Hassan Nicholás

I'm a:	Home Buyer
Location:	90036
Web sites:	SoCal First-time Homebuyer Blog - from a nonprofit's perspective
	Los Angeles Teachers Mortgage Assistance Program

8 Answers
2 Useful Answers

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About Me

I am a Financial Planning Counselor and Homeownership Counselor with Community Financial Resource Center (CFRC), a certified nonprofit CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) that has been providing financial resources and services to underserved communities throughout Los Angeles for 15 years. Under this organization I help administer the Los Angeles Teachers Mortgage Assistance Program (LATMAP) and the Savvy, Sound and Safe Home Loan Program (SSSHLP). Through our programs and services we provide essentially a "one-stop shop" and referral network for first-time homebuyers.

Because we're a nonprofit organization we have different agendas/goals/incentives then lending institutions and other real estate professionals. We exist to fulfill a need that is lacking in many Los Angeles neighborhoods. So far, we have been doing an excellent job. We've received much praise and recognition for our progress in impacting and developing communities. And this year, I plan on traveling to Hampton, Virginia to discuss and demonstrate our homeownership program model to other community & economic organizations nationwide.

My purpose here is to learn as much as possible about real estate from the low and moderate income level, build networks, and of course increase my organization's visibility as a resource for first-time homebuyers in Los Angeles, CA. I am not a realtor, agent, lender or any other traditional real estate professional. I don't have anything to sell. I'm just here to learn.

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Hassan Nicho…'s Questions (2)

Hassan Nicho…'s Answers (8)

What is offered to first time buyers that is not offered to people who have purchased before?

Asked Tue Jun 10 2008, 00:11 by Andrea - Los Angeles - Home Buying - 5 answers

Hassan Nicholás answered:

The City of LA's Low Income, Mod 120, and Mod 150 are out of funds right now. The County of LA will be refunding this year. The state has money. We have a list of other programs that are city specific.

www.latmap.org - Wed Jul 2 2008, 11:32

What is the crime rate in Los Angeles, CA Eagle Rock area?

Asked Fri Apr 25 2008, 16:41 by Paul Desrobe… - Los Angeles - Crime & Safety - 4 answers

Hassan Nicholás answered:

Follow Paul Cruz for some hard data. My answer is more anecdotal and from personal experiences. There are/has been some gang activity there. You gotta remember that youre sandwhiched in between glendale and pasadena. Then you got highland park as well. It definitely does not have the tree lined street tranquilness of Hancock Park. I'd equate it so some parts in downtown LA - some parts you will feel safe, but you know you're not too far from the grime. You know, like living in Silver Lake. Drive through the area at night..and at different times during the night on different days. If you see people jogging at midnight, like I see in my hood then that specific area is probably OK. and also talk to people that live there. im around that area sometimes. it does have a kind of hip grimey feel to it, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're gonna have trouble being there. again, drive through the neighborhood. - Wed Apr 30 2008, 20:41

I am looking to buy a 2BR/2BA condo as an investment. What LA neighborhood would yield the most rent?

Asked Sat Mar 15 2008, 12:42 by T.d. - Los Angeles - Market Conditions - 4 answers

Hassan Nicholás answered:

Westwood...especially near UCLA. UCLA only guarantees housing for freshmen and sophmores only. If you ever drive around the surrounding neighborhood you'll see plenty of students walking, biking to class. I feel sorry for the families that have to put up with those crazy frat parties (I used to frequent them...whoops!). Students also commute from the Culver City area as well, like Palms. I also notice in my neighborhood of Miracle Mile I see A LOT of FIDM students, which I've never noticed before the 6+ years I've lived in this neighborhood. So, my vote Westwood then WLA. - Wed Apr 30 2008, 20:27

I am hoping for down payment assistance. I looked at the housing authority website and other websites and

Asked Sun Jan 27 2008, 13:28 by Truliavisitor - Beaumont - Home Buying - 7 answers

Hassan Nicholás answered:

Hello,

I work for one of those HUD-approved nonprofit organizations. We administer LATMAP (Los Angeles Teachers Mortgage Assistance Program), LAUSD's homeownership services. Basically, we're seeing down payment assistance programs shrinking. The City of LA now only has ADDI, which as lower income max. The County of LA is out of money indefinately. CalHFA through the state has programs for low and moderate income offering 2%, 3% or 4% of the purchase price depending on the program. If prices continue to fall in your area, it would behoove you to wait. You should also check out ACORN housing. I provided a link to LATMAP below. - Fri Apr 11 2008, 10:12

What can you tell me about the new Solair Wilshire at 3731 Wilshire Blvd.? What's the area like?

Asked Wed Apr 2 2008, 21:57 by ticey4 - Los Angeles - Home Buying - 5 answers

Hassan Nicholás answered:

I frequent Korea town often, seeing as I live in Miracle Mile. The area can look grimey but it is in an upswing and not as bad as the media may portray it. Development is rising all around Koreatown. I love it because of its its 24 hr night life. Perfect place to pick up Korean BBQ at a very nice 24hr restaurant. And there's always Denny's. Its hip, edgy, and urban. You get that city feel. Its also very convenient to many things because of its central location. I know that many of the new developments market heavy over seas in Korea. They make up a large demographic in this area. So, if you don't mind diversity and culture it would be a nice place. I am currently looking at some properties there as well. It really has changed though...for the good. I give it a high recommendation, especially in the long term as far as resale value. - Thu Apr 3 2008, 17:15

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