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News

What’s a Moon Fest?

Family, Prosperity and Dancing in the Moonlight: at its first Moon Fest, HomeSight lights up Othello Park with southeast Asian cultural traditions.

While the lunar new year is a familiar celebration in cities with large east Asian communities such as Seattle, fewer people are familiar with the culturally significant autumn festival traditions celebrated in China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and other east Asian cultures.

“The Moon Fest marks the end of the harvest season,” said event organizer Spring Gin, HomeSight’s community development manager. “It’s a day to celebrate family, and especially children, at the end of the agricultural work year. It’s a time for family reunions. The full moon represents fullness, prosperity, peace and a plentiful harvest.”

Fireworks, lion dancing, food, music, fun and lanterns will light up Othello Park on Saturday, September 30 from 6-10 p.m. at HomeSight’s first-ever Moon Fest. Free and open to the community, the festival will bring the traditions of southeast Asian harvest celebrations to its southeast Seattle neighbors.

The festival will also feature martial arts demonstrations and a fashion show of traditional dress from several southeast Asian cultures. A special moon dance will be performed by senior members of the community, and fireworks will top off the celebration.

With the festival’s special focus on children and families, young attendees will be given treats and lanterns. “In Vietnamese culture, the lanterns light the path for prosperity and good fortune,” said Gin.

Moon Fest is sponsored by HomeSight, a catalyst for community and economic development in southeast Seattle for over 30 years, and Seattle’s Office of Economic Development.

“There’s a lot more to Asian culture than dim sum and pho,” said Gin. “Moon Fest is an opportunity for our large east Asian community to reconnect with their cultural traditions, and for all our community members and neighbors to learn, join in and celebrate with us.”

ABOUT MOON FEST:

What: Moon Fest, sponsored by HomeSight and Seattle’s Office of Economic Development

Where: Othello Park, 4351 S Othello St, Seattle, WA

When: Saturday, September 30, 2023 6-10 p.m.

Who: Everyone!

Cost: Free

Find more information here.

Sign up to volunteer here.

Newsletters

September 2023 – Newsletter

Attendees L to R: Back row: Jasmyn Jefferson, Deacon Tyson, Brooks Glenn, Donald King, Nicole Bascomb-Green, Tina LaBouve, Councilmember Kiara Daniels, Bishop Tyson. Front row: Patience Malaba, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, HomeSight Executive Director Darryl Smith, Michael Brown, Margaret Salazar, Gary Gant

HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge:

“Don’t Let Them Take Our Neighborhoods”

 

Key member of the Biden-Harris administration met HomeSight stakeholders and Black Homeownership Initiative Network members this week to give support to Black homeownership efforts.

 

HomeSight Executive Director Darryl Smith moderated a roundtable discussion with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Representative Adam Smith and members of the Black Home Initiative Network (BHIN) to discuss hurdles to homeownership in the Black community.

 

Several representatives from the BHIN—a coalition of 72 housing leaders dedicated to improving homeownership access in the Black community—attended the event, including Darryl Smith and Nicole Bascomb-Green, a HomeSight board member and the new chair of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

 

Secretary Fudge acknowledged the racial gap in homeownership is a pressing and longstanding issue. “It’s been 55 years since the Fair Housing Act was passed,” she said. “We know we have to do better.”

 

Noting the Biden-Harris administration had increased tax credits available for housing construction, Secretary Fudge said the problem only began with the affordable housing shortage. “We know we need to build houses. We are woefully short. But we can’t just build our way out of the problem,” she said. “We have to preserve the housing we have, and we have to preserve our communities.”

 

To do that, Mayor Harrell said more robust assistance was needed for down payments in this region that generally ranged from $100k-$150k. “We live in a very wealthy city,” Mayor Harrell said. “This creates a sub-class. You don’t become worth more than $180 billion and don’t recognize the wake you just left.” Mayor Harrell praised HomeSight for its “amazing” work directly tackling the challenges posed by increasingly unreachable starter home prices, saying: “That’s the kind of work we have to do.”

