The annual Burlington Young Professionals (BYP) survey conducted by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce reveals that 33 percent of young adults surveyed plan to move out of the area within the next four years. Among the most common challenges cited were the high cost of living, lack of job growth opportunities, and a lack of affordable housing.

The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Boston has announced its training schedule and application deadlines for the Affordable Housing Program (AHP) for 2019. The program awards approximately $20.7 million in grants and low-interest loans through member institutions to organizations promoting homeownership and rental housing opportunities for low income households.

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) Board of Commissioners announced yesterday that its annual allocation of federal and state housing tax credits will support the development of 214 permanently affordable apartments in nine communities across the state. Low and moderate income Vermont renters will benefit from a 12.5 percent increase in Vermont’s annual allocation enacted by Congress last year.

Great news!  A Mortgage Credit Certificate provides a mortgage interest tax credit benefit for homebuyers whether or not deductions are itemized. 

A Mortgage Credit Certificate is a federal tax credit for up to $2,000 and unlike a tax deduction, a Mortgage Credit Certificate reduces federal tax liability dollar for dollar for homebuyers.