Some landlords got a piece of Texas’ $2 billion in rent relief money — and evicted their struggling tenants anyway
It’s unclear whether landlords face any penalties from state agencies for improperly evicting tenants while receiving rent relief dollars intended to help those tenants stay housed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A year after feds allocate funds, Texas launches program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure because of COVID-19
Twenty-five states, including California and New York, preceded Texas in getting federally backed programs up and running to help homeowners suffering financial hardship because of COVID-19.
Houston-area community land trusts could help fill a widening gap in housing affordability – Houston Public Media
Programs like the Houston Community Land Trust aim to help low-income residents buy homes and keep them affordable, while also breaking down misconceptions about affordable housing.
houstonpublicmedia.orgYou paid HOW much over asking? Tell us your wild housing market stories here
We’ve all heard about it by now: Houses are selling like crazy (and they have been for quite some time), interest rates have been at all-time lows, and it seems like everywhere you turn, you learn of another wild real estate story.
As federal eviction moratorium expires, tenants and rent advocates scramble to obtain state and local rental relief funds
In the first phase of funding from the federal government for emergency rental assistance, Texas received about $2 billion. Now the state has to get those funds in the hands of Texans.
‘The Barndominium Lady’ Stacee Lynn takes us inside her beautiful Cleveland, Texas ‘Barndo’
HOUSTON – Have you ever heard of a ‘barndominium?’It’s the latest housing trend that adds a modern twist to small-town farm-charm. Technically, the name does the describing: ‘barndominiums’ (or ‘barndos’) are big metal or steel structures that have been transformed into beautiful living spaces. Stacee Lynn, aka ‘The Barndominium Lady,’ has designed nearly 150 barndominiums all over the country, with no formal design training. She is a self-taught designer, contractor, and decorator…that designed, built, AND LIVES IN her own barndo in Cleveland, Texas. Stacee Lynn and her husband Oliver were nice enough to give us a tour of her magnificent Cleveland property, and with so many ‘wow!’ factors, you’re guaranteed to want one of your own.
Kicked out after Christmas? Thousands in our area face eviction - what is being done to help?
Hers is one of 16,618 cases filed in Harris County since late March. Countless Zoom meetings later, they’ve made no recommendations that have made it out of the task force. 108,076 have received at least a one-time payment from the City of Houston or Harris County since early May. Harris County Precinct One Foundation has a Free Eviction Legal Assistance Hotline you can call if you are facing eviction. All of the $60 million from Harris County has been allocated, but you can contact Catholic Charities for other resources.
This Houston-area city named one of America’s 5 best under-the-radar ’burbs
HOUSTON – Pasadena is one of America’s most affordable suburbs with a city feel, according to a report on the “Cityness Index” created by Zillow and Yelp Inc.Pasadena offers an affordability edge over Houston. The typical home value in Pasadena is $168,080, which is about 14% lower than in Houston, according to the report. Located about 15 miles southeast of downtown Houston, Pasadena is ranked No. 5 on the list of affordable suburbs. The flexibility to work from home occasionally amid the pandemic is driving more people to consider moving, per the report.
Ask 2 Live: Facing eviction? Here’s the advice our legal experts gave in our exclusive Zoom conversation
HOUSTON – As the economic crisis due to COVID-19 continues, more and more Houstonians are struggling to pay their bills, put food on their tables, and keep a roof over their heads. And to make matters worse, a new CDC moratorium is more confusing than helpful. But KPRC Channel 2 is here to help. Watch: Raising ‘good digital citizens’ and more from our Zoom conversation on cyberbullyingOur panel of experts answered questions to help people facing evictions. You can watch the entire discussion below:Resources from the conversationTexas HousersLone Star Legal AidEviction Defense Collaboration Hotline — (713) 982-7340Lone Star Legal Aid direct number — (713) 652-0077Access the CDC declaration forms in English, Spanish and VietnameseCDC suspende temporalmente los desalojos a inquilinos elegibles
Ask 2: Are students locked in to their housing contracts if classes go virtual due to COVID-19?
As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Are students locked into their housing contracts if classes go virtual due to COVID-19? Some Texas universities are waiving fees and requirements for students who chose remote learning or return home before their residential contracts expire. Students can have their cancellation fees waived if they choose to take their classes remotely. However, the University of Houston students who choose a spring-only housing option after cancelling fall housing will need to pay another $50 application fee, but do not need to pay the $300 prepayment.
Hard times hitting home? Here are ways to avoid foreclosure amid pandemic
As soon as you realize you might have trouble making your mortgage payments, you’ll want to get in touch with your lender. You do not want to wait until you can’t pay your bills to contact your lender. If foreclosure is something you fear you might face, the following are options you may have available to you. Mortgage forbearanceAccording to USA.gov, federally backed home loans can get six months of mortgage help, and Federal Housing Administration reverse mortgages are eligible, as well. There are many options available to you, but the bottom line is: Contact your lender, and do not wait until it’s too late.