Alex Beaver

Megan Manor: Affordable Housing in Chatom, Alabama

Posted on by Alex Beaver

Megan Manor, Chatom, AL, building front and sidewalkLocated just minutes from downtown Chatom, Alabama, the community of Megan Manor offers an excellent combination of clean, affordable floorplans and suburban convenience, making it a welcome choice for individuals and families seeking affordable housing in southern Alabama.

About Chatom, Alabama

Situated about an hour’s drive north of Mobile, the town of Chatom was originally founded in 1904 and has served as the county seat of Washington County since 1907. Home to roughly 1300 people, Chatom is small enough to maintain a quiet, country feel yet large enough to offer shopping, dining, healthcare and other conveniences. Locals can enjoy a steak dinner at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, excellent Mexican fare at Burro Burracho, or the famous biscuits and burgers at Bertile’s. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing at nearby Emmet Wood Lake or take in a round of golf at The Pines of Chatom. A short drive south brings you to the shopping, dining and entertainment options of Mobile, Alabama, not to mention the scenic Gulf Coast.

About Megan Manor

Located about a half mile from the center of town, Megan Manor offers a variety of spacious apartments in an inviting wooded setting. Available in 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom floor plans, each unit is equipped with central heat and air, range, dishwasher, refrigerator and hookups for washer/dryer and cable television. The complex itself offers additional amenities like a clubhouse with laundry facilities, an outdoor gazebo and a playground for the kids. Residents also enjoy being close to shopping, restaurants, healthcare and Washington County High School, all of which are accessible either by car or on foot.

Megan Manor is an income-restricted property that provides safe, affordable housing to qualifying low-income individuals and families. If you’re looking for an affordable place to live in the Chatom area, we would love to show you around the property. To take a tour of your new home and discuss the qualification process, give Olympia Management, Inc. a call today at 256-894-2382.

Where to Find Affordable Rentals in Alabama

Posted on by Alex Beaver

Rental market rates are on the rise in major cities all over the country; not just in San Francisco, New York City, Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles, but cities and towns here in Alabama as well. While Alabama offers a lower cost of living than most other parts of the nation, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to find affordable housing here. From senior citizens to millennials, decreasing housing affordability makes it more and more difficult for low-income individuals and families to meet their rent and pay their utility bills every month. That said, it is still possible to find affordable rentals in Alabama — provided you know where to look and know whether you’re eligible for affordable housing. The following tips should help narrow your search and avoid apartment listings with sky-high rents.

Determine What’s an Affordable Rental to You

Before starting your search, begin by taking a look at your own income and budget. Look at all your income streams, including those from other people in your household, and add them up to find out your monthly household income. Calculate 30 percent of that monthly income, and you’ll know how much rent you can reasonably afford without straining financially. (If you currently rent somewhere, and your rent exceeds this amount, you’re paying too much, and you’re considered “rent-burdened.”) Once you know the dollar amount you can afford in rent, you’ll be able to save time by ruling out places you can’t really afford.

How Renters Can Find Affordable Rentals

These days, the Internet is a powerful tool for searching for available rentals in your area. Sites like zillow.com, rent.com, and apartments.com let you scope out rental listings anywhere in America. Simply narrow your search criteria by your city and price range to get a listing of places in your price range. You can also filter your search by other features like number of bedrooms, type of housing, etc. You can make a note of any properties you’re interested in, and email or call directly from the site.

There are some drawbacks to this do-it-yourself approach, however. Depending on what’s affordable to you, you may find your options limited, and the few options that are available, they may be in bad shape or in a part of town you deem unsafe. For some families, this approach doesn’t turn up any acceptable results.

An Alternative: Qualify for Affordable Housing

Another approach to finding affordable rentals in Alabama is to reach out to your local U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office and determine whether your household’s monthly income qualifies you for affordable housing. There are a surprising number of properties out there that accept government subsidies to make up the difference between the market rent and what you can afford to pay. These properties aren’t always found on the search engines, and they are often clean and well-managed. To be eligible, you’ll need to prove that your monthly household income falls somewhere below the Area Median Income (AMI) for your area. The percentages and thresholds differ from place to place, but you can often find affordable housing options if your income is at or below 50-80 percent of AMI.

