A new Appraisal Institute Registry has come out listing both Vermont residential and commercial appraisers who have successfully completed the Appraisal Institute's Valuation of Sustainable Buildings Professional Development Program. Residential appraisers must complete 28 hours of course work and pass three exams while commercial appraisers have to complete 35 hours of course work and also pass three exams.

The Brattleboro Co-op / Canal & Main Apartments building received the 2015 Creating Community Action Award through HUD Secretary's Housing and Community Design Awards. This site, located in downtown Brattleboro, was redeveloped by the Brattleboro Food Co-op, Windham & Windsor Housing Trust and HousingVermont. VHFA provided Housing Tax Credits as well as long term financing on the project.

The question of whether to rent or buy a home has been a huge issue facing many Vermonters. David Adams, chief of program operations and Leslie Black-Plumeau, research and communications coordinator at VHFA were both interviewed in May by the Champlain Business Journal discussing the issues pertaining to the decision to buy a home in Vermont.

Governor Shumlin signed legislation last week that provides up to $5,000 to qualified buyers for closing costs and down payments. Sarah Carpenter, VHFA's executive director, was interviewed by VPR yesterday to talk about the program.