Depth," said firm Founder and President Kerri Milam. "As vice presidents of client service for the last four years, they have guided their teams to meet the needs of companies weathering unprecedented challenges: a pandemic, a record-setting refi boom and a dramatic plummet in volume. By consistently delivering strategic leadership and incontestable value, they've positioned Depth to grow throughout each of these scenarios," Milam said.

Neal earned her Master of Business Administration from the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia and her bachelor's degree in communications with a concentration in public relations from Berry College in Rome, Ga. Colley holds a master's degree in communication management from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree in advanced rhetoric and composition from Georgia State University.

"Depth bet the house, literally, on the U.S. mortgage industry and its fintech innovators in 2006, earning the trust and loyalty of its best-known brands with a consultative service delivery model prioritizing immediate and long-range strategy, project management and thought-provoking content that drives action," said Milam. "Leslie and Lindsey are the best business continuity investments we've made on behalf of our clients and our industry."

Depth's business model was conceived to fill a knowledge and service gap for growth-focused technology innovators driving the modernization and digitization of housing finance. Combining unrivaled strategic insights and top-shelf content development with native digital marketing acumen, Depth has a track record of success fueling adoption solutions and services across the mortgage lifecycle, from customer relationship management (CRM), appraisal and loan origination technology to innovations in mortgage servicing, quality control (QC) and capital markets.

About Depth:

Depth is a leading independent provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industries. Since 2006, the firm has represented a clientele of established and emerging brands serving mortgage lenders, mortgage servicers, real estate professionals and appraisers. Depth is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. A woman-owned business, Depth is a member and supporter of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Housing Finance Strategies and The Mortgage Collaborative.

For more information, visit: https://depthpr.com/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmneal1983/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliecolley/

Depth, a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for technology companies within the residential mortgage finance, financial technology (fintech) and regulatory technology (regtech) industries, announced the promotions of Lindsey Neal and Leslie Colley to executive vice president.

Related link: https://www.DepthPR.com/

Renowned pianist and conductor, Boris Cepeda, relocates to Atlanta and unveils European Piano Academy

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Boris Cepeda, an accomplished pianist and conductor, will now call Atlanta home. It's a groundbreaking move made possible through a "genius" visa designated for individuals with extraordinary abilities. This move marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

Born in Ecuador and raised in Germany, Cepeda's unique blend of cultural influences brings a rich background and international acclaim to this vibrant city. His educational journey took him from the German School in Quito to the University of Fine Arts in Bremen, Germany, where he pursued his piano studies.

And now this relocation is underscored by his unwavering commitment to furthering his successful career as a pianist and orchestra conductor. His goal is to share his knowledge through teaching and research at prestigious academic institutions.

Central to this exciting new career chapter is the European Piano Academy of Atlanta, which he co-founded with his wife, Katja. The academy offers top-tier piano education and mentorship, and together, the couple's decades of experience and expertise will help to nurture the next generation of piano virtuosos.

Through this relocation, Cepeda aims to continue his legacy of musical excellence while sharing his passion and expertise with a new community of music enthusiasts and aspiring artists in the heart of Georgia.

In 2021, he attained the prestigious title of Steinway Artist, a testament to his exceptional talents. Since he was 7-years old, he has graced legendary concert halls around the world, leaving audiences enthralled with performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and the Berliner Philharmonie.

Cepeda is not just a remarkable performer, he's also an accomplished music educator and researcher. His recent role as Head of Music and deputy director of the choir at an opera house in Germany showcases his musical versatility and depth.

In addition to his musical achievements, Cepeda has received several distinguished awards, including the Schubert Prize from the German Schubert Association and the Vicente Rocafuerte Medal from the Ecuadorian National Parliament for outstanding cultural merits. He has also clinched first prizes at piano competitions in Ecuador, further highlighting his extraordinary musical abilities.

Looking ahead, Cepeda has a dynamic schedule that includes concerts and master classes in Tampa, FL; Münster, Germany; and Casa de la Música in Quito, Ecuador. His calendar also features upcoming conducting engagements with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador; and the Symphony Orchestra of the City of Cuenca - more testaments to his artistic versatility.

For more information, visit the official website at: https://boriscepeda.com/en

About Boris Cepeda:

Cepeda is a world-renowned pianist and conductor with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He has achieved international acclaim for his virtuosic performances and contributions to the world of classical music. As a Steinway Artist, he continues to inspire audiences with his artistry and shares his expertise as a teacher and researcher at prestigious institutions around the world.

Boris Cepeda, an accomplished pianist and conductor, will now call Atlanta home. It's a groundbreaking move made possible through a "genius" visa designated for individuals with extraordinary abilities. This move marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career.

Related link: https://boriscepeda.com/en

Strategic Benefits Advisors Principal Mindy Zatto honored with EBN’s 2023 Excellence in Benefits Award

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) today announced that Founding Principal Mindy Zatto is a recipient of the 2023 Excellence in Benefits Award. Presented by Employee Benefit News (EBN), the Excellence in Benefits Awards honor the human resources leaders, tech innovators, brokers and advisors driving change in the employee benefits space.

Zatto co-founded SBA in 2002 to fill an industry need for consulting expertise that could bridge the gap between strategic guidance and practical implementation. Under her leadership, SBA has evolved into an award-winning firm that for more than 20 years has helped organizations across North America navigate complex benefits challenges while reducing plan expenses and improving efficiency, compliance and the participant experience.

Although versed in all manner of employee benefit plans, Zatto is best known for her work in the retirement field. An industry pioneer who developed one of the first full-service pension administration practices in the country, Zatto has over 30 years of strategic plan design and administration experience with corporate defined benefit and defined contribution programs. An enrolled actuary, Zatto is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries, a fellow of the Conference of Consulting Actuaries, a member of the American Academy of Actuaries and a member of the Society of Pension Actuaries. She also currently serves on the Society of Actuaries' Employer Council and its Lifetime Income Initiative Team. Her insights into the issues and trends shaping employee benefit plans are regularly featured in Employee Benefit News and other prominent industry publications.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Excellence in Benefits Award," said Zatto. "Our mission has always been to empower plan sponsors and participants, and this award reaffirms our commitment to making a positive impact in the employee benefits industry."

"During a time of sweeping transformation in the HR and benefits landscape, these individuals are finding creative ways to build better employee experiences," said EBN Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Schomer of Zatto and her fellow honorees. "They're putting people first by creating better and more affordable benefits programs."

Zatto will be profiled in the September/October issue of EBN and recognized at an awards luncheon during the Benefits at Work conference, where she will speak on retirement plan trends as a panelist in the session "Retirement Benefits: How to Balance Savings and Retirement Plans."

To register for the conference, which takes place September 27-29 in San Diego, visit https://conference.benefitnews.com/.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors:

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 1,000 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 25 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry. For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

Strategic Benefits Advisors (SBA) today announced that Founding Principal Mindy Zatto is a recipient of the 2023 Excellence in Benefits Award. Presented by Employee Benefit News (EBN), the Excellence in Benefits Awards honor the human resources leaders, tech innovators, brokers and advisors driving change in the employee benefits space.

Related link: https://www.sba-inc.com/

Down Payment Resource debuts on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing companies

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced it has earned a spot on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. This marks DPR's inaugural year on the list.

Founded in 2008, DPR maintains the only comprehensive database of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs by engaging with more than 1,300 program providers year-round. Its technology, which helps the housing industry match homebuyers with homebuyer assistance, has been used by millions of housing professionals and consumers and averages 30,000 homebuyer assistance queries a day. DPR customers include five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, more than a dozen multiple listing sites (MLSs) and 500,000 real estate agents.

Additionally, two of the nation's largest real estate websites use DPR to power a down payment assistance finder within listing descriptions.

"To date, we've connected more than 6 million housing professionals and homebuyers with down payment assistance program information, and we are proud of the impact we have made," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we're more inspired than ever to forge ahead, break down barriers to homeownership and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive housing future."

"Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic," said Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. "To make the Inc. 5000 - with the fast growth that requires - is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future."

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced it has earned a spot on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. This marks DPR's inaugural year on the list.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Down Payment Resource Issues Q2 2023 Homeownership Program Index Report

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, issued its Q2 2023 Homeownership Program Index (HPI). The firm's analysis revealed a second consecutive quarterly uptick of 0.5% in the number of homebuyer assistance programs available to help people finance homes, raising the number of programs to 2,373.

Key Findings

An examination of the 2,373 homebuyer assistance programs that were active as of July 3, 2023, resulted in the following key findings:

* Growth in programs that expand inventory options. In response to the dearth of affordable inventory, agencies continue to introduce programs that expand housing options for low-to-moderate income (LMI) home buyers. Last quarter, 24 more programs introduced support for manufactured housing, an increase of 3.4%. Additionally, three programs that support multi-family purchases were introduced, bringing the number of programs that support two- to four-unit residential properties to 650.