 

Darryl Smith said HomeSight’s programs addressed a critical gap in Seattle’s housing market. “The reality is that down payment assistance for low-income people is capped at 80 percent of the area median income. House prices have risen so far, and so rapidly, that even people making up to 120 percent of the area median income can’t bridge the gap, and don’t qualify for any assistance.”

 

At the roundtable, local teacher James Dixon shared his experience purchasing a home with the assistance of HomeSight’s Sam Smith “Hi Neighbor” Homeownership Fund, a loan product created in partnership with Windermere Real Estate designed to increase purchasing power of Black homebuyers earning between 80-120 percent of Washington state’s median income. After years of struggling with rising rent in Seattle, his hometown, Dixon was able to bridge the affordability gap to purchase his home last year with this program.

 

Bascomb-Green said: “That’s what we see every day as brokers. We have clients who are income rich, but asset poor. They can afford a mortgage, but don’t have the down payment, because they make too much money.”

 

Darryl Smith said the work must continue on every front. “When we talk about the issues surrounding creating generational wealth, the answer is ‘yes, and …’ It’s supply. It’s homebuyer education. It’s down payment assistance. It’s all of these.”

 

Secretary Fudge’s message was clear in response: “We want to work with you.” 

HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and HomeSight Executive Director Darryl Smith

Mark your calendars for these great HomeSight events and subscribe to our online events calendar for more!

Cultural Exchange Tour

Saturday, September 9th

11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Ready for the next Cultural Exchange Tour? Be a tourist in your own town and join HomeSight for FREE food and prizes as you explore the Graham neighborhood’s hidden gems and resources. (We mentioned free food, right?)

U-lex Prospective Buyer’s Workshop

Saturday, September 23

1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Low-to-moderate income families can own in Seattle at U-lex. HomeSight’s affordable co-op housing units, next to the Othello light rail station, will move QUICKLY and are available to qualified applicants on a first-come, first served basis. Learn how co-op living can provide the critical “first rung” on the ladder to building equity and generational wealth.

Looking for more HomeSight information?

To learn more about:

Partnerships: Moussa Samb | moussa@homesightwa.org

Lending Operations: Scott Kim | scott@homesightwa.org

Finance: Tammie Anders | tammie@homesightwa.org

Community Development: Sarah Valenta | sarah@homesightwa.org

Real Estate Development: Uche Okezie | uche@homesightwa.org

Resource Development: Sekai Senwosret | sekai@homesightwa.org

Employment Opportunities: Joe Thomas | joe@homesightwa.org

Executive Director: Darryl Smith |Executive Assistant: patty@homesightwa.org
HomeSight | 5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
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News

Don’t Let Them Take Our Neighborhoods

HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge:
“Don’t Let Them Take Our Neighborhoods”

Attendees L to R: Back row: Jasmyn Jefferson, Deacon Tyson, Brooks Glenn, Donald King, Nicole Bascomb-Green, Tina LaBouve, Councilmember Kiara Daniels, Bishop Tyson. Front row: Patience Malaba, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, HomeSight Executive Director Darryl Smith, Michael Brown, Margaret Salazar, Gary Gant

Key member of the Biden-Harris administration met HomeSight stakeholders and Black Homeownership Initiative Network members this week to give support to Black homeownership efforts.

HomeSight Executive Director Darryl Smith moderated a roundtable discussion with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Representative Adam Smith and members of the Black Home Initiative Network (BHIN) to discuss hurdles to homeownership in the Black community.

Several representatives from the BHIN—a coalition of 72 housing leaders dedicated to improving homeownership access in the Black community—attended the event, including Darryl Smith and Nicole Bascomb-Green, a HomeSight board member and the new chair of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

Secretary Fudge acknowledged the racial gap in homeownership is a pressing and longstanding issue. “It’s been 55 years since the Fair Housing Act was passed,” she said. “We know we have to do better.”

