Sussex Realtors to host affordable housing summit Feb. 11

Sussex County Association of Realtors will host an affordable housing summit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, at its headquarters at 23407 Park Ave., Georgetown.

The summit is designed to answer questions such as whether the real estate industry is doing enough to create affordable housing opportunities in Sussex County and if not, how can it change to be more inclusive?

The public is cordially invited to listen to panel experts including home builders, Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission leaders, and Sussex County Habitat for Humanity principles. Among other things, these experts will address the availability of homes in the affordable range for full-time workers, the alternatives and the barriers. Experts also will help define affordable housing in Sussex County. There will be time dedicated to questions and answers.

A National Association of Realtors staff specialist will be in attendance. Holly Moskerintz, NAR workforce housing specialist, said, “This event is a much-needed discussion meant to positively impact our leadership’s stances on a very popular topic.”

SCAOR Public Policy Chair Sandra Ware feels strongly about trying to resolve the affordable housing dilemma in Sussex County. Ware said, “One size does not fit all when it comes to housing stock. We have to be creative and think about increasing a borrower’s ability to repay and to qualify with today’s banking standards.”

Also, the Lit Dryden Award Contest will reward one lucky Realtor association member with three free continuing education classes and some publicity. A proud Realtor for more than 40 years, Lit Dryden’s numerous accomplishments included being recognized as a Realtor of the Year and serving on the New Castle County boards and the Delaware board as president, as well as serving as a regional vice president of the National Association of Realtors. In memory of Lit Dryden, contest organizers are seeking entrants’ best solution to combat the shortage of affordable housing in Sussex County. The submissions will be judged, and the best solution will be announced at the summit as the winner of the contest.

Free lunch is provided, but seating is limited. For more information or to register, call SCAOR at 302-855-2300 or email info@scaor.com.