If you are aware of local apartment communities in your area that are income-restricted or income-based, you can also reach out to the management directly to discuss how to qualify to live there. Olympia Management, Inc. prides itself on managing many clean, safe, affordable apartments here in Alabama and throughout the Southeast. Contact us at 256-894-2382 to learn about available properties in your area.

Who Qualifies for Affordable Housing?

Posted on by Alex Beaver

With the cost of housing continuing to climb nationwide, the need for affordable living situations has never been greater. Affordable housing options are available in every state in the union, but figuring out how to qualify for these properties can be genuinely confusing. Who actually qualifies for affordable housing, and what criteria need to be met? Let’s unpack these questions to demystify the process a bit.

Understanding Area Median Income (AMI)

To understand how people qualify for affordable housing, you must first become familiar with the term “Area Median Income” (or AMI). The AMI is essentially the midpoint number between the highest and lowest income earners in a given area. This number will be different in every city or region, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development determines the AMI annually for every region in the country.

Categories of Low-Income Housing

The reason the AMI is important is that local housing authorities basically use it as a measuring stick to determine your eligibility for affordable housing in that area, comparing your income level as a percentage of the AMI. Most areas categorize low-income households in three categories:

  • Households with an income of 80 percent of AMI or lower are considered low-income;
  • Households making 50 percent of AMI or lower are classified very low income; and
  • Households making 30 percent of AMI or below are considered extremely low income.

How Low-Income Housing Eligibility Is Assessed

Determining who qualifies for affordable housing is typically decided by a local housing authority or HUD office, based on such factors as how many properties are available, the volume of applicants and sometimes even the cost of living. Generally speaking, extremely low income families or individuals (30 percent AMI or below) are given top priority on waiting lists for HUD’s Section 8 or income-based housing options, but many areas also make income-based housing available to families making 50 percent or less of AMI. Some income restricted-housing (including many properties managed by Olympia Management, Inc.) have income limits to ensure they are available to households in the low-income bracket (80 percent of AMI or below). And in certain cities where rents are particularly high, even families making more than 80 percent of AMI may qualify for certain types of affordable housing. (In New York City, for instance, it is possible for you and your family members to make a combined household income of more than $100,000 per year and still qualify for some affordable housing units.)

Affordable Housing Waitlists and Availability

Meeting the eligibility requirements and qualifying for an affordable housing program doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get housing assistance. Some housing authorities and HUD offices have a high demand and long waitlists for a limited number of properties, and priority is usually given to low-income individuals and families. If you find yourself on a waiting list, don’t despair. You may still meet the qualifications for income-restricted rental housing without having to go through the HUD’s Section 8 or public housing channels.

Olympia Management, Inc. manages a number of affordable apartment communities across the southern U.S. We’d be glad to explore some excellent affordable housing opportunities with you. Call us at 256-894-2382 to learn more.

Health and Safety Guidelines. We are here for you during this difficult time!

Posted on by Alex Beaver

Dear Valued Tenants:

At Olympia Management, Inc., (OMI) we take your personal health and safety very seriously. You may have some growing concerns about the (COVID-19). We want to put your mind at ease with some of these basic tips to stay healthy.

  • Hand washing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. As a backup, use the antibacterial hand sanitizer readily available to you.
  • Refrain from unnecessary close contact such as fist bumps, high fives, handshakes, and hugs. Opt for verbal greetings.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing, or sneezing or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a tenant or guest shows up with symptoms, the staff will politely ask them to leave.
  • If you are sick, not feeling well, or are self-quarantined, please post a note on your door so that staff knows not to enter. Pest control will be doing exterior perimeter only.
  • Help us by being vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries or states where there are outbreaks of the virus, PLEASE FOLLOW GUIDANCE ON THE CDC WEBSITE. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Here are additional things we are doing to keep our facilities safe and clean:

  • Staff is increasing cleaning high contact areas such as door handles, tabletops, and items in the common areas, specifically the office, laundry, computer labs and community buildings.
  • We have instructed property managers and maintenance personnel to be generous with sanitizing equipment and reminding tenants the importance of wiping down all areas of equipment they have touched after each usage.
  • We have advised all staff members to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Any staff members who are ill will be sent home.