Noting the Biden-Harris administration had increased tax credits available for housing construction, Secretary Fudge said the problem only began with the affordable housing shortage. “We know we need to build houses. We are woefully short. But we can’t just build our way out of the problem,” she said. “We have to preserve the housing we have, and we have to preserve our communities.”

 To do that, Mayor Harrell said more robust assistance was needed for down payments in this region that generally ranged from $100k-$150k. “We live in a very wealthy city,” Mayor Harrell said. “This creates a sub-class. You don’t become worth more than $180 billion and don’t recognize the wake you just left.” Mayor Harrell praised HomeSight for its “amazing” work directly tackling the challenges posed by increasingly unreachable starter home prices, saying: “That’s the kind of work we have to do.”

Darryl Smith said HomeSight’s programs addressed a critical gap in Seattle’s housing market. “The reality is that down payment assistance for low-income people is capped at 80 percent of the area median income. House prices have risen so far, and so rapidly, that even people making up to 120 percent of the area median income can’t bridge the gap, and don’t qualify for any assistance.”

At the roundtable, local teacher James Dixon shared his experience purchasing a home with the assistance of HomeSight’s Sam Smith “Hi Neighbor” Homeownership Fund, a loan product created in partnership with Windermere Real Estate designed to increase purchasing power of Black homebuyers earning between 80-120 percent of Washington state’s median income. After years of struggling with rising rent in Seattle, his hometown, Dixon was able to bridge the affordability gap to purchase his home last year with this program.

Bascomb-Green said: “That’s what we see every day as brokers. We have clients who are income rich, but asset poor. They can afford a mortgage, but don’t have the down payment, because they make too much money.”

Darryl Smith said the work must continue on every front. “When we talk about the issues surrounding creating generational wealth, the answer is ‘yes, and …’ It’s supply. It’s homebuyer education. It’s down payment assistance. It’s all of these.”

Secretary Fudge’s message was clear in response: “We want to work with you.”

HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge and HomeSight Executive Director Darryl Smith
Newsletters

August 2023 – Newsletter

 

Four-year-old Guinevere helps Grandma (aka Amy Baldwin) distribute bubble tea at HomeSight’s summer party.

Your summer checklist:

  1. Absorb some vitamin D,
  2. Reconnect with the vibrant culture of Seattle,
  3. Meet your neighbors, and
  4. Explore your homeowning possibilities.

Do all of this — and more — at HomeSight events.

Resources? Check.

Fun? Also check.

U-lex Prospective Buyer’s Workshop

Saturday, August 12th

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

HomeSight’s affordable co-op housing units, next to the Othello light rail station, will move QUICKLY and are available to qualified applicants on a first-come, first served basis. Learn how co-op living provides that critical “first rung” on the ladder to generational wealth building, especially in a housing market as expensive as Seattle’s.

Othello International Festival

Sunday, August 13th

Noon-6 p.m.

HomeSight is proud to once again sponsor this family-friendly celebration of our incredible, diverse neighborhood. Come for the food, live music, games, dance and art, and be sure to stop by HomeSight’s tent to meet us in person!

Afghan Support Center

Wednesday, August 16th – Saturday, August 19th

various times

Do you or anyone you know need assistance relocating to the United States from Afghanistan? HomeSight will be joining local and federal government officials to help people arriving from Afghanistan make Seattle their home.

Cultural Exchange Tour

Saturday, August 19th

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Ready for the next Cultural Exchange Tour? Be a tourist in your own town and join HomeSight for FREE food and prizes as you explore Othello’s hidden gems and resources. (We mentioned free food, right?)

House Party

Saturday, August 19th

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Think you can’t afford to buy a house? Let’s sit down and talk about it. Get the personalized attention you need and deserve. HomeSight’s HUD-certified counselors will be out in the community with the Seattle Housing Authority, answering your housing questions one-on-one!