* Growth in the number of agencies administering programs. As affordability continues to challenge LMI home buyers, 45 more agencies have stepped up to administer homebuyer assistance programs, a 3.9% increase over the previous quarter. Now 1,323 agencies provide assistance to aspiring homeowners across the country.

* Municipalities administer the lion's share of homebuyer assistance programs. Municipalities support 42.2% of homebuyer assistance programs, roughly double the 21.8% of programs supported by state housing finance authorities (HFAs) and 21.0% of programs supported by nonprofits - the second and third largest source of homebuyer assistance, respectively.

"Marked growth in the number of agencies administering homebuyer assistance programs reflects how affordability challenges are driving demand for affordable pathways to homeownership," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "These emerging community champions play a vital role in making home homeownership more accessible to LMI households and marginalized demographics who have lower rates of homeownership."

"At the same time, agencies are responding to near historic low new listing figures by opening program support of manufactured and multifamily housing," continued Chrane. "This effectively expands inventory options for homebuyers that rely on these programs."

A more detailed analysis of the Q2 2023 HPI findings, including infographics and examples of many of the programs described in this release, can be found on DPR's website at: https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/a-guide-to-q2-2023-homebuyer-assistance-program-trends/.

For a complete list of homebuyer assistance programs by state, visit: https://downpaymentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HPI-state-by-state-data.Q22023.pdf.

Methodology

Published quarterly, DPR's HPI surveys the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs administered by state and local housing finance agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. DPR communicates with over 1,300 program providers throughout the year to track and update the country's wide range of homeownership programs, including down payment and closing cost programs, Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) and affordable first mortgages, in the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents.

For more information, visit: https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, issued its Q2 2023 Homeownership Program Index (HPI). The firm's analysis revealed a second consecutive quarterly uptick of 0.5% in the number of homebuyer assistance programs available to help people finance homes, raising the number of programs to 2,373.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Down Payment Resource Reports on Homebuyer Assistance Programs for People with Disabilities for Disability Pride Month

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- In celebration of Disability Pride Month, Down Payment Resource (DPR) has issued a report on the 23 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs that are specifically designed to support people with disabilities and their family caregivers on their journey towards homeownership. While people with disabilities may be eligible for any of the 2,300-plus U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, this report sheds light on programs specially developed to promote accessibility and inclusivity for aspiring homeowners with disabilities.

For many people with disabilities, the dream of homeownership can feel out of reach. Financial limitations due to reduced employment opportunities or the need for additional support services and difficulty finding accessible housing are just a few common challenges.

An analysis of the 23 programs showcases the range of assistance available to promote homeownership for people with disabilities:

* Financial Assistance Range: The programs offer homebuyer assistance ranging from $10,000 to $109,986.

* Availability: The programs are offered in 12 states across the country.

* Family Caregiver Support: 11 programs specifically extend assistance to family caregivers of disabled individuals, recognizing their crucial role in the homeownership process.

* Accessibility Modifications: Funding from four programs can be utilized to support accessibility modifications, ensuring homes are tailored to the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.

* Layered Assistance: 14 programs can be combined with other homebuyer assistance programs, providing individuals with additional financial support and resources.

* Program Types: The homeownership assistance programs encompass various types, including four affordable first mortgages, 12 silent second mortgages, three soft seconds, one grant, one voucher program, one combined assistance program and one below market rate (BMR)/resale restriction program.

* Forgivable Programs: Four of the programs offer forgivable assistance, provided that all program conditions, such as owner-occupancy, are met, further alleviating financial burdens for aspiring homeowners.

"Homeownership provides individuals with disabilities and their caregivers with greater independence and empowerment," said Down Payment Resource founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "It allows them to have control over their living environment, make decisions regarding accessibility modifications and customize their homes to meet their unique needs. This autonomy fosters self-confidence, dignity and a greater sense of belonging within the community."

"My hope is that this report will raise awareness about the available programs that provide vital support to those who need it most," continued Chrane. "By promoting accessibility and inclusivity, we can help individuals with disabilities and their family caregivers unlock the door to homeownership and all the benefits it brings."

Select homebuyer assistance programs for people with disabilities are profiled at https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/disability-pride-spotlight-on-homebuyer-assistance-programs-for-people-with-disabilities/.

Individuals can search for their homebuyer assistance program eligibility for free at https://downpaymentresource.com/are-you-eligible/.

Methodology:

DPR produced homebuyer assistance program findings by analyzing its DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database for programs with incentives for people with disabilities. The DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database tracks the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of all U.S. homebuyer assistance programs using data sourced from more than 1,200 housing finance agencies (HFAs), municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. Homebuyer assistance programs of all types are tracked, including down payment and closing cost assistance, Mortgage Credit Certificates and affordable first mortgages.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With tool sets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

In celebration of Disability Pride Month, Down Payment Resource (DPR) has issued a report on the 23 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs that are specifically designed to support people with disabilities and their family caregivers on their journey towards homeownership. While people with disabilities may be eligible for any of the 2,300-plus U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, this report sheds light on programs specially developed to promote accessibility and inclusivity for aspiring homeowners with disabilities.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Depth welcomes Berry College communications major Jasmynn Innis for summer internship

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Depth, the leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for mortgage fintech innovators, the residential finance industry and technology for emerging regulated markets (regtech), welcomes Berry College communications major Jasmynn Innis as its 2023 summer intern.

A rising senior at Georgia's Berry College pursuing a public relations concentration and a minor in Spanish, Innis in 2023 earned the prestigious Robert L. Frank Endowed Legacy Scholarship awarded by the college's department of communications. Innis is also a student athlete playing on Berry's varsity volleyball team, recently competing as a member of a DIII national volleyball team in Brazil.

Consistently achieving a dean's list designation in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, she has demonstrated her communication skills as a marketing content creator for the college's Center for Personal and Professional Development, a digital and social media content creator for its student newspaper and a graphic design editor for its literary magazine, the Valkyrie. Innis has also served as a seasonal ambassador for Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream.

"We keep our eyes out for exceptional practitioners, including students who are soon to enter the workforce in earnest, which is how we met Jasmynn," explained Depth founder and president Kerri Milam. "Clearly, Jasmynn possesses the traits essential for a member of the DepthSquad, including high performance standards, personal integrity, intellectual rigor and interpersonal skills, as well as a natural proclivity for communication. We feel fortunate to have found and persuaded Jasmynn to join us for the summer."

Depth's business model was conceived to fill a knowledge and service gap for growth-focused technology innovators driving the modernization and digitization of housing finance. Combining unrivaled strategic insights and top-shelf content development with native digital marketing acumen, Depth has a track record of success fueling adoption solutions and services across the mortgage lifecycle, from customer relationship management (CRM), appraisal and loan origination technology to innovations in mortgage servicing, quality control (QC) and capital markets.

About Depth:

Depth is a leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for the mortgage lending and residential finance industries. Since 2006, the firm has represented a clientele of established and emerging brands serving mortgage lenders, mortgage servicers, real estate professionals and appraisers. Depth is committed to serving the cause of digital innovation and to practicing the pay-it-forward principle alongside The Golden Rule. Depth is a member and supporter of the Mortgage Bankers Association, Housing Finance Strategies and The Mortgage Collaborative.

For more information, visit: https://www.depthpr.com/

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.berry.edu/

Depth, the leading provider of consultative B2B marketing, public relations and reputation management services for mortgage fintech innovators, the residential finance industry and technology for emerging regulated markets (regtech), welcomes Berry College communications major Jasmynn Innis as its 2023 summer intern.

Related link: https://www.DepthPR.com/

Capstone Logistics Named Supply Chain Management Partner of the Year by Nissan North America

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Capstone Logistics, a leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions, has been named Partner of the Year by Nissan North America. The company was honored in the Supply Chain Management category at Nissan's recent Annual Supplier Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Capstone earned the honor for its exceptional service throughout Nissan's North American logistics network, particularly its warehouse management services supporting manufacturing operations in Canton, Mississippi.

Chris Bray, Executive Vice President of Capstone Logistics, expressed gratitude for this recognition, stating, "This achievement reflects our focus and unwavering dedication to service and partnership. We sincerely appreciate Nissan North America for acknowledging Capstone with this award."

This accolade highlights Capstone's expanding expertise in the automotive logistics sector, further solidifying the company's position as a trusted partner within Nissan's supply chain ecosystem.

About Capstone Logistics:

Capstone Logistics, headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA, is a leading third-party logistics company. It provides warehouse services, freight management, and final-mile distribution solutions throughout the United States. Capstone partners with some of the world's most-recognized brands throughout a variety of industries, including retail, grocery, automotive, food manufacturing, home improvement, healthcare, and more. To learn more about Capstone, visit: https://www.capstonelogistics.com/.

