One of the most important things to remember when buying your first home is your budget. We have written a lot about budgeting and sustainable homeownership. We want to emphasize the importance of not overextending yourself. Buying too much house with too little budget can lead to many problems. Shopping...

When Hurricane Harvey destroyed the home of Tomika Artis, she and her two daughters were no strangers to starting over. In the past decade, the girls lost their big sister and their father, as well as their great grandmother who also lived with them. In Tomika’s words, she credits her...

I remember when I bought my first home nearly 20 years ago. I had so many questions and did not know where to turn. The mortgage industry has changed many times in the 20 years since then and will continue to evolve. If you have ever thought about buying a...

BBVA.com - Alejandro Ortiz In a press conference today, local nonprofit housing developer Avenue celebrated officially breaking ground on Avenue Center, a new mixed-use community resource center in Near Northside. Construction was kickstarted by a $1 million gift from the BBVA Compass Foundation, which will create opportunities for Avenue’s comprehensive homebuyer...

A couple of generations ago most people got married and settled down while still in their early 20’s. This meant that they also purchased houses earlier in life. And, while marriage and children may not be on your mind, homeownership may be and that is a really good thing. The...

Avoiding Foreclosure The dream of becoming a homeowner is still at the top of the list for many people. In a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 75% of non-owners believe that homeownership is part of their American Dream.  It can take years to become a homeowner and...

Betty Whitaker has lived in her Kashmere Gardens home for 43 years. When Hurricane Harvey dropped heavy winds and rains over Houston, many low-income families and seniors like Ms. Whitaker were at risk of losing their homes because of late mortgage payments and costly repairs.   Avenue helped Ms. Whitaker...

Funding Milestone Advances Plans for New Community Resource Center, Construction to Begin in 2019 HOUSTON – (February 27, 2019) – Following today’s approval of $3.4 million in project funding from the City of Houston, local nonprofit affordable housing developer Avenue announces that construction will soon commence on Avenue Center, a...

The discussion of health equity is becoming a common conversation in the Near Northside Community. Community partners understand the importance of what it means to be healthy and how an unhealthy environment can impact lives. Avenue and LISC co-hosted a five hour Health Summit at Leonel Castillo Community Center. The Summit...

In this multi-part series, Avenue Deputy Director Jenifer Wagley, shares her experience as a 2018 Michael Rubinger Fellow. This is Part I. by Jenifer Wagley, M Div, M Ed Some of you might know that in 2018 I received the Michael Rubinger Fellowship from national LISC.  In so many ways...