Enjoy Summer …

… and these pictures from HomeSight’s annual employee summer party. With food, fun, sun –and a SeaFair air show over Lake Washington — we all had a great time!

Looking for more HomeSight information?

To learn more about:

Partnerships: Moussa Samb | moussa@homesightwa.org

Lending Operations: Scott Kim | scott@homesightwa.org

Finance: Tammie Anders | tammie@homesightwa.org

Community Development: Sarah Valenta | sarah@homesightwa.org

Real Estate Development: Uche Okezie | uche@homesightwa.org

Resource Development: Sekai Senwosret | sekai@homesightwa.org

Employment Opportunities: Joe Thomas | joe@homesightwa.org

Executive Director: Darryl Smith |Executive Assistant: patty@homesightwa.org
HomeSight | 5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
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Events

Events

Event: Afghan Support Center

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 16th – Saturday, August 19th, W-F 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport, Grand Ballroom, 18740 International Blvd., Seattle, WA 98188

Description: Do you or anyone you know need assistance relocating to the United States from Afghanistan? HomeSight will be joining local and federal government officials to help people arriving from Afghanistan make Seattle their home.

Cost: Free

How to Register: No registration required. Transportation available. Find out more information here.

Event: Cultural Exchange Tour

Date/Time: Saturday, August 19th 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location:

Description: Ready for the next Cultural Exchange Tour? Be a tourist in your own town and join HomeSight for FREE food and prizes as you explore Othello’s hidden gems and resources. (We mentioned free food, right?)

Cost: Free

How to Register: Register here. Find out more information here.

Event: House Party

Date/Time: Saturday, August 19th 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: New Holly Gathering Hall 7054 32nd Avenue S, Seattle

Description: Think you can’t afford to buy a house? Let’s sit down and talk about it. Get the personalized attention you need and deserve. HomeSight’s HUD-certified counselors will be out in the community with the Seattle Housing Authority, answering your housing questions one-on-one!

Cost: Free

How to Register: No registration required.

HomeSight | 5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
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News

Are you ready to buy a home?

Quiz: Are you ready to buy a home?

The benefits of homeownership are great, but getting there takes preparation. There are many factors to consider before you buy a home, such as your income, savings, credit score, debt, budget, lifestyle, and goals. How do you know if you’re ready to take this step? Take our quiz!

  • Do you have a stable and reliable source of income? (2 points)
  • Have you been saving money for a down payment and closing costs? (2 points)
  • Do you have a good credit history and score? (1 point)
  • Do you have a realistic budget that includes all the costs of homeownership, such as mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities? (1 point)
  • Do you plan to stay in the same area for at least five years? (2 points)
  • Do you have an emergency fund that can cover at least six months of living expenses in case of unexpected events? (1 point)
  • Do you have a clear idea of what kind of home you want and need? (2 points)
  • Are you willing to compromise on some features or amenities if necessary? (2 points)
  • Are you prepared to deal with the responsibilities and challenges of homeownership, such as repairs and maintenance? (2 points)

Add up your score:

11-15 points: The House Hunter

You’ve prepared financially and done your homework. You’re ready to learn about your mortgage options. Call HomeSight today and learn about all the opportunities we can offer to start building equity in your new home!

6-10 points: The Web Surfer

You may be perusing homebuying websites, but you haven’t evaluated your own financial toolkit. Even if you’re just surfing on Zillow or Redfin, it’s never too early to lay the groundwork so when the time comes, you’re financially prepared. The good news is you’re not alone. HomeSight’s homebuying classes can help you budget, plan and get you financially ready to take this first step toward building equity.

0-5 points: Square One

You’ve got to start somewhere! You may think homeownership is out of reach for you, but HomeSight’s lending experts can show you how to prepare. If you’re at the beginning of your homebuying journey, we’re happy to help you create a realistic budget and timeline. Try our Homebuyer Education class to get your budget in shape.

We love showing our clients what’s possible for them in the Washington housing market.


Contact Us Today

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