For release:
Monday, Aug. 3, 2009

C.A.R. approves 384 applications for its Mortgage Protection Program for first-time buyers

Association awarded $420,000 Ira Gribin grant to provide additional policies to first-time home buyers

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 3) – More than 380 first-time home buyers have been approved for the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund (C.A.R.H.A.F.) Mortgage Protection Program (MPP). As of late July, 384 applications have been approved, and an additional 22 applications were in the pipeline awaiting approval.

The C.A.R.H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program, offered by C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund, provides up to $1,500 per month, for up to six months, to eligible first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs. The funds are intended to help consumers make their mortgage payment obligations. Qualified co-buyers also can participate in the program, and receive monthly benefits of $750 per month for up to six months.

“The Mortgage Protection Program was developed to help ease the anxiety of consumers concerned about potential job loss and its impact on their ability to make their mortgage obligation,” said C.A.R. President James Liptak. “The overwhelming positive response from REALTORS® and their clients across the state has proven that the program is highly effective.”

First-time home buyer Michael Sandoval was in the process of purchasing a home in Gilroy, Calif. when he heard about C.A.R.’s Mortgage Protection Program from his REALTOR®, Valerie Kemp of Alain Pinel REALTORS® in Morgan Hill, Calif.

“We were already looking at homes when we heard about this program,” said Sandoval. “Knowing that we have an additional security blanket should anything happen with our jobs was a relief – and the fact that it’s offered for free is like icing on the cake. It has helped us achieve the dream of homeownership and get our foot in the door.”

Attesting to the program’s success, C.A.R. also received an Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grant for $420,000 from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR) to issue additional MPP policies beyond the initial $1 million allocated by C.A.R.H.A.F. This is the largest Gribin Grant issued to date by NAR.

Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants were established to honor former NAR President Ira Grbin, who was a tireless advocate for fair and affordable housing for diverse populations. The grants promote REALTORS®’ commitment to increase housing opportunities. Gribin also was president of C.A.R. in 1976 and a strong supporter of C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund.

The C.A.R.H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program is scheduled to run through the end of 2009.

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

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Housing Affordability Fund (C.A.R.H.A.F.) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to addressing California’s housing crisis . It receives donations primarily from REALTOR® members and REALTOR® associations committed to addressing housing challenges in California. C.A.R.H.A.F. raises and distributes funds and partners with other groups to promote housing and homeownership and address housing opportunities locally and statewide.

Leading the way...® in California real estate for more than 100 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® ( www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, with more than 163,000 members dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Los Angeles.

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