Source: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/January52018/Adopted%20Rules/10.COMMUNITY%20DEVELOPMENT.html
Timestamp: 2018-10-15 21:01:02
Document Index: 472302225

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SUBCHAPTER D. UNDERWRITING AND LOAN POLICY
10 TAC §§10.301 - 10.306
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the "Department") adopts the amendments to 10 TAC Chapter 10, Subchapter D, §§10.301 - 10.306, concerning Underwriting and Loan Policy. Section 10.301 and §§10.304 - 10.306 are adopted without changes to text as published in the October 27, 2017, issue of the Texas Register (42 TexReg 5923) and will not be republished. Sections 10.302 and 10.303 are adopted with changes and will be republished.
REASONED JUSTIFICATION. The Department finds that the adoption of the sections will result in a more consistent approach to governing underwriting and analysis activity and to the awarding of funding or assistance through the Department and to minimize repetition. The comments and responses include both administrative clarifications and corrections to the Underwriting and Loan Policy rules based on the comments received. After each comment title numbers are shown in parentheses. These numbers refer to the person or entity that made the comment as reflected at the end of the reasoned response. If comment resulted in recommended language changes to the proposed Underwriting and Loan Policy as presented to the Board in October, such changes are indicated.
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENT AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS.
Public comments were accepted through November 27, 2017, with comments received from (1) Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers (TAAHP), (2) Darrell Jack, Apartment MarketData, (3) Rural Rental Housing Association (RRHA)
1. §10.302(d)(2)(J) Other Operating Expenses (3)
COMMENT SUMMARY: Commenter (3) suggests that the "Return To Owner" (RTO) as determined and limited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) be included as an operating expense for purposes of calculating the Debt Coverage Ratio. The rationale is that USDA controls the RTO and effectively pays and considers the RTO in establishing the rents paid by USDA under rental assistance agreements. Because USDA considers the RTO as an expense item and TDHCA does not, the Debt Coverage Ratio under §10.302(d)(4)(D) is in many cases exceeds the 1.35:1 times limitation. In most cases this results in a reduction to tax credit allocations on USDA properties. Commenter states that the treatment of the RTO in this manner does not result in over subsidizing the transaction because of control by USDA of the operating budgets and RTO.
STAFF RESPONSE: Staff agrees that the different treatment of the RTO by the Department and USDA creates inconsistencies in the operating assumptions used to determine feasibility, debt coverage ratios and subsidy amounts. These inconsistencies are causing, in some cases, less tax credit equity to be made available for the rehabilitation of some of the USDA financed/subsidized properties. The RTO is controlled by USDA and included as an operating expense in their budget, which is then used for the determination of rents. TDHCA excludes the RTO as an operating expense. Use of the higher USDA rents and the Department's lower operating expenses many times results in a DCR above the 1.35 times maximum (sometimes significantly above). The high DCR requires the Department to assume additional debt in the tax credit sizing which lowers the tax credit equity. While staff agrees that a change to the rule to address this issue is likely warranted, a change now represents a new concept that was not included in the draft rule published for public comment. Staff will work with the interested parties and consider a proposed rule change for the 2019 rules.
Staff recommends no changes based on this comment at this time.
2. §10.302(d)(4)(D) Acceptable Debt Coverage Ratio (1)
COMMENT SUMMARY: Commenter (1) suggests that the calculated minimum debt coverage ratio should be applied to must-pay debt only and not to loans where repayment is subject to available cash flow. This includes cash flow loans made by TDHCA. Additionally, the commenter suggests that the 2017 language allowing Direct Loans to be reclassified as grants should be retained.
STAFF RESPONSE: The minimum debt coverage ratio is a stress test and risk assessment tool used to evaluate the ability of the net operating income generated by a property to service and pay all of the Owner's obligations including debt service. The minimum debt coverage ratio is only applied to "priority or foreclosable lien" financing. If a loan has contingent or cash flow repayment provisions but is foreclosable then it is generally included in the DCR because of the repayment requirements. If a loan is cash flow only without monetary default or foreclosure provisions then it is not included in the debt coverage ratio test.
