DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

 

                              Penny Cope

                        Marketing & Web Specialist

                        Montana Housing Division

                        406-461-2096 (c)

 

                        Marissa Kozel

                        Communications Director

                        Montana Department of Commerce

                        406-841-2772

 

(HELENA) – The Montana Board of Housing (MBOH) is recognizing five partners, for their dedication to improving housing across the state. The three organizations and two individuals were chosen by the MBOH for their extraordinary efforts to help their fellow Montanans with housing needs over the past two years.  

 

MBOH officials honored the award winners during the 2012 Montana Housing Partnership Conference on Tuesday, June 26, in Billings.

 

MBOH provides decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for lower income individuals and families in Montana. MBOH works with many partners across the state to provide housing opportunities for Montanans.

 

The Board finances its programs with the proceeds from issuing tax-exempt bonds.   Potential borrowers are encouraged to attend Homebuyer Education and then work with a participating lender in their community to qualify for an MBOH mortgage. Lenders originate the mortgage and after closing, the loan is purchased by the Board.

 

 

Streeter Brothers Mortgage is being honored for its years of dedication in servicing MBOH mortgages. MBOH takes great pride in the fact that its mortgage loans originate and are serviced in Montana. This means borrowers are able to receive local customer service and advice when managing their mortgage. As Montana’s oldest mortgage banking firm, Streeter Brothers Mortgage has been an irreplaceable partner to MBOH; they currently service nearly half of MBOH’s loan portfolio.

 

Stockman Bank, as one of the most active real estate lenders in Montana has a long standing relationship with the Board of Housing. Their commitment to our borrowers began in 1977 and continues to this day. Over the past two years, Stockman Bank originated almost 25% of the loans purchased by the Montana Board of Housing. They have processed the highest number of MBOH loans of any participating lender.

 

First Interstate Bank’s community-oriented lending makes them a valuable partner to Montana Board of Housing. Their statewide coverage allows first-time homebuyers greater access to MBOH programs. Over the last two years, First Interstate Bank has originated almost 20% of the loans purchased by the Board with the most comprehensive coverage of communities statewide. 

 

Gail Mann, who works at American Federal Savings Bank in Helena, is being honored for her exemplary commitment to Montana’s first-time homebuyers. Since 1992, when she started at American Federal, she has become the backbone of Homebuyer Education in the Helena area. Because of her tireless dedication, she has become the go-to person for those who are trying to help lower income families achieve the dream of homeownership.

 

Brad Hanson, a Loan Representative at Bank of the Rockies in Livingston, is being honored by the Montana Board of Housing for his commitment to those homeowners who are struggling and who need sound advice to keep their home. Recently, he was instrumental in assisting a borrower in his community who was a customer of one of his competitors. Brad is committed to helping any borrower and works closely with Montana Board of Housing staff to find potential solutions. Brad Hanson is a very dedicated individual with a passion for providing homeownership opportunities to families. He is often described as the one who will go above and beyond what is expected.

 

The commitment of time and energy by these partners has resulted in an improved quality of life for thousands of Montana citizens. Visit http://housing.mt.gov/ for more information on MBOH and its programs.

 

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