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ORANGE COUNTY <br /> r,,:, HOUS , NG 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 />