Capstone Logistics, a leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions, has been named Partner of the Year by Nissan North America. The company was honored in the Supply Chain Management category at Nissan's recent Annual Supplier Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Related link: https://www.capstonelogistics.com/

Melinda Harris of Down Payment Resource named a 2023 Trailblazer by PROGRESS in Lending Association

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that Director of Marketing Melinda Harris was selected to PROGRESS in Lending Association's list of 2023 Sales, Marketing and Public Relations Trailblazers. Now in its fourth year, the Trailblazers award program honors the most impactful sales, marketing and PR visionaries in the mortgage industry.

After joining DPR as a startup in 2008, Harris set her sights on raising consumer and industry awareness about how down payment assistance (DPA) programs can help people attain the dream of homeownership. By developing marketing collateral focused on debunking common myths surrounding homebuyer assistance, Harris is making DPA knowledge more mainstream and local program information easily accessible.

"Harris has been with DPR since day one - a testament to her dedication to inclusive, affordable homeownership for all," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "She embodies a marketing Trailblazer with her skill for crafting stories that educate and motivate players in our industry to embrace DPA."

Harris' marketing leadership has brought DPR to the forefront of the housing accessibility movement. In 2022 alone, her efforts helped drive an astounding 26,659 webinar registrations with a 43% attendance rate, more than double DPR's monthly website views, increase web conversion rates by 10% and grow Down Payment Connect subscribers by 200%.

"Being recognized as a 2023 Trailblazer by PROGRESS in Lending is an incredible honor," said Harris. "This accolade enhances my commitment to supporting DPR's lender, real estate agent, MLS and consumer listing site partners as they connect families with the financial assistance they need to build generational wealth through homeownership."

To view the complete list of 2023 Sales, Marketing and PR Trailblazers, visit https://mymortgagemindset.com/the-2023-trailblazers-award-winners-are/.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With tool sets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that Director of Marketing Melinda Harris was selected to PROGRESS in Lending Association's list of 2023 Sales, Marketing and Public Relations Trailblazers.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Houston Association of Realtors implements Down Payment Resource to engage homebuyers with affordable pathways to homeownership

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) has implemented Down Payment Resource (DPR) to bring Greater Houston area homebuyers' attention to homebuyer assistance programs in the wake of declining housing affordability. Data indicates that homebuyer assistance programs can be especially impactful in the Greater Houston area, where 89% of listings are eligible for assistance and HAR reports that only 40% of households could afford to buy a home in Q4 2022.

HAR is the second largest local real estate trade association in the nation, supporting more than 49,000 Houston real estate professionals. Notably, the organization has exceptionally strong engagement with Houston residents, evidenced by its multiple listing site's (MLS) status as the only local website to rank as a top 20 real estate website in the U.S. According to DPR analysis, 70 homebuyer assistance programs are available across HAR listings, including more than 50 down payment assistance programs, as well as numerous affordable first mortgage programs, mortgage credit certificates (MCCs) and combined assistance programs.

HAR's MLS integration with DPR enables consumers to search for properties that are eligible for homebuyer assistance, and it prominently flags assistance-eligible listings. The integration also makes it easy for Realtors to learn about homebuyer assistance programs and locate assistance-eligible listings that meet their clients' needs. Additionally, HAR members have access to DPR's library of marketing resources, which helps them raise community awareness about homebuyer assistance programs that can make homeownership more affordable.

"HAR has a longstanding track record of investing in its Realtor members and the communities it serves, which is reflected in its local reputation as a trusted source of housing information," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "Its production of a Housing and Rental Affordability Index is especially commendable because it exposes the financial burden residents face to obtain housing at the county and city levels. HAR's commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of its market has guided its partnership with DPR, which has the potential to connect thousands of Houstonians with the stability and wealth-building benefits of homeownership."

"HAR strives to equip the community and members with resources that help homebuyers enjoy sustainable homeownership in our hometown," said HAR Chair Cathy Treviño. "We are excited to bring affordable homeownership opportunities to light and help more people achieve their dreams of homeownership."

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is a nationwide database of down payment assistance and affordable lending programs. The company tracks funding status, eligibility rules, benefits and more for approximately 2,200 programs in 11 categories. Its award winning technology helps the housing industry connect more homebuyers to the down payment help they need. DPR has been recognized by Inman News as "Most Innovative New Technology" and the HousingWire Tech100(tm). DPR is licensed to Multiple Listing Services, Realtor Associations, lenders and housing counselors across the country. DPR's subscription based service, Down Payment Connect, helps agents and loan officers match buyers to available programs. For more information, please visit https://downpaymentresource.com/ and on Twitter at @DwnPmtResource.

About Houston Association of Realtors®:

Founded in 1918, the Houston Association of Realtors® (HAR) is a 50,000-member organization of real estate professionals engaged in every aspect of the industry, including residential and commercial sales and leasing, appraisal, property management and counseling. It is the largest individual dues-paying membership trade association in Houston as well as the second largest local association/board of Realtors® in the United States.

The Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) has implemented Down Payment Resource (DPR) to bring Greater Houston area homebuyers' attention to homebuyer assistance programs in the wake of declining housing affordability. Data indicates that homebuyer assistance programs can be especially impactful in the Greater Houston area, where 89% of listings are eligible for assistance and HAR reports that only 40% of households could afford to buy a home in Q4 2022.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Down Payment Resource adds four team members to help the housing industry meet strong consumer demand for homebuyer assistance programs

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it has brought on four new team members to grow its sales footprint, expand its relationships with housing finance agencies (HFAs) and provide enhanced support to DPR's growing customer base.

"Intense consumer demand for homebuyer assistance has driven explosive usership across our tools for lenders, agents and listing sites - prompting us to grow our team with the addition of four incredibly knowledgeable and passionate housing finance professionals," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "I look forward to working with the expanded DPR family to champion innovative tools, strategies and programs that make homeownership more affordable and accessible for everyone."

The newly appointed team members are:

* Tani Lawrence, Enterprise Sales Executive

As Enterprise Sales Executive, Lawrence is responsible for driving business growth by showing housing professionals how DPR's solutions can help them better serve homebuyers and conduct operations more efficiently. Previously, Lawrence served as senior business development executive at a document fulfillment fintech, where she signed the company's largest lender client, and in a business development role at Optimal Blue, where she specialized in its Comergence risk management toolset.

* Angel Romero, HFA relationship manager

As HFA Relationship Manager, Romero wields more than a decade of mortgage industry experience to build and maintain DPR's relationships with hundreds of HFAs nationwide. Before joining DPR in March 2023, Angel served as AVP, post-closing manager and resident housing program expert at Cherry Creek Mortgage, where she helped drive the company's expansion into underserved markets and streamline down payment assistance (DPA) operations.

* Keith Futrell and Kathy Gault, DPA Program Specialists

As DPA program specialists, Futrell and Gault will use their extensive knowledge of compliance guidelines, DPA programs and affordable lending processes to provide DPR partners custom DPA insights and strategies.

Futrell has nearly two decades of housing finance industry experience as a mortgage account manager, processor and underwriter, and he has specialized knowledge underwriting DPA programs. In his previous role as an underwriter for Allen Tate Companies, Futrell reviewed and issued two or more loans per day on average and was named MVP of Underwriting in 2019 and 2021.

Prior to joining DPR, Gault was senior strategic products and affordable housing programs coordinator at Mountain West Financial, Inc. In this role, Gault curated the lender's DPA program roster, trained loan originators on new DPA programs and managed DPA programs.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents.

For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it has brought on four new team members to grow its sales footprint, expand its relationships with housing finance agencies (HFAs) and provide enhanced support to DPR's growing customer base.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Down Payment Resource Issues Q1 2023 Homeownership Program Index Report

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, issued its Q1 2023 Homeownership Program Index (HPI). The firm's analysis revealed a 0.5% uptick in the number of homebuyer assistance programs available to help people finance homes, raising the number of programs to 2,362.

Methodology

Published quarterly, DPR's HPI surveys the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs administered by state and local housing finance agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. DPR communicates with over 1,200 program providers throughout the year to track and update the country's wide range of homeownership programs, including down payment and closing cost programs, Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) and affordable first mortgages, in the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database.

Key Findings

The Q1 2023 HPI examined a total of 2,362 homebuyer assistance programs that were active as of April 7, 2023. Key findings are as follows:

* The majority of down payment assistance (DPA) programs are forgivable. 57.8% of DPA programs - which take the form of grants, community second mortgages or a combination of the two - are forgivable, meaning that they never have to be repaid as long as program conditions are met. Of all types of homebuyer assistance, 43.4% percent of programs are forgivable. The share of both categories of forgivable programs increased fractionally over last quarter.

* Incentivized programs are on the rise. There was a 3% increase in incentivized programs - which are geared toward public servants such as teachers and protectors, Native Americans, people with disabilities and veterans, among others - over the previous quarter. Programs with incentives now make up 17.5% of all available programs.

