E-Bulletins

SoftSecond unveils new, easy-to-use calculator BOSTON, March 18, 2008 --- In its ongoing effort to make the SoftSecond Loan Program easier to use for homebuyers and lenders, MHP has redesigned its online mortgage calculator, released new income limits for borrowers and has announced more details about MassWorks, a new employer-assisted mortgage program.

DHCD, MHP announce new grant program for housing authorities BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2008 --- Planning grants are available to help housing authorities determine whether their project ideas could benefit from mixed financing, including tax-exempt debt and tax credits.

MHP studies factors that impact construction costs BOSTON, December 7, 2007 --- An examination of construction costs on 38 new multi-family developments in eastern Massachusetts revealed that there is not much difference between market-rate and affordable housing development construction costs, and that projects start to achieve consistent economies of scale at 100 units or more.

40B Flex Financing can help developers make projects work BOSTON, July 26, 2007 --- At a time when interest rates are on the rise, MHP has a financing product that works well with 40B developments and can offer interest rates as low as 5.25 percent.

CPA used for housing in variety of ways BOSTON, June 28, 2007 --- MHP has written the first in a series of project profiles that describe how communities have used CPA to fund affordable housing efforts. The CPA series is meant to give communities ideas on how these funds can be used for affordable housing.

MHP provides clarity on housing authorities & related non-profits BOSTON, May 16 ---- In reaction to frequent questions on the topic, MHP has researched and prepared a chart outlining issues relating to housing authority formation of a related non-profit.

Bond allocations expand financing for rental housing BOSTON, April 3 --- Last month's decision by the Patrick administration to reserve nearly half of the state's private activity bonds for multi-family and public housing is good news for developers and owners of affordable rental housing.

MHP, BCC to boost affordability with solar panels, energy efficiencies BOSTON, March 22 --- Boston Community Capital and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, with major support from the Mass. Technology Collaborative's Green Affordable Housing Initiative, have established a $10 million renewable energy and conservation fund and are looking to target affordable housing efforts that can use the program to reduce energy consumption and save on utility costs.

Second to none: MHP recognizes top SoftSecond partners BOSTON --- MHP's SoftSecond Loan Program looks back and ahead, recognizing four top partners for their work with first-time homebuyers and announcing new guidelines designed to make the program more accessible to homebuyers.

MassDocs to cut paperwork, save time, money MassDocs, a new loan document system created by the state's four housing agencies, is designed to cut down on the paperwork by offering one set of loan documents for projects using multiple state fundings sources.