The Department fully expects repayment on its Direct Loans except for loans otherwise intended to be forgivable pursuant to the relevant NOFA. Applications are underwritten pursuant to all NOFA provisions and the Direct Loan rules. Cash flow loans are generally required for subordinate financing to FHA senior debt. In most cases the funds being used by the Department to make Direct Loans originate from funds received from repayment on existing loans. Therefore, the analysis of the risk of non-repayment is very important to the program's ability to make future loans.
Staff recommends no changes based on this comment.
3. §10.302(i)(1) Gross Capture Rate (1), (2)
COMMENT SUMMARY: Commenter (1) requests an increase in the Gross Capture Rate from 10% to 15% for both elderly and general population developments in larger jurisdictions (populations above 500,000). This change is requested in order to account for high growth areas where available census data does not accurately reflect the pace of population growth. Commenter (2) suggests an increase in the Gross Capture Rate from 10% to 15% on general population, Tax-Exempt Bond Developments in MSAs with populations greater than 1 million where the localized occupancy rates are high.
STAFF RESPONSE: There are many sub-markets within larger cities that are experiencing high growth. Not all sub-markets within the larger cities are experiencing this growth. The data sources currently used to calculate demand do not reflect the most current conditions in some high-growth areas. The 10% capture rate is proving to be a limiting factor for development in areas where it is apparent that demand exists but the data sources are lagging behind actual demand. Staff believes this situation is most relevant to Tax-Exempt Bond Developments because they are generally large properties going into areas where demand is understated either due to lagging growth data or in areas where qualifying residents don't currently reside simply due to the lack of affordable housing in the area. Staff has not seen capture rate issues on smaller developments including 9% transactions in any MSA. Staff agrees that increasing the capture rate on Tax-Exempt Bond Developments in certain localized areas of high growth and high demand is warranted. As a result, Staff proposes changes to paragraph B to increase the capture rate in these situations. (Page 23 of 47)
(B) is outside a Rural Area and targets the general population, and the Gross Capture Rate or any AMGI band capture rate exceeds 10 percent (or 15 percent for Tax-Exempt Bond Developments located in an MSA (as defined in the HTC Site Demographics Characteristics Report) with a population greater than 1 million if the average physical occupancy is 92.5% or greater for all stabilized affordable housing developments located within a 20 minute drive time, as supported by the Market Analyst, from the subject Development); or
4. §10.303(d)(9)(E)(i)(III) Household Size-Appropriate and §10.303(d)(9)(E)(iii)(I) Household Size
COMMENT SUMMARY: Commenter (1) requests a change in the occupancy standards used in the market analysis from 1.5-persons per bedroom to 2-persons per bedroom for general population developments to be consistent with HUD occupancy standards. Additionally, commenter states that this standard is consistent with standards used by many management companies.
STAFF RESPONSE: The 1.5-persons per bedroom is the assumed occupancy used by Section 42 for determining rent limits. HUD uses a 2-person per bedroom as an occupancy standard. TDHCA's occupancy standards under §10.610(b)(1)(C) require that owners provide written policies and procedures containing tenant selection criteria using a minimum of 2 persons per bedroom unless otherwise constrained by local code or occupancy standards. From a market analysis perspective, the increase from 1.5 persons to 2 persons per bedroom will lower the individual unit capture rates on 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom units. As a result, Staff proposes changes throughout §10.303(d) to reflect the 2-person occupancy standard where applicable to be consistent with other rules. (Pages 31 and 32 of 47)
§10.303(d)(9)(E)(i)(III) Household Size-Appropriate. Adjust the household projections or target household projections, as applicable, for the appropriate household size for the proposed Unit type by number of Bedrooms proposed and rent restriction category based on 2 persons per Bedroom or one person for Efficiency Units.
§10.303(d)(9)(E)(i)(IV)(-b-) the upper end of each income band equal to the applicable gross median income limit for the largest appropriate household size based on 2 persons per Bedroom (round up) or one person for Efficiency Units.
§10.303(d)(9)(E)(iii)(I) Maximum eligible income is equal to the applicable gross median income limit for the largest appropriate household size.
