F.A.Q
Frequently Asked Questions
Low Rent :
Q: I put in my application a long time ago for low rent and it seems to be going no where. Why does it take so long?
A: We would like to place everyone who applies for the low rent program immediately into a home, however this isn't possible as we have 47 low rent units and over 100 applicants. Units only become available to the family next on the list as the current tenants move out. There is no set time limit for our tenants occupancy, so you can see how this process can take some time. We encourage our low rent tenants to look into our home buyers program when they are more financially stable. This helps not only the next person on the list, but also gets a current renter into their very own home.
Q: I've signed up for Housing Services years ago and literally got no where. Why should I try again?
A: We understand there have been problems and issues in the past with how the system was working. We would love to be able to go back and fix all those mistakes, however, all we can do is strive to do better and learn from those errors. That is exactly what the new administration and BOC are slowly achieving. Our current Executive Director, Judith Marasco and the BOC are committed and have really tightened down the reins on how things happen in YIHA, such as policies no longer being able to be altered and changed at the whim of YIHA personnel. They are "locked" per say, and can not be altered without coming before the Board. Another change is the point system. It is controlled by a National HDS system and not "in-house" where again, the past, could have been influenced be YIHA personnel. We want everything to be fair across the board for everyone and that is exactly what we are striving for goal wise. We encourage those who have signed up in the past to call and discuss with us what possibilities there are for you. Without that open communication, e can't very well "fix" what went wrong in the past. At the very least, any misunderstandings may be cleared up and clients on a case-by-case basis may receive the help needed long ago.
Q: The last time I was called I was #15 on "the list", now I'm at #20. Who is on the list above me and why does it keep changing?
A: We can not give out personal information about other clients, but we can make sure that your personal file is active and complete so that when your turn does come up, you have everything in order and will hopefully have little delay in getting a home. It is very important to keep YIHA updated on any changes within your income status, family make-up, etc. that could change your position on the list. The point system used by the HDS system ranks each client by "need". The number of people in the household, income, disability, elders, homelessness, and other factors effect position on the list. The system is designed to help those who are most in need first. We acknowledge that all of our clients are equally important and in need of assistance. We wish we could house every applicant immediately upon submission. The reality is we simply don't have that many homes available at this time. YIHA personnel are working hard to increase that number of units to offer to our clients. Don't give up hope even if you far down the list. Keep your information current and eventually your number will come up.
Down Payment Assistance :
Q: I'm interested in homeowners, what do I need to do to receive assistance?
A: First you will need to complete the Home Buyers Education Class. The dates and times of these classes are posted at the YIHA office and in the YIHA newsletter. If you do not have a file already open with us, you will need to fill out all the pertinent applications and documentation requested. Make sure that all your family information is current and up-to-date. Check our programs web site page to see which program best meets your needs. For more information call Cindy at 707-482-1506 ext. 1009
Q: Should we wait until we find a house before we apply?
A: No, the first steps are to complete the Home Buyers Education class and then meet with a lender to find out what you can afford.
Q: Is it standard that you go to a lender without a home picked out?
A: Yes
Q: Do property taxes go down over time?
A: No, it will gradually go up.
Q: I saw in the news that it's getting harder to get a loan. Is YIHA able to find lenders?
A: Yes, YIHA has other options, such as 184 loans.
Q: Can I have a co-signer on my loan?
A: Yes, but this won't help if you have bad credit.
Q: Am I ineligible if I have a car loan?
A: No, it's determined by your debt-to-income ratio.
Q: I hear the home has to be built within the last ten years or YIHA won't help.
A: No, that isn't in YIHA policy. The home needs to pass HUD inspection. Age of the home is irrelevant.
Q: Who pays the closing costs?
A: Either the buyer or the seller, or it's split 50/50. It depends on what both buyer and seller agree too.
Q: Are closing cost's different than the loan?
A: Yes, this fee comes from the title company.
Q: I heard home in Tulley Creek are not insurable for fire insurance. Is this true?
A: All YIHA homes are insurable by Amerind which is a Native American insurance company.
Q: Can native homeowners utilize Amerind home insurance to cover homes in rural areas that otherwise couldn't be covered?
A: Yes, but there is a minimum amount of Tribal home owners that need to apply.
Q: Do I have to pay for property taxes on top of my loan payment?
A: Yes, the loan is separate from property taxes. You do have the option of paying them together in one payment. Talk to your loan officer for more information.
Mutual Help Home Ownership :
Q: Who do I call for information after I have obtained my Home buyers Education Certificate?
A: Once you have achieved your Rhombuses Education Certificate you can call Cindy for more information at 707-482-1506 ext. 1009.
Q: What is this Home buyers Education Course?
A: All tribal members interested in qualifying for any home ownership program is required to successfully complete the Home buyer Education Coarse. It is Free of cost and teaches the cost of being a home buyer, budgeting skills,and home maintenance. For more information call Cindy at 707-482-1506 ext. 1009.