We are closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization regarding COVID-19. We will continue to seek guidance from these agencies and public health officials, and we will update you as new information becomes available.

We are committed to keeping our facilities a safe and enjoyable place for all. Thank you for being understanding and such a valued tenant of the OMI family.

 

Where to Find Affordable Rentals in Louisiana

Posted on by Alex Beaver

As rents continue to climb all over the nation, more and more households with limited income are having a difficult time finding places to live within their budget. Even in a state like Louisiana, where housing is less expensive than in other parts of the country, the market values for rentals are increasing faster than the average income, making it harder than ever for middle to low-income families to afford rent. If you are on a fixed income or working a low-wage job, where can you find affordable rentals in Louisiana these days? The following guide should help.

Get Prepared in Advance

Due to rising rents, if you simply start searching the Internet for apartments within your budget, it won’t be long before you feel like you’re hunting for a needle in a haystack. The fact is, there are resources and programs available to match you with affordable housing in your area, and even to help lower your rent payments. Before starting your search, take some time and get your paperwork in order. Gather information about your income and expenses, including recent pay stubs if you have them. Do a quick budget to determine how much you rent you can reasonably afford. (As a rule of thumb, rent should be no more than 30 percent of your income.) You’ll use this information to qualify for rent assistance and affordable housing programs in your area. For more help getting prepared, see our guide on How to Find Affordable Housing.

Check Out Available Affordable Housing Resources in Louisiana

The Louisiana Housing Corporation is the state agency that oversees federal and state resources to help lower income individuals and families obtain affordable housing in Louisiana. Their website includes extensive information on finding affordable rents, including information on qualifying for assistance and restricted income housing, and even a search feature to find qualifying rentals in your area.

Another place to check out available resources is your local housing office, which you can usually find with a Google search like “housing authority in _____” (name of your city). Your local office will have more direct information on rental properties in your area that offer affordable housing and participate in assistance programs.

Scope out Qualifying Properties in Your Area

Once you have a good idea of your budget and the programs you might qualify for, it’s time to start apartment hunting in your local area. Your local housing authority may have a list of properties to check out, or you may find some by searching the Internet for “affordable housing in _____” (name of your city). We urge you to go on-site and tour some of these properties before making a decision — see what units they have available and whether they have the space and amenities to meet your needs.

Olympia Management is pleased to administer a number of clean, safe affordable rentals in Louisiana, including income-based and income-restricted apartments in numerous cities across the state. To learn more about what we have available and how we can help, call us at 256-894-2382.

Munford Village Offers Affordable Housing in Munford, Alabama

Posted on by Alex Beaver

Located in the heart of Munford, Alabama, Munford Village is an affordable housing community offering a selection of comfortable 1- to 3-bedroom apartments in pleasant surroundings. Located in a small town just minutes from all amenities, this complex offers the best of country living along with modern conveniences.

About Munford, Alabama

Nestled against the scenic Talladega National Forest, the town of Munford is a quiet rural community of about 1400 people. Located in Talladega County midway between Oxford and Talladega along Route 21, Munford offers all the amenities you’d expect of a small town, including schools, shops, restaurants, a Town Hall, a Post Office and several churches.

One of the best things about living in Munford is that while the town itself is small and quiet, you’re still close to everything you need. A 15-minute drive southwest along Route 21 brings you to Talladega, home to the famed Talladega Speedway hosting several NASCAR races a year. Fifteen minutes in the other direction brings you to the larger communities of Oxford and Anniston, where you’ll find plenty of additional shopping and dining. Outdoor enthusiasts have much to enjoy about this area, as well — including hiking, fishing and camping in the national forest lands. Cheaha State Park is a popular destination about 14 miles from Munford, with lodges, chalets, campgrounds and access to Mount Cheaha, the highest point in Alabama. You’ll also enjoy exploring the caves of Desoto Caverns Park about a 30-minute drive from town.

