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Q: What is HOPA? A: Housing for Older Persons Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status (families with children under the age of 18; pregnant women and people in the process of obtaining custody of children under 18, or persons with written permission of the parent or legal guardian). However, it contains a limited exemption from the familial status prohibitions for housing for older persons.
What Are the Fair Housing Act’s “Housing for Older Persons” Exemptions?
The Fair Housing Act specifically exempts three types of housing for older persons from liability for familial status discrimination. Such exempt housing facilities or communities can lawfully refuse to sell or rent dwellings to families with minor children only if they qualify for the exemption. In order to qualify for the “housing for older persons” exemption, a facility or community must comply with all the requirements of the exemption.
The Housing for Older Persons exemptions apply to the following housing:
- Provided under any state or federal program that the Secretary of HUD has determined to be specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons (as defined in the state or federal program);
- Intended for, and solely occupied by persons 62 years of age or older; or
- Intended and operated for occupancy by persons 55 years of age or older.
The 55 or older exemption is the most common of the three.
How to Qualify for the “55 or Older” Exemption
In order to qualify for the “55 or older” housing exemption, a facility or community must satisfy each of the following requirements:
- At least 80 percent of the units must have at least one occupant who is 55 years of age or older; and
- The facility or community must publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate the intent to operate as “55 or older” housing; and
- The facility or community must comply with HUD’s regulatory requirements for age verification of residents.
The “housing for older persons” exemption does not protect such housing facilities or communities from liability for housing discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, or national origin.
File a Complaint
If you think your fair housing rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with HUD or contact your local FHEO office.
Additional Resources
Article and Information Courtesy of US Department of Housing and Urban Development
If you are looking for a property that is approved for HOPA, contact me today. I can search for that perfect property to suit your needs.
Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Realty
901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
808.747.3686
SL 3535792
Fort Lauderdale Area Reports
March 2023 real estate statistics have been released!
Fort Lauderdale Area Reports
Single Family Homes
Condominium & Townhouses
Commonly asked questions while reviewing the reports:
What is the difference between “Median Sales Price” and “Average Sales Price”?
Median Sales Price | Price of the “”middle”” property sold -an equal number of sales were above and below this price.
Average Sales Price | Average sales price for all properties sold.
What does “Absorption Rate” mean?
Absorption Rate | Looks at the past year’s monthly supply of inventory. In a normal market there should be a 6 month supply. The higher the rate above 6 the more aggressive a seller has to be with the competition; price and having a picture perfect property.
Fort Lauderdale Area Report for Single Family Homes:
Fort Lauderdale Area Report for Condominiums and Townhomes:
Please contact me if you would like to be automatically sent updated area market reports for Fort Lauderdale or another SE Florida city. I am here to help.
Let’s start working together!
Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Realty
901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
808.747.3686
SL 3535792
Home Renovations Worth the Time and Effort
The right renovations won’t just make your space more comfortable to live in, they can also increase the overall value of your home. Curious about which home renovations experts say are worth the time and effort? I’ve got you covered!
🛁 Update an old-fashioned bathroom.
🚰 Upgrade the kitchen with modern appliances and finishes.
🏠 Preserve interesting architectural elements.
🛠️ Renovate an underused area of your home.
🌳 Create an outdoor oasis.
Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Realty
808.747.3686
SL 3535792
RealVitalize® Program for Home Sellers
RealVitalize® Program for Home Sellers
The RealVitalize® program provides home sellers with home improvement resources during
the listing period, with no upfront costs or interest fees. The Before and After changes can sell your property!
Non-structural projects can be completed with RealVitalize®. This includes renovations or just the final touch-up services that makes a home show-ready. Examples of frequently requested services include:
• Staging
• Landscaping
• Carpeting and Flooring
• Cleaning
• Moving and Storage*
• Painting
• Room Renovations
• Plumbing
• Electrical Repairs
* Up to 3 months of storage is available. Domestic moving in the United States is covered.
All transactions must be completed before closing.
Services that are not included with RealVitalize® are projects deemed structural. These are
remodels that affect the overall square footage or integrity of the home, including:
• Building new walls or tearing down existing walls
• Building an addition to a home
• Adding an entirely new roof
• Digging an in-ground pool
This exciting program can help you make small changes that make a big impact to your home’s selling price. Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint or renovating your kitchen, we can help you boost your sale price. There’s no hidden fees or interest—and you don’t have to pay until your property sells. Contact me today to learn more about the RealVitalize® program.
If you are ready to sell your home, but need to spruce it up first, please contact me and I will happily provide you with more information on RealVitalize®, Coldwell Banker’s fantastic program for sellers. I am here to help!
Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR® ABR® AHWD®
Coldwell Banker Realty
901 E Las Olas Blvd Ste 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
808.747.3686
SL 3535792
