How COVID-19 is Affecting Current and Future Homeownership
By Jan Miyagishima, Director of Mortgage Operations

Our mission to provide Alaskans access to safe, quality and affordable housing stands strong regardless of circumstance. Whether you're navigating mortgage forbearance, buying your first home, or remodeling a guest room to create a home office or classroom for the fall, Alaska Housing is here to help.

Mortgage Forbearance

Nationwide, 7.4% of home loans are in forbearance. By way of comparison, 6.5% of Alaska Housing's loans are in forbearance. But what is forbearance, and what does it mean for homeowners?

Mortgage forbearance can provide temporary relief for borrowers willing but unable to make loan payments. During forbearance, loan payments remain due, but the servicer can permit suspended or reduced mortgage payments for a limited period of time. Learn more about forbearance on our blog.

We encourage you to continue making your mortgage payments — it's easier to keep up than to catch up. But if you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, you should contact your mortgage servicer immediately.

Low Interest Rates for Homebuyers

If you're in a position to buy a home, you can take advantage of low interest rates. You can view our current rates online, updated daily, and subscribe by email. You should also consider registering for a HomeChoice™ Webinar, a free program to help prospective homebuyers learn the steps to successful homeownership.

Renovation Loan Programs

Perhaps you're working on home repairs, improving energy efficiency, or contemplating a full renovation while hunkering down at home. Alaska Housing renovation loan activity is at an all-time high, and we encourage you to learn more about our renovation loan programs.

All Qualified Alaskans Who Applied for Housing Relief to Receive It

Up to $1,200 in mortgage and rent relief was made available to eligible Alaskans through the federal CARES Act in response to COVID-19 hardship. More than 70% of applicants have been contacted to begin processing, and nearly $2 million has been paid to landlords and mortgage servicers. 

Are you a landlord with a tenant behind on rent? 

If your tenant accepts AHFC's Housing Choice Vouchers, make sure they know about our Safety Net program. The federal department of Housing & Urban Development has provided funding for landlords to remain whole — AHFC will temporarily reduce monthly rent paid by tenants who have lost income due to COVID-19 and the Corporation will pay landlords the difference. 

Find out more about our Safety Net program or learn how to begin the process of accepting Housing Choice Vouchers in any of the 12 communities in the state where the program is available. 

Featured Video: Cruising Car Show Delights Seniors

Honking horns, revved engines and community involvement brought connection to many public housing residents facing isolation due to COVID-19 at Chugach View and Chugach Manor in Anchorage. 

On July 23, residents watched inside from their windows and distanced outside as a parade of classic corvettes from the Anchorage Corvette Association cruised past the buildings.

Alaska Ranks Second to Last in Census Self-Response

It only takes 10 minutes for you to help assure Alaskans receive their share of representation, adequate support and a balanced infrastructure. 

Why is it important to get counted?

The census provides critical data for federal funding for communities to support hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads and more.

Alaska Housing Featured Job: Maintenance Laborer

Looking for a job that values integrity, respect, leadership, and sustainability? If so, Alaska Housing is a great place to work.

We are looking for a maintenance laborer located in Juneau. A typical day could include making building and equipment repairs, working indoors and outdoors, and seasonal tasks like clearing snow and lawn care.