April 26, 2004

The city of Memphis, together with the Memphis Area Association of Realtors announced "Welcome Home Memphis" March 29, a new educational campaign designed to educate real estate professionals about programs to help low to moderate income families.

"Never before have Memphis area homebuyers had access to such a comprehensive resource guide on affordable housing programs and services," said Memphis Mayor W.W. Herenton at a press conference announcing the campaign.

The initiative is part of The United States Conference of Mayors Council for the New American City and National Association of Realtors Ambassadors Program, which works to help connect mayors and realtors in order to attract new residents to cities. Memphis is the pilot location for the program. "The Partnership between the city of Memphis and the Memphis Area Association of Realtors will allow realtors in Memphis to gain comprehensive training on all of the home ownership programs available to their clients," said MAAR President Bob Turner.

"Welcome Home Memphis" will include an online resource guide featuring information on credit counseling organizations and credit scoring; specialized loan products; down payment assistance programs; fair housing, lending, and predatory lending; refinancing; and many others. Additionally, beginning in June, the Memphis Area Association of Realtors will offer courses towards a realtor certification program offering training in affordable financing, down payment assistance, credit, qualifying for a mortgage, predatory lending, home maintenance and repairs, and foreclosure prevention.