Become knowledgeable on housing affordability programs and become a stronger advocate for your clients in achieving the American dream of homeownership through the Texas Affordable Housing Specialist certification from Texas REALTORS®.
Making a Difference
The TAHS certification is offered to members through 12 hours of CE classes covering FHA lending, fair housing, workforce housing, and homebuyer resources to help address housing affordability. Kiersten Crawford, broker and owner of Halo Surveying, teaches the TAHS courses and believes the certification is worth it in helping you provide clients an opportunity at homeownership. “You’ve got to figure out the why. Why is it worth me going to class to learn about these programs?” Crawford said. “Because there is a bigger picture. You're making a difference in people's lives and giving them opportunities that some of them have never experienced. It can really change the trajectory of a family's life.”
Building Connections
The TAHS classes offer REALTORS® a chance to learn about the affordable housing organizations in Texas, such as the Southeast Texas Housing Financing Corporation, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, and the Veterans Land Board. Crawford believes the organizations can be a gateway to REALTORS® building a network of resources and contacts. “When we set up this class, we actually have each entity come and present data about these affordable homeownership programs that require little to no money down,” said Crawford. “When REALTORS® go to class, they get to meet people. They get phone numbers. They get to ask the questions, and it creates relationships to help promote affordable homeownership.”
Expand Your Reach
The TAHS certification not only provides you with information about financial assistance programs for clients, but it also has an impact on business opportunities. Crawford points out how attaining the TAHS certification can put you in sight of potential clients seeking a REALTOR®. “When you complete the TAHS certification, it puts you in a database for referral opportunities,” Crawford said. “You want to keep a pipeline so that there's opportunities to help families at all price points. There's a great opportunity for first-time homebuyers and others who don't have money to put down.”
Fulfilling Dreams
“If you're in this business for the right reasons and you want to be a great steward for those who want to pursue homeownership, the abundance of resources and information that you will be exposed to in this class— whether you ever sell a home in an affordable price point or not—will be very beneficial to you,” Crawford said. “I keep thinking of the word fiduciary and putting clients’ interests ahead of our own and making it known that there are opportunities for all to participate in homeownership.”