Student Rental Assistance :
Q: Who do I call for information on the Student Assistance Program?
A: After filling out the housing application you can call Kim Mamaradlo for more information at 707-482-1506 ext. 1012.
Q: I heard that to get student rental assistance I have to have a job?
BIA / HIP Housing :
Q: How do I apply for the BIA Housing Improvement Program (HIP)?
A: To begin, simply come into the YIHA office to fill out the proper paperwork, or you can download all pertinent documents on this web site. Be sure to include proof of property ownership or land assignment and submit this haloing with your completed application. You will also find a copy of the income eligibility limits on this site to further assist your decision to apply.
Work Orders :
Q: Who do I call when there is a problem with my rental unit?
A: Per our recent reorganization in our maintenance department, you would call Lisa Bates at 707-482-1506 ext. 1008.
Rehabilitation:
Self Help :
Foreclosure:
Individual Development Account :
Employment:
Q: I put in an employment application and haven't heard anything on it yet. How come?
A: Unless we have a current position opening that has been officially posted, we do not contact those people who have put in an application. We do however keep the applications on file in the event a position comes open. For further questions call Jodi at 707-482-1506 ext. 1003.
Tenant Work Orders :
Q: I called to let maintenance know that i need my chimney cleaned out right away and wasn't serviced for nearly a week. Why does it take so long to get something done?
A: Work orders of all sorts of issues get called into the YIHA office on a daily basis. We understand that each one is important and needs proper attention. We have a small maintenance crew at this point and eventually hope to increase that number. Until then, we prioritize the work orders according to safety standards. Our workers will get to your issue just as soon as possible. We need our tenants to show patience and understanding in our scheduling. Naturally, we are always open to listening to your complaints and/or praises. We strive to do the best we can and will continue to reach for goals in meeting the needs of our clients more quickly and efficiently.
General Questions :
Q: When filling out my housing application, it asked my total income. Do I count the income I get for my foster children?
A: Yes, in the initial application, include everything that comes into the household. Deductions can be made later for incomes that are disqualified as counting towards total income.
Q: Does my credit score go down every time they run my credit?
A: Yes, if you apply more than three times in 90 days, they lower your score. It is wise to review your report prior to applying for credit.
Q: Is it better to pay more than my minimum on credit cards?
A: Yes, you'll pay less in interest. Also, it doesn't look good on your credit report to owe the maximum.
Q: Do things drop off my credit over time?
A: All debts have a collectable limitation of seven years, unless extended by a court of law. It's suppose to drop off after seven years but is often still in the hands of a collection agency who will try to collect on what they call "dead debts". There is no law that says they can't try to collect, but you are no longer obligated to pay after that statute of limitation is met; however, if you are able to pay old debts off, this will reflect on your credit and looks favorable to future creditors. There are sample letters in the back of the Home Buyers Education book to request the debt be removed.
Q: How long will it take to clear my credit?
A: It can take a long time. Ask for settlements and make sure you get everything documented prior to making the settlement payment.
Q: How can I rebuild my credit when it's been so bad in the past that no one will give me credit now?
A: Start with places like rent-to-own and pay off an item over at least an 18 month period of time. This shows that you can and have established that you can make regular installment payments. Then progress to a place like Les Schwab tires with a low dollar purchase. Even if you can pay it off in a lump sum, stick to the minimum payments for at least 18 months and then pay it off. Credit company's want and need to see that you can make regular payments on time and consecutively.
Q: I keep getting calls from creditors trying to collect on a debt that was prior to going bankrupt. What can I do to stop the calls?
A: Let them know that you have declared bankruptcy. Provide the date and the ruling by the judge. If possible, send or fax a copy of the bankruptcy, complete with docket number and tell them to cease calling on this debt.
Q: I want to clear up my credit as fast as I can so that I can buy a home, but I owe so many places that are all in collections. What can I do when I feel like I'm getting no where?
A: Contact all the major collection agencies and get a list of every creditor that you owe and the original balance owed on the account, less the fee's accumulated after the account went default. Then call each one and offer a settlement to pay it off in full. If they agree, make sure to get it in writing prior to making the payment. Often, creditors are happy to get something, rather than nothing. The offer has to be reasonable for them to consider this option.
Q: I got a letter out of the blue from some collection agency that I've never heard from who says that I have been contacted several times on the debt in question. How does this happen when I haven't heard or seen anything from them before?
A: Old debts that are considered "un collectable" are often sent to a special asset groups within a collection agency where they will try their hardest to collect the debt. Collection agencies have access to all kinds of information, including DMV records, bank account numbers, property information, etc. They are capable of putting liens on homes, cars, recreational equipment and even of emptying a bank account without you knowing it before hand. When a collection agency can not find a way to collect, they often "sell" the account to another collection agency who in turn try's all the same methods to collect on the account. A collection account can be sold multiple times, each one sending out letters that often go unread or un responded too. When you get a call or letter from an agency you have never heard of, this is the case.
