NMHC expo reaches out on how to obtain a home

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Northern Marianas Housing Corp. held a housing expo on Friday at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe to educate the public about how to obtain their own homes.

A total of 54 organizations joined the expo’s opening day, with dignitaries such as Gov. Eloy S. Inos and Delegate Gregorio C. Kilili Sablan (Ind-MP) giving special remarks.

In his speech, Inos said he will continue to work with NMHC to get housing projects going in the future.

“It is a pleasure to see so many different organizations trying to help the community out in building a new home, housing, financials, and many more that is in the interest of the community to find out about the many institutions involved,” Inos said.

Sablan said that people should take risks, like he did when he wanted to get a house.

“NMHC helped me a lot in the past because NMHC took a risk for standing borrowers for housing,” he said.

Sablan also presented NMHC officials with a congressional commendation commemorating the agency’s anniversary.

NMHC’s board chair Marcie M. Tomokane said that NMHC has always endeavored to improve its delivery of effective and efficient services to families in need of housing assistance.

“The Community Development Block Grant program has funded countless projects pursued by public, private, and non-profit organizations CNMI-wide and NMHC will continue to provide this community service in the years to come,” Tomokane said.

She said the goal of the housing expo is to provide an opportunity for NMHC and participating organizations to network, showcase, and promote their products and services, as well as share their experiences and accomplishments with the community.

One member of the public said he was there to look at the housing benefits due to his low income.

“I read on the paper about NMHC’s housing programs last week and I wanted to come and find out. I feel good that I don’t have to drive all the way to Garapan when everybody is here,” he said.

One key player, REMAX Paradise Realty’s Mable E. Ayuyu, said that they were there to show community members the services their company can provide.

Ayuyu said that they actively list real estate properties on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota and show houses, apartments, and commercial spaces to potential clients.

“We’re here to provide our services to interested members of the community and tell them what services we provide,” she said.

Community members enjoyed help from bank and financial institutes, contractors and developers, insurance and title companies, realtor companies, suppliers, architects and engineers, appraisal companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

“It is a great turnout and from all the housing expos I have been through, this is by far the best expo we have had in many years with so many participating key agents,” Tomokane said.

“As a community, we must come together to ensure that every person who calls the CNMI home receives the housing assistance they rightfully deserve. Home is where life begins,” she added.