* Support for multifamily properties increased. Programs that support multifamily homeownership saw a 2.2% increase over the previous quarter. These programs now make up 29.8% of all homebuyer assistance offerings.

* There was an uptick in programs without a first-time homebuyer requirement. DPA programs without a first-time homebuyer requirement grew by 2% in Q1 2023. 39.7% of all assistance offerings do not feature a first-time homebuyer requirement.

"The increase in down payment assistance for several consecutive quarters represents growing opportunities for homebuyers that have been traditionally underserved," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "DPR will continue to raise awareness about the myriad assistance programs available and enhance our solutions that enable housing professionals to help more people achieve their homeownership goals."

A more detailed analysis of the Q1 2023 HPI findings, including infographics and examples of many of the programs described in this release, can be found on DPR's website at https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/q1-2023-homebuyer-assistance-program-trends/.

For a complete list of homebuyer assistance programs by state, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HPI-state-by-state-data.Q12023.pdf.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Twitter: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance #HPIreport #affordabilitycrisis #housingaffordability #mortgage #housingequity

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, issued its Q1 2023 Homeownership Program Index (HPI). The firm's analysis revealed a 0.5% uptick in the number of homebuyer assistance programs available to help people finance homes, raising the number of programs to 2,362.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

HBCU Green Fund Atlanta University Fellows Spend Spring Break Planting Trees in a Rural African Village to Fight Climate Change

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- A group of HBCU Green Fund Fellows from Atlanta University Center recently dedicated their spring break embedded in an African village on the border of Senegal and Mauritania building a tree shelter, planting trees and digging a well in their ongoing efforts to help the vulnerable communities that are most impacted by the effects of climate change, but contribute the least. The climate advocates spent a full week without Internet, TV and phone service to help mitigate the devastating effects of global warming.

The inaugural HBCU Green Fund Eco Spring Break Service-Learning program at REDES Ecovillages connects students, faculty and alumni from Black colleges including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse and Spelman Colleges in Atlanta, GA, with students and faculty from Cheik Ante Diop University in Dakar Senegal. With over 100 villages in Senegal and Mauritania, REDES Ecovillages helps traditional communities become ecovillages by blending deep-rooted culture with modern ecological and community-building methods. The program gives students an opportunity to help with the climate crisis, and also learn innovative solutions the Africans have implemented.

"I'm so proud of these young leaders who put down their social media to live for a week with families in a rural village where electricity, water and food were extremely limited. It was a game changer for young professionals who consider themselves to be climate justice advocates," said Felicia Davis, founder of HBCU Green Fund. "The experience provided the volunteers with a deeper understanding of climate change, food waste, plastic pollution, and the devastating impact of wasteful western habits on distant communities along with an opportunity to make a real and tangible difference."

Davis adds, "We gain as much or more than we give, it is powerful to function as a part of nature, as a steward seeking ecological restoration and balance. With a small donation the HBCU Green Fund financed construction of a shelter for tree saplings and a well that women farmers requested so they don't have to walk all the way to the river and back for water."

The Eco Spring Break Service-Learning program is one of several initiatives the HBCU Green Fund sponsors as they cultivate relationships with local communities in the U.S., Africa and throughout the African Diaspora to promote conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture and development. The group currently has ongoing projects in 14 countries in Africa, including Ghana and Tanzania, two of the countries Vice President Harris recently visited and declared climate change an "existential threat to the entire planet."

"It was a life-changing experience," adds Serena Echols, an HBCU Green Fund Fellow and senior environmental science major at Spelman College. "We lived with host families sleeping on the floor just as they do. Our days consisted of working on various projects to help transform the villages of the Sahel. We also learned to milk a cow or a goat and planted more than 100 trees."

"When we returned to the U.S. and heard Vice President Harris' call to action it reinforced our commitment to fighting for climate justice and made us feel like we were playing a personal role in the mission to address the climate crisis in Africa," adds Echols.

About the HBCU Green Fund:

Based in Washington, DC and Atlanta, the HBCU Green Fund (hbcugreenfund.org) is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization working with historically black colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad to advance sustainability, promote student engagement in green initiatives, and train the next generation of global green leaders. The organization's Atlanta University Center Clean Energy Fellows Program introduces students to career opportunities in the clean energy sector and connects students with Black entrepreneurs that provide training in renewable energy technologies. The HBCU Green Fund partnered the Harambee House/Citizens for Environmental Justice (HH/CFEJ) to lead a delegation of 27 persons from the United States and Africa to participate in COP27 in Egypt last November and are planning to take a delegation to to COP28 in Dubai in November of this year.

Learn more: http://hbcugreenfund.org/

MEDIA CONTACT:

Edrea Davis 818.613.9521 edmedia@dogonvillage.com

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isn9-OFqcpI

A group of HBCU Green Fund Fellows from Atlanta University Center recently dedicated their spring break embedded in an African village on the border of Senegal and Mauritania building a tree shelter, planting trees and digging a well in their ongoing efforts to help the vulnerable communities that are most impacted by the effects of climate change, but contribute the least.

Related link: https://hbcugreenfund.org/

Rob Chrane of Down Payment Resource honored as a 2023 Tech All-Star by Mortgage Bankers Association

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, announced today that its founder and CEO Rob Chrane has been named a 2023 MBA NewsLink Tech All-Star by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The MBA is the leading professional group for the mortgage industry with more than 2,100 member companies. Its Tech All-Star awards are presented to individuals who deliver significant, impactful contributions to the mortgage industry.

Chrane was recognized for developing innovative tools that enable mortgage lenders, real estate agents and multiple listing services to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible to consumers and easier to originate. DPR keeps tabs on every homebuyer assistance program in the country by communicating with over 1,200 program providers year-round and keeping more than 2,300 down programs up-to-date in its DPA Directory.

"I am grateful and very honored to receive this award from MBA because, for more than a decade, my team and I have made it our mission to give housing professionals the tools and resources they need to help more borrowers achieve homeownership, particularly those in underserved communities," said Chrane. "I hope that this recognition will raise industry awareness about the far-reaching benefits that affordability programs offer to homebuyers and housing professionals."

Chrane's nomination was supported by Meg Burns, Executive Vice President, Housing Policy Council, a trade association for mortgage originators, servicers, insurers and settlement service providers. "There is no other single place to turn for this important information, and Rob's dedication to creating the platform and updating the information regularly is meaningful, commendable, and certainly worthy of recognition as an MBA Newslink Tech All-Star," Burns wrote in her recommendation.

Tech All-Star winners received a plaque and were honored during a live ceremony earlier today at the MBA Tech Solutions Conference and Expo in San Jose, Calif. They also are featured in MBA NewsLink, the trade association's online news channel.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, announced today that its founder and CEO Rob Chrane has been named a 2023 MBA NewsLink Tech All-Star by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The MBA is the leading professional group for the mortgage industry with more than 2,100 member companies.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

78.9% of metro Atlanta residential housing inventory is eligible for down payment assistance – offsetting price and interest rate impact for aspiring homeowners

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- As metro Atlanta homebuyers encounter the challenging trifecta of sharply rising home prices, elevated interest rates and institutional investor depletion of starter home inventory, Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, released a comprehensive report on the 46 active metro Atlanta homebuyer assistance programs. DPR issued the report to raise community awareness about resources that can make homeownership attainable for more families.

Methodology:

DPR produced homebuyer assistance program findings by analyzing its DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database for active programs in 11 metro Atlanta counties. The DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE(r) database tracks the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of all U.S. homebuyer assistance programs using data sourced from more than 1,200 housing finance agencies (HFAs), municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. Homebuyer assistance programs of all types are tracked, including down payment and closing cost assistance, Mortgage Credit Certificates and affordable first mortgages. DPR's market impact findings were produced by cross-analyzing its program data with First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS)-provided listing data.

Homebuyer assistance program findings:

* 37 of the 46 active programs currently have funding. Program funding is subject to fluctuation throughout the year depending on the seasonality of program funding and secondary market conditions among other factors.

* At least three programs are targeted toward public servants including educators, military service members, firefighters, police officers and medical professionals.

* Only 18 of the 46 programs have a first-time homebuyer eligibility requirement.

* 33 of the programs are forgivable, provided that all program conditions, such as owner-occupancy, are met.

Market impact findings:

* 78.9% of listings are eligible for one or more homebuyer assistance programs.

* Assistance amounts range from $2,000 to $25,000.

* Assistance is available for homebuyers that earn as much as $152,000 per year to purchase homes that cost as much as $548,000, noting that income and price limits are subject to household size, property location and could be higher in certain targeted areas.

* Listings in the studied area are eligible for $14,341 in assistance on average.

"Many people have given up hope on buying a home in Atlanta because they do not know that homebuyer assistance programs are available to help," said Down Payment Resource founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "As a community, we need to raise awareness about affordable pathways to homeownership."

