Empire Access MLS Offers New "Down Payment Resource" Application to Help Home Buyers

March 30, 2011 - PRLog -- The Empire Access Multiple Listing Service (EAMLS) has recently installed the new “Down Payment Resource” (DPR), a free online application, that identifies properties within Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and the Bronx counties that may be eligible for down-payment assistance.   EAMLS is only the second MLS in the nation to offer this new service, following the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS. ®  

Launched in 2009 by Workforce Resource, a web-based software firm, DPR is displayed as an icon next to those properties that may quality for programs offered by federal, state and local housing finance agencies.   It is designed to help potential home buyers determine if they are eligible for any type of financial assistance toward the down payment on the property.

“For many people – particularly first time homebuyers – the largest barrier to purchasing a home is lack of a substantial down payment,” said EAMLS President Gary Leogrande.  “We want our participating Realtors to know all the available resources and information that can benefit their clients.”

DPR, a unique proprietary web tool, connects eligible homebuyers and eligible properties with governmental and private sector programs not only for down payment assistance, but for affordable fixed-rate mortgages, mortgage credit certificates and rehab loans as well.

Licensed directly to EAMLS, mortgage lenders, and housing counselors, DPR  can turn home ownership from a dream into reality for many individuals and families.  Potential home buyers can simply visit www.wpar.com, click on “Find a Property,” and enter the search criteria.  When viewing details of each property, prospective buyers can look for the DPR icon, click on it and answer a short survey to determine their potential eligibility for various programs.

“Basically, DPR increases the volume of affordable home lending,” added Leogrande.  “In addition to assisting buyers, it can help sellers by bringing in more potential buyers. For Realtors, this could lead to a larger pool of clients and more transactions. It’s a win-win situation for all parties.”

For more information on DPR, please visit their website at www.workforce-resource.com.
Empire Access Multiple Listing Service, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors, Inc.  The multiple listing service comprises 927 participating real estate offices and some 15,000 properties in its database  -- about 9,400 in Westchester, 1,900 in Dutchess, 1,500 in Putnam, and 1,600 in Bronx. It is among the top 50 largest MLSs in the country.

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The Westchester Putnam Association of REALTORS®, Inc. (WPAR Inc.), a non-profit trade association, represents 7,000 real estate professionals in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Bronx Counties.