Rural Housing Initiative
A Collaborative Effort

IDENTIFYING A PROBLEM

Home ownership is essential to a community’s growth and viability.  Many communities across Oklahoma have abandoned or city owned lots due to nuisance abatement or dilapidated structures. The creation of new housing in rural areas that have not seen construction activity is an area where many communities struggle.

SOLUTIONS

The Rural Housing Initiative is a collaborative effort between the Oklahoma Municipal League (OML) and the Oklahoma Home Builders Association (OkHBA).  Although the USDA 502 program has been available for many years, it has been under-utilized. The Rural Housing Initiative is a way to draw attention to the program and create available funding for home builds for communities and citizens that need access to lending. More information on the loan program can be found here. 

OML will work with the various communities that have available marketable lots, and develop a pool from which potential buyers and builders can choose.  OML will maintain a database of available properties and assist local governments with inquiries concerning abandoned and dilapidated properties.

OkHBA will bring the strength of its association to locate and qualify builders to participate in this program.  The builders, via the Association’s programs, will have general liability and workers compensation insurance, and an extended warranty through one of the Association’s affinity partnerships.  The OkHBA will provide stamped architectural plans for homeowners to choose from with the goal of lowering costs on home buyers and streamline the process for builders, saving time and money.

OkHBA has partnered with a leading regional lender who will provide single close loan options with no-cost credit counseling to assist potential homebuyers in efforts to help them gain access to a mortgage and a home for their family.

The Board of Directors of OkHBA and OML have authorized this collaborative effort. 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

To list available lots, municipal governments must provide the cost associated with purchasing the lot and all the relevant legal details. OML will assemble those listings which will then be available to homebuyers and builders. The information required to have the lot info shared on the pool site can be found at the link below. The OkHBA will provide a list of builders that choose to participate.