"As a long-time Atlanta resident and housing industry professional, watching the average Atlanta home price nearly double over five years as investors pillage starter home inventory has been gut-wrenching because it makes sustainable homeownership less accessible to those who need it most," said Chrane. "Homeownership is about far more than securing the deed to four walls and a roof; it is the primary avenue for building generational wealth and supports long-term financial stability."

Select homebuyer assistance programs available in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale County are profiled at https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/spotlight-on-atlanta-homebuyer-assistance-programs/.

Individuals can search for their homebuyer assistance program eligibility for free at https://downpaymentresource.com/are-you-eligible/.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With tool sets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

As metro Atlanta homebuyers encounter the challenging trifecta of sharply rising home prices, elevated interest rates and institutional investor depletion of starter home inventory, Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, released a comprehensive report on the 46 active metro Atlanta homebuyer assistance programs.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Stack Sports Inks New Partnership with The Coaching Manual to Inspire and Educate Coaches and Players Around the World

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Stack Sports has announced a new multi-year partnership with The Coaching Manual, the world's premier digital soccer coaching platform, to further its mission of inspiring soccer coaches and players around the world through innovative technology partnerships.

Sports Connect, the flagship club management platform for Stack Sports, will provide a new digital coach education solution for soccer clubs of all sizes and levels of play. This new connected experience will make season development and session planning easy for soccer coaches and players everywhere. Clubs can access a massive library of professional training content and industry-leading organizational tools to help grow participation in the sport and enhance the overall soccer experience.

"We're incredibly proud to be able to be a part of Stack's world-leading digital offerings to the worldwide sports industry, helping to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes around the globe," said Chris Barton, Founder of The Coaching Manual. "The Coaching Manual's unrivaled library of training session content featuring some of the most respected coaches in the world, as well as market-leading tools and education resources, will be instantly available to thousands of coaches thanks to this partnership. We are dedicated to supporting Stack's customers and partners in alignment with their four key pillars: Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development - and in doing so, ensuring a more rewarding soccer experience for all."

"Partnerships like this are an integral part of our goal of creating a connected ecosystem in soccer and improving the overall experience for all coaches and players. We are honored to work with The Coaching Manual to make this a reality," said Adam Abney, General Manager of Sports Connect. "The Coaching Manual helps inspire its members to achieve their full potential, and Sports Connect will be an integral partner in this mission. We are proud to serve alongside their mission through innovative coaching and education technology solutions."

Affiliated clubs partnering with Sports Connect and The Coaching Manual will have access to a full suite of features, including training session and development tools, full coaching sessions, season plans, and much more.

To learn more about Sports Connect's new Coach Education Platform powered by The Coaching Manual, visit https://www.sportsconnect.com/coaching-manual/.

About The Coaching Manual:

The Coaching Manual is a resource built for soccer coaches who want to improve their understanding of coaching, find real practical sessions which they can use, and accelerate the development of their players by creating a first-class soccer learning environment.

The wealth of broadcast-quality video content available on The Coaching Manual is suitable for coaches of all levels, from beginner and recreational coaches to those working in the professional game. As well as world-leading content, The Coaching Manual's practice design and season planning tools help coaches use their time efficiently and effectively, ensuring players get the most out of every session. Easy-to-use organizational functions allow clubs to build - and effectively communicate - coaching philosophies, player pathways, and more.

The Coaching Manual provides access to more than 3,000 pieces of coaching content including broadcast-quality video content - including sessions and practices provided by some of the best coaches in the game - insightful guides, In-depth coach interviews, handy infographics, articles, and more. With the world's largest library of coach and player education content and a suite of tools to help coaches deliver a consistently brilliant learning experience, The Coaching Manual is the leading online soccer education resource.

About Stack Sports:

With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on four key pillars - Grassroots Engagement, Participation Growth, Recruiting Pathways, and Elite Player Development. To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/.

Stack Sports has announced a new multi-year partnership with The Coaching Manual, the world's premier digital soccer coaching platform, to further its mission of inspiring soccer coaches and players around the world through innovative technology partnerships.

Related link: https://stacksports.com/

FormFree sharpens focus on decentralizing and democratizing consumer access to credit with strategic divestiture of AccountChek

ATHENS, Ga., /ScoopCloud/ -- Founder and CEO Brent Chandler today heralded a new era for FormFree® following its strategic divestiture of asset-verification service AccountChek®. Moving forward, the fintech will focus on products that advance its mission to decentralize and democratize the way consumers understand their financial data and access credit opportunities. Eric Lapin, who joined FormFree in 2022 as chief strategy officer, will guide the company's next chapter as president.

"FormFree changed the lending industry when we launched its first wave of digital transformation, and we're ready to change it again by ushering in a new era of consumer empowerment and expanded access to credit for all people," said Chandler. "As our new president, Eric will play a critical role in guiding FormFree's next chapter as we double down on creating new avenues for lenders to responsibly serve credit invisibles and other underserved populations."

Lapin says the company's new direction will include an increased focus on blockchain and other decentralized Web3 technologies that give users greater control over their data and privacy. For example, the Qualified Borrower™ (QB) token Lapin helped conceptualize and bring to market last year enables FormFree to share consumers' validated Financial DNA® and indicators of homebuying interest with best-fit lenders and service providers while keeping consumers' identities anonymous.

A widely recognized innovator in mortgage and financial services technologies, FormFree is the developer of Passport®, a first-of-its-kind mobile application that verifies and perpetually updates a consumer's comprehensive Financial DNA and puts consumers in the driver's seat of their self-sovereign financial identity (SSFI). FormFree is also the creator of the Residual Knowledge Income Index™ (RIKI™), a method for evaluating consumer creditworthiness based on cash-flow analysis. RIKI allows lenders to safely extend credit to consumers whose lack of credit history or thin credit files may not meet traditional underwriting requirements.

FormFree will continue to operate in the mortgage space with a focus on helping lenders meet the needs of more than 45 million Americans who are either credit-unserved or credit-underserved. In so doing, FormFree will help regulated financial institutions meet their obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which calls on banks to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income borrowers in the communities they serve.

The fintech will also continue its ongoing expansion beyond mortgage origination into other phases of the homeownership journey, including home search, pre-purchase housing counseling and loss mitigation. In addition, Lapin sees opportunities for FormFree's know your everything (KYE) and anti-money laundering (AML) capabilities to disrupt the digital currency, auto loan and personal loan verticals.

"FormFree is proud to have pioneered the mortgage industry's first asset verification service, and that revolutionary spirit will propel the next phase of our growth," said Lapin. "Moving forward with a laser focus on the future will allow FormFree to innovate with the agility of a startup while benefitting from all the experience and wisdom we have accumulated over nearly two decades in business."

About FormFree®:

FormFree helps lenders understand credit risk like never before with its patented Passport® product, which opens doors to more inclusive credit decisioning by revealing each customer's true ability to pay (ATP®), and patent-pending Residual Knowledge Income Index™ (RIKI™), an innovative method for evaluating consumer creditworthiness based on residual income analysis.

For more information, visit https://www.formfree.com/ or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.

Twitter: @RealFormFree #fintech #digitalmortgage #mortgage

Founder and CEO Brent Chandler today heralded a new era for FormFree® following its strategic divestiture of asset-verification service AccountChek®. Moving forward, the fintech will focus on products that advance its mission to decentralize and democratize the way consumers understand their financial data and access credit opportunities. Eric Lapin, who joined FormFree in 2022 as chief strategy officer, will guide the company's next chapter as president.

Related link: https://www.formfree.com/

HomeScout partners with Down Payment Resource to capture consumer demand for homebuyer assistance program information

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it has partnered with HomeScout LLC to help mortgage lenders generate and convert more leads by meeting heightened consumer demand for information about affordable pathways to homeownership.

HomeScout provides a suite of tools and services to help mortgage lenders increase production by generating and nurturing in-market homebuyer business at the early stages of the home buying journey. With affordability challenges causing many qualified borrowers to sideline themselves from home buying, HomeScout has partnered with Down Payment Resource to rally homebuyer engagement with programs that reduce the costs of homeownership.

HomeScout has embedded Down Payment Resource's down payment assistance (DPA) finder in its partner-branded property search sites, thereby flagging listings that are eligible for homebuyer assistance programs including down payment and closing cost assistance, Mortgage Credit Certificates and affordable first mortgages. Each eligible listing invites consumers to discover which programs and how much funding they may be eligible for by supplying basic qualification information such as household size and income. Loan originators are notified when consumers engage with the DPA tool, enabling them to reach out with financial guidance at the earliest signs of homebuyer intent.

"Consumers' eagerness to engage with our tools continues to signal an immense, unmet appetite for homebuyer assistance," said DPR Founder and CEO Rob Chrane. "By making DPA program information easily accessible through its consumer-facing portal and loan originator-branded landing pages, HomeScout is helping lenders see the opportunity homebuyer assistance programs offer to fill sales pipelines while helping qualified borrowers overcome financing hurdles to homeownership."

