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What are the steps in the process, from application to completion? Now that you have the <br />information about how to qualify for the 2011 Single-Family Rehabilitation Program, what work <br />can be done, and who will do it, let's go through all the major steps in the process: <br />1. Completing an Application form: Homeowners who wish to apply for assistance must <br />do by November 1, 2011. Apply by contacting Renee D. Holmes, Housing Programs <br />Coordinator, at (919) 245-2495. Proof of ownership and income will be required. Those <br />who have applied for housing assistance from Orange County in the past will not <br />automatically be reconsidered. Anew application must be submitted. <br />2. Preliminary Inspection: Orange County Rehabilitation Specialist will visit the homes of <br />eligible households to determine the need and feasibility of the home for rehabilitation. <br />3. Screening of Applicants: Applications will be rated and ranked by Orange County based <br />on the priority system outlined on page 3 and the feasibility of rehabilitating the house. <br />Households to be offered assistance will be selected at the end of each month until <br />November 30, 2011. Household income will be verified for program purposes only <br />(information will be kept confidential) and ownership of property will be verified by <br />conducting a title search. From this review, the three (3) most qualified applicants will be <br />chosen according to the priority system described above. There will also be a list of two <br />(2) alternates. <br />4. Written Agreement: Upon verification of ownership resulting from the title search, a <br />written agreement between the homeowner and Orange County will be executed by both <br />parties. This agreement will certify that the property is the principal residence of the <br />owner, that the post-rehab value of the property will not exceed 95% of the 203(b) limits <br />established by HUD and define the amount and form of assistance being provided to the <br />homeowner by Orange County, the scope of work to be performed, the date of completion <br />and the rehabilitation standards to be met. <br />5. Pre-rehab Inspections & Unit Evaluation: Orange County's Rehabilitation Specialist <br />will visit the home again for a more thorough inspection. All parts of the home must be <br />made accessible for inspection, including the attic and crawlspace. The owner should report <br />any known problems such as electrical short circuits, blinking lights, rook leaks, etc. Each <br />unit will be evaluated for energy-saving opportunities such as air-sealing and duct-sealing <br />as well as for environmental concerns, such as lead based paint hazards and high levels of <br />radon. <br />6. Work Write-up: The Rehabilitation Specialist will prepare complete and detailed work <br />specifications (known as the "work write-up"). A final cost estimate will also be prepared <br />by the Rehabilitation Specialist and held in confidence until bids are received from the <br />contractor. <br />7. Lead Testing: Orange County will arrange for a certified firm to inspect the home for <br />potential lead hazards. The owner will receive information covering the results of the tests <br />and any corrective actions that will be needed as part of the rehabilitation. <br />6 <br />