§10.303(d)(9)(E)(iii)(II)(-b­) appropriate household size is defined as 2 persons per Bedroom (rounded up); and
§10.303(d)(9)(E)(iii)(III)(-b­) appropriate household size is defined as 2 persons per Bedroom (rounded up); and
5. §10.303(d)(8) Secondary Market Area (1)
COMMENT SUMMARY: Commenter (1) requests that TDHCA retain the Secondary Market Area ("SMA") as part of the Underwriting process for projects for which expansion of the Primary Market Area is needed to justify demand originating from the SMA. Commenter states that the need for using an SMA should be at the discretion of the Market Analyst based on appropriate supporting documentation such as job growth, commute distances, lack of affordable housing supply, high occupancy rates, loss of affordable housing inventory, attributes of the Development's location or features that will draw prospective tenants to the area, and other housing issues in general. Commenter states that the 25% limitation of demand coming from an SMA seems reasonable and they are not requesting a change to that percentage of Gross Demand.
STAFF RESPONSE: Very few market studies are currently using an SMA to justify demand. When used, staff believes most SMAs used by Market Analysts are excessively large based on staff's research of where demand actually comes from. In some cases, the SMA suggests that significant demand will come from hundreds of miles away from the subject site. Data collected during file reviews conducted by the Compliance Division suggests that most residents move from within the zip code in which they currently reside.
Current rule requires the Market Analyst to justify demand coming from an SMA. The proposed rule assumes that 10% of the demand indicated in a PMA, as determined by the Market Analyst, will be coming from outside the PMA and automatically included as additional demand. Additionally, the proposed rule eliminates the requirement that any unstabilized developments outside the PMA be considered as additional supply. In most cases, because Market Analysts are not using SMAs, capture rates will be lower than currently being calculated because of the automatic consideration of this additional demand. Other changes in the proposed rule also work to use a more realistically determination of demand and capture rates, including the change to the person per bedroom limitation and the revised treatment of stabilized developments in the PMA. Use of demand from "ther sources"is retained in the rule if justified by the Market Analyst.
Elimination of the SMA was discussed at a market study round-table prior to the Board's approval of the proposed rule in October. The general consensus of participants at the round-table was to remove the SMA.
6. §10.304(d)(10)(B) and (C) Value Estimates (3)
COMMENT SUMMARY: Commenter (3) requests that for certain properties, the Department allow for a valuation that is determined by USDA in the Department's cost analysis. The USDA valuation on these properties is based on a market estimate that can include rents above or below the USDA rents currently on the property. In either case, the valuation used by the Department is based on an as-restricted valuation.
STAFF RESPONSE: Staff agrees that there is inconsistency between the valuations used by the Department and USDA in the transfer of the USDA properties. Rather than make a change to the value estimates in the Appraisal Rules, staff recommends that the transfer value as approved by USDA be used in the acquisition cost analysis by the Department under §10.302(e)(1)(C) and (D)(iv). (Page 17 and 18 of 47)
§10.302(e)(1)(C) In no instance will the acquisition cost utilized by the Underwriter exceed the lesser of the original acquisition cost evidenced by clause (ii)(I) of this subparagraph plus costs identified in clause (ii)(II)(-b-) of this subparagraph, or if applicable the "as-is" value conclusion evidenced by clause (ii)(II)(-a-) of this subparagraph or the transfer value approved by USDA. Acquisition cost is limited to appraised land value for transactions which include existing buildings that will be demolished. The resulting acquisition cost will be referred to as the "Adjusted Acquisition Cost."
§10.302(e)(1)(C) the Underwriter will use the value that best corresponds to the circumstances presently affecting the Development that will continue to affect the Development after transfer to the new owner in determining the building value. These circumstances include but are not limited to operating subsidies, rental assistance, transfer values approved by USDA and/or property tax exemptions. Any value of existing favorable financing will be attributed prorata to the land and buildings.
CLARIFICATION CHANGE: In addition to above changes resulting from public comment, staff has included a clarification to §10.303(d)(10)(E)(i) with respect to Relevant Supply. The change clarifies that in the case of a subject development that already has occupied units, only the Units to be absorbed are considered as supply in the capture rate analysis. (Page 35 of 47)
§10.303(d)(10)(E)(i) the proposed subject Units to be absorbed;
The Board approved the final order adopting the amended 10 TAC Chapter 10, Subchapter D, §§10.301 - 10.306, concerning Underwriting and Loan Policy on December 14, 2017.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY. The amended sections are adopted pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code, §2306.053, which authorizes the Department to adopt rules.
The adopted amendments affect no other code, article or statute.
§10.302.Underwriting Rules and Guidelines.