"Rob and his team are moving the needle by exposing a groundswell of consumer DPA interest, but the fact remains that consumers need lender support to finance a mortgage with down payment assistance," said HomeScout Founder and CEO David Camp. "HomeScout's partnership with Down Payment Resource opens additional avenues for transactions for lenders, aligning with our mission to help our clients increase production."

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

About HomeScout:

HomeScout is a lender-centric platform dedicated to growing conversions and retention rates for the mortgage industry. Built by real estate and mortgage industry veterans, HomeScout provides an extraordinary suite of solutions to best serve in-market home buyers and sellers, while also providing the necessary tools to amplify business growth.

With HomeScout, consumers will find all the tools they need to help them through the home buying and selling journey, including a branded and secure search portal.

HomeScout is committed to the retention and growth of database clients while providing commission security and consistency for mortgage professionals and organizations.

For more information on HomeScout visit https://homescout.realty.com/.

Twitter: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance #mortgagemarketing #proptech #fintech

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it has partnered with HomeScout LLC to help mortgage lenders generate and convert more leads by meeting heightened consumer demand for information about affordable pathways to homeownership.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Lawyer Eric J. Hertz, P.C. Files Four Cases Against Sterigenics on Behalf of Cobb County Homeowners

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Eric J. Hertz, P.C. Trial Attorneys in Atlanta, recently filed four additional property damage cases against Sterigenics. The firm is representing homeowners within a close radius of the plant that were adversely affected. The home values in this area were adversely affected due excessive emissions of a dangerous, cancer-causing chemical called Ethylene Oxide (EtO).

This plant has been shrouded in controversy for some time now: hundreds of people have filed lawsuits alleging cancer and other illnesses as a result of exposure to this EtO gas emitted by Sterigenics in Cobb County. In a separate lawsuit in Illinois, this same company, Sterigenics was recently held responsible for causing cancer to a homeowner who lived in close proximity to the Illinois Sterigenics plant in the amount of $363 million.

EtO is both flammable and highly reactive. Acute exposures to EtO gas may result in respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and cyanosis. Chronic exposure has been associated with the occurrence of cancer, reproductive effects, mutagenic changes, neurotoxicity, and sensitization.

In April 2020, the Cobb County Property Assessor's Office devalued over 5,000 homes in the immediate surrounding area of the plant across the board. "For most people, home ownership is the largest and most important investment they will ever make. The reprehensible emission of excessive EtO has resulted in disease and devaluation of property. The local residents deserve to be compensated for the loss of fair market value and enjoyment that they once had in their homes. Simply put, we seek to hold those responsible accountable for their actions," according to Mr. Hertz.

"These additional four cases are only the beginning in Georgia," stated Mr. Hertz, as his team of mass tort, trial attorneys intend to file hundreds more of these cases in the near future.

ABOUT ERIC J. HERTZ, P.C.

Eric J. Hertz (https://www.etolawfirm.com) is a double Board-Certified Trial Attorney by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the American Board of Trial Advocates. A member of America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators and author of multiple Georgia legal treatises, Mr. Hertz has tried over 100 jury trials as Lead Attorney and handled over 100 wrongful death cases, resulting in multi-millions of dollars collected for his clients, including multiple record high verdicts. Eric J. Hertz leads a team of lawyers pursuing Ethylene Oxide litigation.

Link to stamped court documents:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fykigkp1yfyp3k0xza8bn/h?dl=0&rlkey=40s521e2zog0mwkssa238i82u

Link to video regarding these mass tort cases:

https://vimeo.com/792696330

LEARN MORE: https://www.etolawfirm.com

Eric J. Hertz, P.C. Trial Attorneys in Atlanta, recently filed four additional property damage cases against Sterigenics. The firm is representing homeowners within a close radius of the plant that were adversely affected. The home values in this area were adversely affected due excessive emissions of a dangerous, cancer-causing chemical called Ethylene Oxide (EtO).

Related link: https://hertz-law.com/

Steven Walther of Alliance Group Elected to FACC Board of Directors

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Alliance Group announced that Steve Walther, Vice President of Sales & Distribution, has been elected to the FACC Board of Directors. Walther will bring with him decades of experience in the Life Insurance and Financial Services Industry, and a long track record of leading innovative and diverse teams of independent insurance agents and agencies across the country.

Throughout his time in the industry, Walther has been involved in many of the areas that the FACC is focused on, such as regulatory awareness, producer training and education, and compliance guidelines across the Independent Distribution channel. This experience will serve him well within his new role with the FACC.

"We're happy to see Steve appointed to the FACC board - his experience and depth of knowledge make him a great addition," said Alliance Group CEO Lee Duncan. "Steve's a natural educator and his history of being a champion for independent agents and agencies is something that will serve the board well."

About FACC:

The Federation of Americans for Consumer Choice (FACC) serves as the voice for independent distribution of life insurance, long-term care insurance and annuities, dedicated to the preservation of consumer access to products and professional advice Americans need to live securely and retire with confidence.

Independent distribution of annuity and insurance products fosters:

* Healthy competition in the financial services marketplace

* Product options and innovation for consumers

* Wider choice of products and services for unserved or underserved markets

More information on Alliance Group and Living Benefits life insurance is available on their website, https://www.alliancegrouplife.com/.

Alliance Group announced that Steve Walther, Vice President of Sales & Distribution, has been elected to the FACC Board of Directors. Walther will bring with him decades of experience in the Life Insurance and Financial Services Industry, and a long track record of leading innovative and diverse teams of independent insurance agents and agencies across the country.

Related link: https://www.AllianceGroupLife.com/

Down Payment Resource’s Q4 2022 Homeownership Program Index shows homebuyer assistance programs have increased in number for fifth consecutive quarter

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the nationwide database for U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, today announced findings from its latest Homeownership Program Index (HPI). The firm's analysis of 2,351 homebuyer assistance programs in its DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database revealed that the net number of homebuyer assistance programs increased by 1.82% from Q3 to Q4 2022. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter the number of homebuyer assistance programs has grown.

Methodology

Published quarterly, DPR's HPI surveys the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of U.S. homebuyer assistance programs administered by state and local housing finance agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and other housing organizations. DPR communicates with over 1,200 program providers throughout the year to track and update the country's wide range of homeownership programs, including down payment and closing cost programs, Mortgage Credit Certificates and affordable first mortgages, in the DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database.

Key Findings

The Q4 2022 HPI examined a total of 2,351 homebuyer assistance programs that were active as of January 6, 2023. Key findings are as follows:

* The net number of homebuyer assistance programs is up. The total number of programs increased by 42 in Q4 2022. Among them were five nationwide or multi-state programs and seven statewide programs.

* Support for first-time homebuyers increased. The number of programs dedicated to supporting first-time homebuyers now totals 1,315, up from 1,291 in Q3 2022.

* Support for multifamily homebuyers increased. Programs that support multifamily homeownership saw a 5.5% increase over Q3 2022. These programs now make up 29.3% of all homebuyer assistance offerings.

"While economic roadblocks caused the percentage of programs actively receiving funding to decrease marginally in Q4, homebuyer assistance still saw steady growth in 2022," said DPR CEO Rob Chrane. "Until home prices and mortgage rates decline and the housing market recovers, down payment assistance will be a crucial source of financial support for homebuyers that lack the savings to cover an inflated down payment."

A more detailed analysis of the Q4 2022 HPI findings, including infographics and examples of many of the programs described in this release, can be found on DPR's website at https://downpaymentresource.com/professional-resource/homebuyer-assistance-offerings-increase-for-the-fifth-consecutive-quarter-in-q4-2022/.

For a complete list of homebuyer assistance programs by state, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/HPI-state-by-state-data.Q42022.pdf.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the nationwide database for U.S. homebuyer assistance programs, today announced findings from its latest Homeownership Program Index (HPI). The firm's analysis of 2,351 homebuyer assistance programs in its DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE® database revealed that the net number of homebuyer assistance programs increased by 1.82% from Q3 to Q4 2022.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Down Payment Resource presents Richmond Association of REALTORS® CEO Laura Lafayette with 2022 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it selected Laura Lafayette, CEO of the Richmond Association of REALTORS® (RAR), as the winner of its 2022 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award. Now in its fifth year, the award program recognizes an individual or organization that has exhibited a steadfast commitment to expanding access to affordable homeownership.

The Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award was created in memory of one of DPR's first employees, Beverly Faull, for her wholehearted dedication to the company's mission to provide greater visibility and access to homebuyer assistance programs. DPR received 51 nominations for this year's award cycle. A housing professional with three decades of experience in the industry, Lafayette was selected for her work expanding access to affordable housing as CEO of RAR and the Central Virginia Regional Multiple Listing Service.

