The City of Miami Gardens has made homeownership a reality for over 25 families so far through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The City, using funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Neighborhood Stabilization Program, has acquired and redeveloped foreclosed properties that might otherwise have remained abandoned and in some cases an eyesore to the rest of the neighborhood.
The original allocation of these NSP funds, $6,866,119.02, now referred to as NSP1, was authorized under Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Then in 2010, the City received a second allocation of $1,940,337.00 as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, referred to as NSP3.
Ultimately, the goal of the NSP is to return vacant, foreclosed or abandoned residential properties to owner occupancy as quickly as possible; revitalizing neighborhoods through the rehabilitation, redevelopment and reuse of these vacant properties; and providing affordable homeownership within the City.
Under the NSP1, the City of Miami Gardens has purchased over 65 vacant, foreclosed single family properties, and has rehabilitated and redeveloped 37 of those properties thus far. In addition, the City has demolished over 10 properties previously deemed unsafe and blighted with the intent to redevelop new single family homes on those parcels. Most importantly, the City has sold over 25 homes and has more than 12 other homes under contract to qualified first time homebuyers. Each homebuyer receives up to $55,000 in financial assistance from the City for their down payment and closing costs. The amount each buyer receives is based on their actual need according to the income and household size to ensure affordable homeownership.
”I am very proud to see the expressed intent and purpose of this national program being successfully carried out in the City of Miami Gardens. Being a relatively new city (incorporated 8 years ago), our staff takes great pride in being in the top 16% in the country in terms of benchmarked program accomplishments. To date, the City has actually exceeded the number of foreclosed properties it was required to purchase. But we all realize there is still much more work to be done,” says Daniel A. Rosemond, Assistant City Manager/Community Development Director for the City of Miami Gardens.
All homes are rehabilitated to the meet current building codes and receive energy efficient and water conservation improvements. They are strategically priced to achieve the highest market value possible while remaining affordable. The City does not make any profit from the sales, as this is prohibited by the federal regulations. Sales proceeds received are re-invested in the program. To buy one of the City’s NSP homes:
• Individual or family’s income cannot exceed 120% of the area median income.
• The buyer must be able to qualify for a mortgage loan.
• The buyer must occupy the home as their primary residence.
If you think you meet the eligibility criteria described above and are interested in purchasing a home in Miami Gardens, please visit the City website: www.miamigardens-fl.gov and look for the “NSP Homes for Sale” link under the Latest News Section or contact the Department of Community Development at (305) 622-8041.