About Munford Village

Located just off Route 21, Munford Village is a comfortable, well-managed apartment community near the center of town, with most amenities and services conceivably within walking distance — including groceries, restaurants, the Post Office and the town community center. You’re steps away from the Munford Food Mart, with the famous burgers and shakes of Jack’s just beyond that. Munford Village is also convenient for families with school-age children as Munford Elementary and Munford High School are located just a half-mile away.

The grounds at Munford Village clean and well kept, with a playground for the kids and laundry facilities available at the community office. One, two and three-bedroom floor plans are available, and each unit includes central heat and air, refrigerator and range. Water, sewer and garbage removal are included in the rent.

Munford Village is an income-based property, compliant with HUD specifications and designed to provide a safe, quiet home for low-income individuals and families. If you have a limited income and are looking to settle in this lovely area, we would love to give you a tour of your new home. To learn more about our available properties and qualification process, please call Olympia Management today at 256-894-2382.

How to Find Low-Income Apartments in the South

Posted on by Alex Beaver

No matter where you live in the U.S., finding affordable housing these days can be a challenge. Granted, but are many areas in the southern states where home prices and rent market values are lower than the national average, but rents are still climbing across the board — so low-income households may still have difficulty finding inexpensive apartments in the South. How can you find a place to live that meets your needs without breaking your budget?

The good news is there are still plenty of affordable places to rent across the South — provided you know where (and how) to look for them. Below, we’ve outlined two basic approaches you can take to find the low-income housing you need.

The Needle-in-a-Haystack Approach

These days, there are dozens of apartment search websites on the Internet that allow you to search for available apartments in a local area. You can narrow your search by all sorts of criteria, including square footage, number of bedrooms, monthly rent, etc. The down side to this approach is that if you have a limited income, your results may feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Your price range may turn up apartments that aren’t clean or well-kept, apartments in dangerous or high-crime neighborhoods, etc., and you’ll have to weed through these to find something that works for you. This approach can work if you have the time and patience, but it can be a frustrating and discouraging process.

The Income Based Approach

Depending on how much you earn, you may qualify for a number of local or federal programs designed to provide affordable housing to low-income households. With these programs, rents are determined based on your income, not market value; the idea is for you to pay what you can afford while the government subsidizes the rest. Many apartment complexes participate in these programs, but they’re not easy to spot using the previous approach because they typically display their current market rates online. You can find out if you qualify for one of these programs by contacting your state or local housing authority, which you can often find using a basic Internet search. You can also click here for a directory of HUD field offices who can point you in the right direction.

Olympia Management specializes in providing safe, clean, inexpensive apartments in cities across the South, many of which are income-based or income-restricted. To learn more, give us a call at 256-894-2382.

Where to Find Affordable Rentals in Georgia

Posted on by Alex Beaver

You don’t need to be a newshound to know that rents are going up all over America — even in traditionally affordable parts of the country like Georgia. As market values for rent properties continues to climb, a larger number of people are having more difficulty finding affordable rentals in Georgia — and those who already have a place to live are having more difficulties keeping up with rising costs. The good news is that there are still affordable rentals out there, and there are also programs to help lower-income individuals and families find affordable places to live. If you are struggling either to make rent or to find an affordable rental in Georgia, the following guide should help you take the next steps.

Get Your Paperwork Together First

If you simply try to use the Internet to find apartments in your price range, chances are you’re going to spend a lot of time spinning your wheels. You’ll probably fare much better, and get a nicer place to live, by trying to qualify for rent assistance and other affordable housing programs. To do this, you’ll need to gather information about your income, including pay stubs, bank accounts, tax returns and basic information on your monthly expenses. We share more about this process in our guide on How to Find Affordable Housing.

Connect with Affordable Housing Resources in Georgia

A number of agencies in Georgia help low income individuals and their families connect to the resources that can help them. Here in Georgia, the state agency that coordinates federal and state resources is the Department of Community Affairs. Here you can get information about affordable housing developments in your area as well as beginning the application process to qualify for housing choice vouchers — government subsidies to make rent more affordable for you.