(a) General Provisions. Pursuant to Texas Government Code, §2306.148 and §2306.185(b), the Board is authorized to adopt underwriting standards as set forth in this section. Furthermore for Housing Credit Allocation, §42(m)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), requires the tax credits allocated to a Development not to exceed the amount necessary to assure feasibility. Additionally, 24 CFR Parts 92 and 93, as further described in CPD Notice 15-11 require the Department to adopt rules and standards to determine the appropriate Multifamily Direct Loan feasibility. The rules adopted pursuant to the Texas Government Code and the Code are developed to result in an Underwriting Report ("Report") used by the Board in decision making with the goal of assisting as many Texans as possible by providing no more financing than necessary based on an independent analysis of Development feasibility. The Report generated in no way guarantees or purports to warrant the actual performance, feasibility, or viability of the Development.
(b) Report Contents. The Report provides a synopsis and reconciliation of the Application information submitted by the Applicant. For the purpose of this Subchapter the term Application includes additional documentation submitted after the initial award of funds that is relevant to any subsequent reevaluation. The Report contents will be based upon information that is provided in accordance with and within the timeframes set forth in the current Qualified Allocation Plan ("QAP") (10 TAC Chapter 11) or a Notice of Funds Availability ("NOFA"), as applicable, and the Uniform Multifamily Rules (10 TAC Chapter 10, Subchapters A - E and G).
(c) Recommendations in the Report. The conclusion of the Report includes a recommended award of funds or Housing Credit Allocation Amount and states any feasibility or other conditions to be placed on the award. The award amount is based on the lesser of the following:
(1) Program Limit Method. For Housing Credit Allocations, this method is based upon calculation of Eligible Basis after applying all cost verification measures and program limits as described in this section. The Applicable Percentage used is defined in §10.3 of this chapter (relating to Definitions). For Department programs other than Housing Tax Credits, this method is based upon calculation of the funding limit in current program rules or NOFA at the time of underwriting.
(2) Gap Method. This method evaluates the amount of funds needed to fill the gap created by Total Housing Development Cost less total non-Department-sourced funds or Housing Tax Credits. In making this determination, the Underwriter resizes any anticipated deferred developer fee downward (but not less than zero) before reducing the amount of Department funds or Housing Tax Credits. In the case of Housing Tax Credits, the syndication proceeds needed to fill the gap in permanent funds are divided by the syndication rate to determine the amount of Housing Tax Credits. In making this determination and based upon specific conditions set forth in the Report, the Underwriter may assume adjustments to the financing structure (including treatment of cash flow loans as if fully amortizing over its term) or make adjustments to any Department financing, such that the cumulative Debt Coverage Ratio ("DCR") conforms to the standards described in this section. For Housing Tax Credit Developments at cost certification, timing adjusters may be considered as a reduction to equity proceeds for this purpose. Timing adjusters must be consistent with and documented in the original partnership agreement (at admission of the equity partner) but relating to causes outside of the Developer's or Owner's control. The equity partner must provide a calculation of the amount of the adjuster to be used by the Underwriter.
(3) The Amount Requested. The amount of funds that is requested by the Applicant. For Housing Tax Credit Developments (exclusive of Tax-Exempt Bond Developments) this amount is limited to the amount requested in the original Application documentation.
(d) Operating Feasibility. The operating feasibility of a Development funded by the Department is tested by analyzing its Net Operating Income ("NOI") to determine the Development's ability to pay debt service and meet other financial obligations throughout the Affordability Period. NOI is determined by subtracting operating expenses, including replacement reserves and taxes, from rental and other income sources.
(1) Income. In determining the first year stabilized pro forma, the Underwriter evaluates the reasonableness of the Applicant's income pro forma by determining the appropriate rental rate per unit based on subsidy contracts, program limitations including but not limited to utility allowances, actual rents supported by rent rolls and Market Rents and other market conditions. Miscellaneous income, vacancy and collection loss limits as set forth in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph, respectively, are used unless well-documented support is provided and independently verified by the Underwriter.
(A) Rental Income. The Underwriter will review the Applicant's proposed rent schedule and determine if it is consistent with the representations made throughout the Application. The Underwriter will independently calculate a Pro Forma Rent for comparison to the Applicant's estimate in the Application.
