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ORANGE COUNTY 9 <br /> HOUSING DEPARTMENT <br /> assistance through the ESFRLP program, additional verbal discussion will be offered during the <br /> screening of applicants and/or pre-rehab inspection steps of the program. With the <br /> homeowner's permission, a case file will be created and a staff person will follow up with the <br /> homeowner concerning the available services in the referral network. <br /> 3. Preliminary inspection: Orange County's Rehabilitation Specialist will visit the homes of eligible <br /> households to determine the need and feasibility of the home for rehabilitation. Homeowners <br /> must inform staff of any known pest infestations prior to the visit. <br /> 4. Screening of applicants:Applications will be ranked by Orange County based on the priority <br /> system outlined on page 3 and the feasibility of rehabilitating the house. The first round of <br /> households to be offered assistance will be selected by January 31, 2024. Household income <br /> will be verified for program purposes only(information will be kept confidential). NCHFA will <br /> verify ownership of the property by conducting a title search. From this review,the five (5) most <br /> qualified applicants will be chosen according to the priority system described above; the <br /> remaining applicants will be placed on a list of alternates in the order that they qualified. If <br /> fewer than five (5) applications are received by January 31, or if funds remain to assist more <br /> than five (5) units, applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are <br /> committed. Orange County will then submit to NCHFA an ESFRLP Loan Application and <br /> Reservation Request for each potential borrower for approval.Applicants not selected for <br /> ESFRLP assistance will be notified in writing. <br /> 5. Written agreement:A HOME Owner Written Agreement,,between the homeowner and Orange <br /> County,will be executed as part of the Loan Application and Reservation Request procedure <br /> {that formally commits funds to a dwelling unit).This agreement will certify that the property is <br /> the principal residence of the owner,that the post-rehab value of the property will not exceed <br /> 95%of the 203(b) limits established by HUD and defines the ESFRLP maximum amount and <br /> form of assistance being provided to the homeowner,the scope of work to be performed,the <br /> date of completion and the rehabilitation criteria and standards to be met. <br /> 6. Pre-rehab inspection and unit evaluation: Orange County's Rehabilitation Specialist will visit <br /> the home again for a more thorough inspection. All parts of the home must be made accessible <br /> for inspection, including the attic and crawlspace.The owner should report any known <br /> problems such as electrical short circuits, blinking lights, roof leaks, etc. Each unit will be <br /> evaluated for energy saving opportunities such as air sealing and duct sealing as well as for <br /> environmental concerns, such as lead based paint hazards, radon and asbestos. <br /> 7. 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 by the <br /> Rehabilitation Specialist and held in confidence until bids are received from contractors. <br /> 8. Lead and other testing: Orange County will arrange for a certified firm to inspect all the pre- <br /> 1978 constructed homes for potential lead (required) and asbestos hazards (as deemed <br /> necessary by the Rehabilitation Specialist in all homes built during, before, and after 1978). All <br /> homes will be tested for radon.The owner will receive information covering the results of the <br /> tests and any corrective actions that will be needed as part of the rehabilitation. <br /> 9. Bidding:The work write-up and bid documents will be conveyed to all contractors from the <br /> Contractors Registry. Contractors will be given no less than seven (7) days in which to inspect <br /> the property and prepare bid proposals. Each contractor will need access to all parts of the <br />