Another approach: contact your local housing authority to find out more information about qualifying properties in your area and apply for assistance. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a comprehensive list of public housing offices throughout Georgia. You can also find other local Georgia affordable rental resources at the HUD website.

Tour Qualifying Properties in Your Area

Once you’ve figured out your budget, done your paperwork and qualified for any available assistance, it’s time to start doing the actual legwork of touring affordable rental properties in your city. Your local housing office should have a list of qualifying properties, or you may be able to find them by a simple Google search like “affordable rentals in ____” (name of your city). Many of these properties will take housing vouchers, while others may receive tax credits for designating some of their apartments as “affordable housing.” If you qualify for a specific program, make sure that complex participates in that program before signing a lease.

Olympia Management manages a number of safe, clean affordable housing communities across Georgia. To learn more about availability and qualifying for these affordable rentals, call us at 256-894-2382.

Affordable Apartments in Lake City, SC

Posted on by Alex Beaver

Conveniently located in beautiful Lake City, SC, the apartment community of Palmetto Ridge Estates offers a range affordable 2- and 3-bedroom apartments in one of the most vibrant cultural hubs in the Southeast. Close to shopping, dining and other area services, Palmetto Ridge welcomes its residents with comfortable floorplans, convenient amenities and responsive management.

About Lake City, SC

Home to about 7000 people, Lake City is a community rich in history and culture. Originally settled in 1736 as a farming community, Lake City was at one time dubbed the “Bean Capital of the World.” While the city still maintains its agricultural heritage today, it has also evolved into a regional cultural hub, attracting a large community of artists. The city’s motto is “Make Your Art,” and residents and visitors alike will enjoy the numerous galleries, murals and manicured floral-scapes across the historic downtown area. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of recreational opportunities to enjoy across the area, including hiking, fishing, kayaking and golf. The city also hosts a number of festivals and cultural events throughout the year, and USAToday readers recently voted Lake City as having one of the 10 best cultural scenes in the country.

About Palmetto Ridge Estates

Located on the northern edge of Lake City, the Palmetto Ridge Estates complex sits close to the major arteries of US-378 and US-52. A Wal-Mart Supercenter anchors this junction just moments away from the complex, making shopping extremely convenient for residents. Numerous dining options can be found along US-52 (Ron McNair Blvd) leading into the city itself, and Lake City Community Hospital is one mile to the south. A short drive south brings you to the walkable historic downtown area, where you’ll find a great variety of boutiques, galleries and restaurants located in well-preserved historic buildings. For additional shopping, dining and services, the larger city of Florence is located just a half-hour’s drive north.

The complex itself is clean and well kept, offering residents amenities that include an attractive clubhouse with community kitchen, laundry facilities, fitness center and a computer/business center. There’s also an outdoor playground for the kids, as well as an outdoor pavilion perfect for family gatherings.

About Our Units

Palmetto Ridge Estates offers a selection of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom floor plans, all equipped with the necessities for comfortable living, including central heat and air, refrigerator, range, microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer connections. Each unit also has additional outdoor storage, as well as a private balcony or patio for enjoying the outdoors.

Palmetto Ridge Estates, an income-restricted property, is pleased to offer clean, quiet apartment living for qualifying low-income individuals and families in one of South Carolina’s most delightful small towns. To schedule a tour of your new Lake City home, please call Olympia Management today at 256-894-2382.

4 Tips for Finding Affordable Housing in 2020

Posted on by Alex Beaver

As rents continue to rise, more and more people face the ongoing challenge of finding affordable housing. If you spent 2019 struggling to make rent and bills, it’s time to find some relief. Thankfully, affordable housing is attainable if you know the steps to take. Follow these four tips for finding affordable housing in 2020.