Lafayette's most notable accomplishments include organizing local Affordable Housing Awareness Week initiatives for ten years running, which mobilized hundreds of volunteers across Richmond to help local affordable housing nonprofits build and repair homes. She also launched the Partnership for Housing Affordability, a nonprofit that champions affordable housing policies and programs in the Richmond region, and she led the creation and implementation of the Richmond Regional Housing Framework.

Some affordable housing initiatives that Lafayette is currently spearheading include a regional home repair program for low-to-moderate income seniors, a pilot low-income real estate tax relief program and a pilot initiative that provides partial real estate tax exemption to Richmond's affordable housing providers as a way to preserve existing affordable housing.

"Affordable housing accessibility has been a passion of mine for decades because I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to secure safe, sustainable homeownership for their family," said Lafayette. "I am incredibly grateful to DPR for their recognition and for supporting my mission to help industry professionals better meet the housing finance needs of the diverse Richmond community."

In recognition of her achievements, DPR will make a $5,000 donation on Lafayette's behalf to the charitable organization of her choice. Lafayette has opted to contribute the funds to the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that seeks to create affordable, sustainable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income households. Lafayette established the organization in 2015 and has helped it become one of the fastest-growing community land trusts in the country. She currently serves on the board as the immediate past chair.

To learn more about Lafayette's work with the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, visit https://maggiewalkerclt.org/.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Twitter: @DwnPmtResource #downpaymentassistance #homebuyerassistance #affordablehousing @of_Richmond

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that it selected Laura Lafayette, CEO of the Richmond Association of REALTORS® (RAR), as the winner of its 2022 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

GOALS Council Announces 2023 Chairperson and Three New Council Members

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- The GOALS Council, a strategic advisory council created by Stack Sports and youth soccer executives, has announced the appointment of Joel Dragan, the Executive Director of Florida Youth Soccer, as the 2023 Chairperson to head the GOALS Council.

"The GOALS Council is about working together for the holistic good and inspiring more children to try out the sport of soccer," said Dragan. "I hope that we can bring the game to kids who aren't currently participating in any fashion. Too often we get bogged down in the details. You don't need anything other than a ball and an open area to play."

In addition, the GOALS Council welcomed three new members: Jennifer Davis, the Executive Director of South Texas Youth Soccer, Melissa Riemer, the Director of Operations at Arlington Soccer Association in Virginia, and Chelsie Hawley, the Executive Director of Skyhawks Rise.

"GOALS stands for Growth, Organization, Advancement, & Learning in Soccer and represents Stack Sports' mission to invest in youth soccer in a meaningful way, as we are truly invested in helping organizations increase participation and grow the game in our communities," said Andrew R. Hiatt, Vice President of Growth and Market Strategy at Stack Sports and former US Youth Soccer Chief Operation Officer. "We are thrilled to welcome the new members of the GOALS Council and are excited about their energy and commitment to youth soccer. Stack Sports is honored to support the council as they identify their primary initiatives and areas of growth for 2023."

Founded by Stack Sports and leading figures in the soccer industry, the GOALS Council is a national strategic advisory group focused on improving soccer for the next generation. This group of soccer leaders works together to address key issues in the sport and serve as a hub for innovative solutions. Stack Sports is committed to supporting the council's efforts through its partnerships, connections, and resources.

"The purpose of the GOALS Council is to check allegiances at the door and meet together with other advocates for the growth of the soccer in the United States to work together collaboratively in ways that is not normally possible," said Frannie Fabian, Head of Partner Engagement at Stack Sports. "We want to inspire more children to pick up the sport as we know youth sports involvement has lifelong health benefits."

The 2023 GOALS Council meeting will be held at the United Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 11, 2023. Subsequent meetings will be held quarterly throughout the year.

To learn more about the GOALS Council, you can visit its website at: https://stacksports.com/goals-council

About Stack Sports:

With nearly 50 million users in 35 countries, Stack Sports is a global technology leader in SaaS platform offerings for the sports industry. The company provides world-class software and services to support national governing bodies, youth sports associations, leagues, clubs, parents, coaches, and athletes. Some of the largest and most prominent sports organizations, including the U.S. Soccer Federation, Little League Baseball and Softball, and Pop Warner Little Scholars, rely on Stack Sports technology to run and manage their organizations. Stack Sports is headquartered in Dallas and is leading the industry one team at a time focusing on three key pillars - Play, Improve, and Engage.

To learn more about how Stack Sports is transforming the sports experience, please visit https://stacksports.com/.

The GOALS Council, a strategic advisory council created by Stack Sports and youth soccer executives, has announced the appointment of Joel Dragan, the Executive Director of Florida Youth Soccer, as the 2023 Chairperson to head the GOALS Council.

Related link: https://stacksports.com/

Strategic Benefits Advisors offers guidance for plan sponsors as they seek to comply with landmark SECURE 2.0 retirement legislation

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) issued a statement today outlining provisions of the newly enacted SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0) that are likely to affect most medium to large retirement plan sponsors.

"Employers are still getting their arms around the scope of change represented by SECURE 2.0," said SBA Principal Andy Adams. "We've created an outline that trims the Senate Finance Committee summary down to those provisions most relevant to defined contribution plans without taking all the meat off the bones. Our goal is to give plan sponsors an approachable entry point for understanding where the rubber meets the road."

Hailed as landmark retirement reform, SECURE 2.0 builds on the SECURE Act of 2019 to enhance the long-term financial security of millions of Americans by providing wider access to retirement savings. President Biden signed SECURE 2.0 into law on December 29, 2022, as part of a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill that also includes funds for national defense, medical research, safety, veteran health care and disaster recovery.

While most provisions within the 358-page SECURE 2.0 package apply to plan years beginning January 1, 2024, or later, certain provisions apply for the 2023 plan year. According to Adams and fellow SBA Principal Lynn Bullard, SECURE 2.0 provisions that will affect a majority of large and mid-sized defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors can be summarized as follows.

Mandatory changes to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules:

* Effective December 29, 2022, expands the amount that can be excluded from RMD rules if used to purchase qualified longevity annuity contracts.

* Effective January 1, 2023, raises the RMD age (the age at which participants must begin withdrawing from their retirement accounts) from 72 to 73, with a subsequent increase to 75 effective January 1, 2033.

* Effective January 1, 2023, reduces the individual tax penalty for failure to take the RMD.

* Effective January 1, 2023, provides more flexibility in the allowable timing, amounts and features of life annuities to satisfy RMD requirements by removing an existing actuarial test.

* Effective January 1, 2024, allows the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before commencing RMDs to elect to be treated as the employee for RMD purposes.

* Effective January 1, 2024, eliminates RMD requirements on Roth accounts prior to a participant's death.

Other changes to retirement plan distributions:

* Effective for federally declared disasters occurring on or after January 26, 2021, provides permanent rules related to the permitted use of retirement funds by affected individuals including penalty-free withdrawals of up to $22,000, taxation over three years, repayment provisions and special loan considerations.

* Effective December 29, 2022, eliminates the 10% early withdrawal penalty on distributions to terminally ill participants.

* Effective December 29, 2022, limits the repayment period for distributions taken for qualified birth or adoption expenses to three years.

* Effective January 1, 2023, permits employers to rely on employee self-certification of an event that constitutes a hardship.

* Effective January 1, 2024, eliminates the 10% early withdrawal penalty on amounts up to $1,000 in a year for personal or family emergencies. No other such emergency distribution may be made within three years unless the initial distribution is repaid.

* Effective January 1, 2024, creates a new, penalty-free withdrawal for victims of domestic abuse. Income taxes will be refunded to the participant for distributions repaid within three years.

* Effective January 1, 2024, increases the mandatory distribution cap to $7,000 (formerly $5,000).

* Effective December 29, 2025, permits distributions of up to $2,500 to pay for long-term care insurance premiums with no early withdrawal penalty.

Additional operational changes:

* Effective December 29, 2022, allows employers to give DC plan participants the option to receive employer matching contributions on a Roth (after-tax) basis.

* Effective January 1, 2023, allows employers to offer de minimis, immediate financial incentives (such as gift cards) to encourage employees to join retirement plans.

* Effective January 1, 2023, limits the types of plan disclosures required to those who have not elected to participate.

* Effective January 1, 2024, requires that all catch-up contributions to qualified retirement plans by highly paid participants be made on a Roth (after-tax) basis.

* Effective January 1, 2024, allows employers to offer individuals the option to pay down a student loan instead of contributing to a 401(k) plan and still receive an employer match in their retirement plan. Plan sponsors may conduct separate non-discrimination testing for these individuals.

* Effective January 1, 2024, allows plan sponsors to offer non-highly compensated employees an emergency savings account. Employers may auto-enroll employees at no more than 3% of compensation. Contributions are capped at $2,500, after which time contributions must be stopped or directed to an employee's Roth IRA until the balance falls below the cap.