(i) Market Rents. The Underwriter will use the Market Analyst's conclusion of Market Rent if reasonably justified and supported by the attribute adjustment matrix of Comparable Units as described in §10.303 of this chapter (relating to Market Analysis Rules and Guidelines). Independently determined Market Rents by the Underwriter may be used based on rent information gained from direct contact with comparable properties, whether or not used by the Market Analyst and other market data sources. For a Development that contains less than 15% unrestricted units, the Underwriter will limit the Pro Forma Rents to the lesser of Market Rent or the Gross Program Rent at 60% AMI. As an alternative, if the Applicant submits market rents that are up to 30% higher than the 60% AMI gross rent and the Applicant submits an investor commissioned market study with the application, the Underwriter has the discretion to use the market rents supported by the investor commissioned market study in consideration of the independently determined rents. The Applicant must also provide a statement by the investor indicating that they have reviewed the market study and agree with its conclusions.
(ii) Gross Program Rent. The Underwriter will use the Gross Program Rents for the year that is most current at the time the underwriting begins. When underwriting for a simultaneously funded competitive round, all Applications are underwritten with the Gross Program Rents for the same year. If Gross Program Rents are adjusted by the Department after the close of the Application Acceptance Period, but prior to publication of the Report, the Underwriter may adjust the Effective Gross Income ("EGI") to account for any increase or decrease in Gross Program Rents for the purposes of determining the reasonableness of the Applicant's EGI.
(iii) Contract Rents. The Underwriter will review rental assistance contracts to determine the Contract Rents currently applicable to the Development. Documentation supporting the likelihood of continued rental assistance is also reviewed. The Underwriter will take into consideration the Applicant's intent to request a Contract Rent increase. At the discretion of the Underwriter, the Applicant's proposed rents may be used as the Pro Forma Rent, with the recommendations of the Report conditioned upon receipt of final approval of such an increase.
(iv) Utility Allowances. The Utility Allowances used in underwriting must be in compliance with all applicable federal guidance, and §10.614 of Subchapter F of this Chapter relating to Utility Allowances. Utility allowances must be calculated for individually metered tenant paid utilities.
(v) Net Program Rents. Gross Program Rent less Utility Allowance.
(vi) Actual Rents for existing Developments will be reviewed as supported by a current rent roll. For Unstabilized Developments, actual rents will be based on the most recent units leased with occupancy and leasing velocity considered. Actual rents may be adjusted by the Underwriter to reflect lease-up concessions and other market considerations.
(vii) Collected Rent. Represents the monthly rent amount collected for each Unit Type. For rent-assisted units, the Contract Rent is used. In absence of a Contract Rent, the lesser of the Net Program Rent, Market Rent or actual rent is used.
(B) Miscellaneous Income. All ancillary fees and miscellaneous secondary income, including, but not limited to late fees, storage fees, laundry income, interest on deposits, carport and garage rent, washer and dryer rent, telecommunications fees, and other miscellaneous income, are anticipated to be included in a $5 to $20 per Unit per month range. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Underwriter and must be supported by either the normalized operating history of the Development or other existing comparable properties within the same market area.
(i) The Applicant must show that a tenant will not be required to pay the additional fee or charge as a condition of renting a Unit and must show that the tenant has a reasonable alternative.
(ii) The Applicant's operating expense schedule should reflect an itemized offsetting line-item associated with miscellaneous income derived from pass-through utility payments, pass-through water, sewer and trash payments, and cable fees.
(iii) Collection rates of exceptional fee items will generally be heavily discounted.
(iv) If an additional fee is charged for the optional use of an amenity, any cost associated with the construction, acquisition, or development of the hard assets needed to produce the additional fee for such amenity must be excluded from Eligible Basis.
(C) Vacancy and Collection Loss. The Underwriter generally uses a normalized vacancy rate of 7.5 percent (5 percent vacancy plus 2.5 percent for collection loss). The Underwriter may use other assumptions based on conditions in the immediate market area. 100 percent project-based rental subsidy developments and other well documented cases may be underwritten at a combined 5 percent at the discretion of the Underwriter if the immediate market area's historical performance reflected in the Market Analysis is consistently higher than a 95 percent occupancy rate.
