The low interest rates offered by mortgage lenders during the economic downturn have improved housing affordability, according to an index prepared each year by the Vermont Economy Newsletter.   The percentage of income consumed by mortgage payments on the average Vermont house for the average married couple family in Vermont decreased to 13.1%. 

More than 100 mobile homes in Vermont were destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene and hundreds more were damaged.   The age and unique phyical characterstics of mobile homes, siting and land ownership complexities, and limited financing options have presented seemingly insurmountable challenges for Vermonters faced with relocating or making repairs.  

The Vermont Housing and Conservation Board (VHCB) has developed an “accessibility tool” for funders and developers to use to determine when and how the various accessibility laws and standards (ADA, Section 504, UFAS, FHA, VT’s Access Rules and Visitability Law) apply to affordable housing development.  In recognition of National Fair Housing Month and the completion this project, VHCB is hosting an accessibility training on April 30th 1:30-3:30pm in Montpelier (exact location to be determined).

Seniors living in assisted rental housing managed by Cathedral Square Corporation are among the many happy beneficiaries of a new program run by local florists.