Affordable housing has become a critical concern in eastern Connecticut as prices continue to rise and zoning restrictions make it more and more difficult to build homes that the average person can afford.
What do we mean by affordable housing?
To us, it means providing housing that all levels of the socio-economic spectrum can afford, whether it be rental or homeownership. It means children having the ability to purchase homes in the community that they grew up in when they enter the workforce.
SECHA
The Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance (SECHA) believes that the regions’ workforce is entitled to quality affordable housing as well as a real choice in selecting that housing. The people that constitute our growing job base, thereby strengthening our economy, need affordable, safe and decent housing within reasonable commuting distances from their jobs. Topics on this site include: housing facts, resources for developers, resources for towns, legislation, and more.
Visit the Southeastern Connecticut Housing Alliance Website
Programs of Current Interest to Home Buyers
Thinking of making an offer on a short sale?
If you are thinking about making an offer on a short sale property, then the NAR publication “Thinking of Making an Offer on a Short Sale? What You Need to Know” is essential reading.
Foreclosure Prevention
View a variety of federal and state programs that assist homeowners in avoiding foreclosure on our Foreclosure Prevention page.
Habitat for Humanity
Homeownership Programs
The Connecticut Housing Investment Fund/Capital For Change is a private, nonprofit organization established to finance affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization projects throughout Connecticut. Programs for homeowners and home buyers include:
Credit Counseling
Get assistance in developing a plan to buy a home or repair your credit.
Rental Assistance Programs
Thames Valley Council for Community Action provides housing programs that include:
Employer Assisted Housing Program
This initiative will work with employers to utilize Employer-Assisted Housing (EAH) benefit plans to achieve the goal of increasing housing and economic development opportunities throughout the state. For more information on the Employer Assisted Housing program click here.
Steps to Buying a Home
- 1The first step in buying a home should be to begin working with a REALTOR®.
- 2Before you begin looking for a home, you should sit down with a mortgage lender who is an Affilate Member of the Eastern Connecticut Association of REALTORS®. ECAR Affiliate Member Mortgage Lenders have access to a wide variety of mortgage financing programs, including those listed below.
- 3For more information on the financing process go to the Buying section and explore the Mortgage Calculator, Qualifying information, 20 Terms To Know, and Which Mortgage is Best? pages.
The Eastern Connecticut Association of REALTORS® created a Housing Opportunity Committee in 2003 to act as a “clearing house” for information regarding affordable housing financing programs and to disseminate the information to the members and the public. That is the purpose of this page. We are interested in posting information on all types of programs: grants, special lending products and local municipal incentives are examples. If you have specific information regarding a lending or housing program please contact Susy Hurlbert, CEO.