A recent study by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) shows first-time homebuyers reached their highest market share on record during the past year.

The number of first-time buyers rose to 47 percent of all home sales, up from 41 percent in the previous year's study.

An independent review of VHFA’s single-family home loan portfolio shows property values increased by 24 percent compared to values at time of purchase.

The median increase in individual home values in VHFA’s portfolio was 14 percent.

“During this recession we’ve heard a lot about homes dropping in value, but properties in VHFA’s portfolio are doing well. This is evidence of the fiscal strength of the Agency,” said Executive Director Sarah Carpenter.

Former VHFA Board of Commissioners chairman Stewart Ledbetter passed away last Thursday at 76.

Stewart chaired the VHFA Board in the late 1970s, while Commissioner of Vermont's Department of Banking and Insurance.

The TD Charitable Foundation announced three Vermont organizations will receive a total of $60,000 to support affordable housing: Champlain Housing Trust Inc. (CHT), Regional Affordable Housing Corp. and Windham Housing Trust Inc. (WHT).