1. Figure out your income and expenses.

Before you start searching for affordable housing, you need to know how much housing you can actually afford. It’s surprising how many individuals and families scrape by month to month without actually knowing how much they make versus how much they spend. You must have this information in order to apply for affordable housing in your area, so let’s start here. Make a list of all your household sources of income, followed by listing all your expenses — from rent to utilities to groceries to recreation. Pay particular attention to your total monthly income, and calculate one-third of that amount. According to the government, that is the maximum you should be paying in rent and utilities for your living situation to be affordable.

2. Get your paperwork in order.

Once you have a basic understanding of how much you make versus how much you spend, it’s time to start assembling the paperwork that proves your income. Collect pay stubs from at least the past several months, and gather tax returns from at least the past 2 years. You’ll need this documentation to apply for affordable housing subsidies, so get it ready now to help the process along as quickly as possible.

3. Check with your local housing authority.

One of the best resources to find affordable housing in your area is your local housing office — the local agency that administers government subsidies for low-income families. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a nice search feature on its website to help you find the housing office in your local area.

4. Work with a trusted management company.

Another way to find affordable housing (even alongside working with your local HUD field office) is to work with a management company in your area that specializes in affordable and/or subsidized housing. You can often identify these companies with a basic Internet search or by obtaining contact info from your housing office. Working with a management company may provide you additional housing options if a certain complex doesn’t suit your needs.

Olympia Management specializes in comfortable, affordable housing in many cities throughout the southeastern U.S. To learn more about availability and how to find affordable housing in 2020, call us today at 256-894-2382.

How to Qualify for Affordable Housing in Louisiana

Posted on by Alex Beaver

Wondering if your household qualifies for affordable housing in Louisiana?

When determining whether an individual or family qualifies for affordable housing, household income and size is compared to the area media income (AMI). Broadly, if your household makes around 30 percent of the AMI, you are likely to qualify for public housing programs or housing vouchers. However, you can qualify for income-restricted rentals — like the ones offered by Olympia Management — with incomes as high as 80 percent of the AMI. AMI thresholds may vary state to state, which is why it’s important for Louisiana residents seeking affordable housing to familiarize themselves with state- and local-funded housing programs.

Affordable Housing Programs in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) is responsible for administering federal and state funds to qualified residents through special rental programs and other housing resources. Louisiana’s affordable housing programs include:

  • Permanent Supportive Housing Program, which administers “affordable rental housing with voluntary, flexible and individualized community-based services to assist people with the most severe and complex disabilities to live successfully in the community.”
  • Project-Based Voucher Program, in which “a PHA enters into an assistance contract with [a residential property] owner for specified units and for a specified term. The PHA refers families from its waiting list to the project owner to fill vacancies.”

To apply for Louisiana’s Project-Based Voucher Program, you must visit a Public Housing Agency (PHA) in your area. A list of PHA offices in Louisiana can be accessed here on the HUD website — simply select “Louisiana” on the map and you will be redirected to a document containing location/contact information of all Louisiana PHA offices. If you apply at a PHA with an extremely long waiting list, HUD recommends submitting an application at more than one PHA office.

How to Find Affordable Housing Complexes in Louisiana

Ready to begin your affordable housing search? LHC makes it easy to find affordable and income-restricted housing in Louisiana with its LAHousingSearch tool. You can also use HUD’s Resource Locator Tool to find housing options in your city or town that offer reduced rents to qualified tenants.

For households that qualify for income-restricted housing, be sure to take a look at these outstanding affordable housing complexes in Louisiana, all of which are managed by Olympia Management:

To schedule an appointment to tour one of these properties, call Olympia Management today at 256-894-2382.

Tracey Reyes Appointed New Manager of Operations

Posted on by Alex Beaver

Olympia Management, Inc., is proud to announce that Tracey Reyes has been promoted to the position of Manager of Operations. Tracey has over 18 years experience in the Affordable Housing industry and has been with Olympia Management since its inception in 2014 as a Regional Property Manager. Tracey is the leader of a large enthusiastic team of property managers across several states. She has been outstanding in the Affordable Housing field since the start of her career in 2000 and brought her experience to Olympia Management from another management company.

With much power comes great responsibility and Olympia Management believes in her talent and skills and congratulates her on her new position in this company.