* Effective January 1, 2024, modifies top-heavy testing so that a plan sponsor may test non-excludable and excludable employees separately.

* Effective December 29, 2023, allows plan providers to offer the ability to automatically deposit a participant's default IRA from a previous employer into a new employer's qualified plan.

* Instructs the Department of Labor to issue new guidance by December 29, 2024, on benchmarking target date funds against appropriate indices.

* Instructs the Department of Labor to create a central data repository (the 'Retirement Savings Lost and Found') by December 29, 2024, for participants to search for their plan administrator's contact information.

* Effective January 1, 2025, requires new 401(k) and 403(b) plans to automatically enroll employees unless they specifically opt out.

* Effective January 1, 2025, creates new, higher catch-up contribution limits for those ages 60 through 63 who participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans.

* Effective January 1, 2025, requires plan sponsors to allow part-time employees who work at least 500 hours a year for two consecutive years (not three years, as under current law) to participate in company 401(k) plans.

* Effective January 1, 2026, requires plan sponsors to provide participants with at least one paper account statement per year, unless the participant elects otherwise.

Updates to plan correction methods:

* Effective December 29, 2022, expands the IRS' Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) by allowing more errors to be corrected through self-correction, extending applicability to inadvertent IRA errors and exempting certain RMD failures from excise taxes.

* Effective December 29, 2022, limits the degree to which plans may seek to recoup excess retirement plan payments from participants and gives plan sponsors the ability to choose not to recoup overpayments.

* Effective January 1, 2024, allows for correction of reasonable errors in administration of automatic enrollment and automatic escalation within 91/2 months after the end of the plan year in which the mistakes occurred (alleviating concern over the existing safe harbor correction method under EPCRS that expires December 31, 2023).

This list is not exhaustive. The full text of SECURE 2.0, including provisions that affect pension and cash-balance plans, may be found on pages 2046-2404 of the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

The Senate Financial Committee's 19-page summary of SECURE 2.0 may be found here (PDF): https://www.finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Secure%202.0_Section%20by%20Section%20Summary%2012-19-22%20FINAL.pdf

"For retirement plan sponsors, the question is not whether SECURE 2.0 impacts them, it's which of the more than 90 provisions apply to them and when do they take effect," said Bullard. "Determining the portions of the law relevant to each plan's unique situation is the first step in building a comprehensive plan of action that will keep employers in compliance with minimal disruption to participants and administrative teams."

For help bringing your plan into compliance with SECURE 2.0, talk to your SBA consultant or email info@sba-inc.com to connect with SBA's experienced team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists.

About Strategic Benefits Advisors:

Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) is an independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm focused on creatively and effectively solving complex benefits issues for clients ranging from 1,000 to over 300,000 employees. Founded in 2002 by veteran consultants Mindy Zatto and Andy Adams, SBA provides practical consulting recommendations and expert implementation of solutions for all types of employee benefits programs, including retirement, health and welfare, financial wellness and employee recognition. With an average of over 25 years in the field, SBA's team of actuaries, consultants and systems specialists is among the most experienced in the industry.

For more information, visit https://www.sba-inc.com/.

RELATED LINKS:

https://www.sba-inc.com/new-bill-targets-employer-sponsored-retirement-plans/

https://www.napa-net.org/sites/napa-net.org/files/SECURE%20Act%202.0%20Final%20Text_122022.PDF

Independent, full-service employee benefits consulting firm Strategic Benefits Advisors, Inc. (SBA) issued a statement today outlining provisions of the newly enacted SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 (SECURE 2.0) that are likely to affect most medium to large retirement plan sponsors.

Related link: https://www.sba-inc.com/

Down Payment Resource’s Rob Chrane honored by National Mortgage Professional’s inaugural Industry Titans award program

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that National Mortgage Professional (NMP) selected its Founder and CEO Rob Chrane to its first cohort of Industry Titans honorees. The 2023 Industry Titans award program recognizes influential leaders that have made impactful contributions to the housing finance industry.

Chrane was honored for his work at DPR, a technology firm enabling the housing industry to connect homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs that make the wealth-building advantages of homeownership more accessible. Consumers and housing professionals query DPR's database to discover homebuyer assistance programs more than 200,000 times a day. To date, more than 9.3 million unique consumers and housing professionals have used DPR to find home financing assistance.

"By spreading awareness about financial programs designed to uplift homebuyers through my work at DPR, I have the opportunity to help the housing industry meet community needs and help community members build wealth through homeownership," said Chrane. "It is an honor to be recognized by NMP for following my passion for affordable lending programs, trends and strategies."

Over the last year, Chrane has greatly expanded DPR's ability to raise awareness about homebuyer assistance programs by partnering with numerous multiple listing service (MLS) providers and consumer home search sites Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com. He also oversees the development of DPR's Homeownership Program Index (HPI), a quarterly report that uncovers DPA trends by surveying the funding status, eligibility rules and benefits of all U.S. homebuyer assistance programs.

Read the full list of 2023 Industry Titans in the January issue of National Mortgage Professional, or online at https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/meet-nmp-2023-titans-industry.

About Down Payment Resource:

Down Payment Resource (DPR) is an award-winning technology provider helping the housing industry connect homebuyers with the homebuyer assistance they need. With toolsets tailored for real estate agents, multiple listing services and mortgage lenders, DPR's technology empowers housing professionals to make affordable home financing opportunities more accessible while growing business and forging referral partnerships. The only organization to track the details of every U.S. homebuyer assistance program, DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises, think tanks and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by five of the top 10 retail mortgage lenders by volume, three of the four largest real estate listing websites and 500,000 real estate agents.

For more information, visit https://downpaymentresource.com/.

Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry's leading technology for connecting home buyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that National Mortgage Professional (NMP) selected its Founder and CEO Rob Chrane to its first cohort of Industry Titans honorees. The 2023 Industry Titans award program recognizes influential leaders that have made impactful contributions to the housing finance industry.

Related link: https://www.downpaymentresource.com/

Docsnap Partners with FlexCare Digital Health to Expand Services to Members, Families, Employers, Veterans, Medicare, and Medicaid Patients

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Docsnap, the first nationwide Consumer Health Utility, supports consumers leveraging their HIPAA rights to take ownership of all their medical records. Docsnap announced today its partnership with FlexCare Digital Health to expand access to quality healthcare services for members, families, employees, veterans, Medicare, and Medicaid Patient services. This partnership allows docsnaps' members to benefit from Telemedicine & TeleDentistry virtually, 24/7/365. Docsnap and FlexCare will start their partnership immediately to begin providing digital health access to all docsnap members and enterprise customers.

"Docsnap is excited to welcome FlexCare Digital Health to our partnership family, filling a vital need for our members. As the founder of docsnap and the father of a daughter with a chronic health issue, having access to virtual care visits when it's needed and not when you are told you can have it is critical for the reduction of pain and suffering, stress and anxiety, and the high cost of avoidable urgent care and emergency room visits," said founder Dr. Anthony Mari.

According to UnitedHealth Group research, two-thirds of hospital ED visits annually by individuals in the United States - 18 million out of 27 million - are avoidable. By docsnap and FlexCare providing access 24/7 to compensate for the nation's shortage of Primary Care providers, docsnap provides members "peace-of-mind," knowing they have access to advice about urgent and emergent care when they need it!

"FlexCare is excited to partner with docsnap in providing virtual care services for their Consumer Health Utility," said Principal Lee Shoemake. "We view this as a tremendous opportunity to provide a valuable benefit to millions of docsnap members."

A virtual consult by a licensed physician or dentist from the comfort and convenience of a computer or mobile device can help members get the care they need when they need it.

FlexCare is committed to fulfilling this important member benefit, which will not only assist with providing on demand care, but it will also close the gap of availability to digital health providers.

Learn more: https://flexcare.com/

About FlexCare

FlexCare Digital Health is a leading provider of online and on-demand healthcare delivery services to private and public employers, associations, brokers, school systems, and more. By using digital health services instead of more expensive urgent care and ER visits, FlexCare cuts unnecessary costs and keeps members smiling, instead of waiting.

In addition to Telemedicine, FlexCare also offers TeleDentistry, Virtual Primary Care, Dermatology, Behavioral Health, Telespine and other digital health services.

FlexCare seamlessly provides multiple member benefits, either bundled or unbundled, which improves not only access, but cuts the overall cost of care for members and their dependents.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlexCarePlus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexcare-telemedicine/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/FlexCarePlus

Instagram: https://instagram.com/FlexCarePlus

Docsnap, the first nationwide Consumer Health Utility, supports consumers leveraging their HIPAA rights to take ownership of all their medical records. Docsnap announced today its partnership with FlexCare Digital Health to expand access to quality healthcare services for members, families, employees, veterans, Medicare, and Medicaid Patient services.

Related link: http://flexcare.com/