Department offers help with homeownership opportunities; several workshops being planned

Scott Csernyik

8/29/2001 12:00:00 AM

To help community members better prepare for homeownership opportunities, Saginaw Chippewa Housing Division officials are planning several workshops and programs.

"We realize that this is going to be one of the biggest investments of their life," stated Housing Division Manager Ron J. Jackson. "We're here to help and provide assistance in any way we can."

Besides implementing tri-party agreements between the Tribe, a given lending institution and Fannie Mae-one of the country's largest sources of home mortgage funds-housing officials are also in the process of developing several workshops.

From loan process assistance to cleaning up credit problems, Jackson said the intent of conducting these workshops is to assist Tribal members with future lending opportunities.

On Sept. 8, a "mortgage ready" workshop is slated from 10 a.m. until noon in the Housing's conference room at 2451 Nish-Na-Be-Anong Road in Mt. Pleasant. For more details about the event, please refer to the display advertisement below.

As the Tribe continues to develop resources for residential purposes, Jackson said it's imperative that individuals understand the possible pitfalls on the path of homeownership.

"You have to be careful about predatory institutions who have targeted the Tribal membership for high interest loans," he explained. "These upcoming workshops are designed to help provide this type of assistance."

The recent implementation of a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Building Code will also benefit the community, added Jackson.

"We now have assurances that the work being performed is up to standard," Jackson said. "Just because these contractors cross the reservation line doesn't mean they can forget those quality standards."

The code, which was adopted July 16, allows for all types of construction activities on trust or Tribal lands and subsequent inspections when the work is complete.

"We are currently finalizing the building code with the permit and inspection process," explained Jackson. "Once everything is in place, we will have assurances on the quality of work being performed on the Isabella Reservation. The homeowner will now have legal options to hold these companies responsible for substandard work. The reason why conditions are the way they are is because of the lack of codes for contractors to adhere to over the years."

Jackson is also cautioning Tribal members that automatically sacrificing their per capita income is not a mandatory requirement when it comes to lending arrangements.

"That is only an option a member might want to use in case of default or bankruptcy," he stated.

If members have any homeownership questions, they can contact the Housing Division at (989) 775-4595.

"We're here to help them with all of their housing needs," Jackson added.