(D) Effective Gross Income ("EGI"). EGI is the total of Collected Rent for all units plus Miscellaneous Income less Vacancy and Collection Loss. If the Applicant's pro forma EGI is within 5 percent of the EGI independently calculated by the Underwriter, the Applicant's EGI is characterized as reasonable in the Report; however, for purposes of calculating the underwritten DCR the Underwriter's pro forma will be used unless the Applicant's pro forma meets the requirements of paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(2) Expenses. In determining the first year stabilized operating expense pro forma, the Underwriter evaluates the reasonableness of the Applicant's expense estimate based upon the characteristics of each Development, including the location, utility structure, type, the size and number of Units, and the Applicant's management plan. Historical, stabilized and certified financial statements of an existing Development or Third Party quotes specific to a Development will reflect the strongest data points to predict future performance The Underwriter may review actual operations on the Applicant's other properties monitored by the Department, if any, or review the proposed management company's comparable properties. The Department's Database of properties located in the same market area or region as the proposed Development also provides data points; expense data from the Department's Database is available on the Department's website. Data from the Institute of Real Estate Management's ("IREM") most recent Conventional Apartments-Income/Expense Analysis book for the proposed Development's property type and specific location or region may be referenced. In some cases local or project-specific data such as PHA Utility Allowances and property tax rates are also given significant weight in determining the appropriate line item expense estimate. Estimates of utility savings from green building components, including on-site renewable energy, must be documented by an unrelated contractor or component vendor.
(A) General and Administrative Expense ("G&A")--Accounting fees, legal fees, advertising and marketing expenses, office operation, supplies, and equipment expenses. G&A does not include partnership related expenses such as asset management, accounting or audit fees. Costs of tenant services are not included in G&A.
(B) Management Fee. Fee paid to the property management company to oversee the operation of the Property and is most often based upon a percentage of EGI as documented in an existing property management agreement or proposal. Typically, 5 percent of EGI is used, though higher percentages for rural transactions may be used. Percentages as low as 3 percent may be used if well documented.
(C) Payroll Expense. Compensation, insurance benefits, and payroll taxes for on-site office, leasing and maintenance staff. Payroll does not include Third-Party security or tenant services contracts. Staffing specific to tenant services, security or other staffing not related to customary property operations should be itemized and included in other expenses or tenant services expense.
(D) Repairs and Maintenance Expense. Materials and supplies for the repairs and maintenance of the Development including Third-Party maintenance contracts. This line-item does not include costs that are customarily capitalized that would result from major replacements or renovations.
(E) Utilities Expense. Gas and electric energy expenses paid by the Development. Estimates of utility savings from green building components, including on-site renewable energy, must be documented by an unrelated contractor or component vendor.
(F) Water, Sewer, and Trash Expense ("WST"). Includes all water, sewer and trash expenses paid by the Development.
(G) Insurance Expense. Cost of Insurance coverage for the buildings, contents, and general liability, but not health or workman's compensation insurance.
(H) Property Tax. Includes real property and personal property taxes but not payroll taxes.
(i) An assessed value will be calculated based on the capitalization rate published by the county taxing authority. If the county taxing authority does not publish a capitalization rate, a capitalization rate of 10 percent or a comparable assessed value may be used.
(ii) Other assessed values or property tax estimates may be used based on development specific factors as determined by the Underwriter.
(iii) If the Applicant proposes a property tax exemption or PILOT agreement the Applicant must provide documentation in accordance with §10.402(d). At the underwriter's discretion, such documentation may be required prior to Commitment if deemed necessary.
(I) Replacement Reserves. Periodic deposits to a reserve account to pay for the future replacement or major repair of building systems and components (generally items considered capitalized costs).The Underwriter will use a minimum reserve of $250 per Unit for New Construction and Reconstruction Developments and $300 per Unit for all other Developments. The Underwriter may require an amount above $300 for the Development based on information provided in the Property Condition Assessment ("PCA") or, for existing USDA developments, an amount approved by USDA. The Applicant's assumption for reserves may be adjusted by the Underwriter if the amount provided by the Applicant is insufficient to fund capital needs as documented by the PCA during the first fifteen (15) years of the long term pro forma. Higher reserves may be used if documented by a primary lender or syndicator.
(J) Other Operating Expenses. The Underwriter will include other reasonable, customary and documented property-level operating expenses such as audit fees, security expense, telecommunication expenses (tenant reimbursements must be reflected in EGI) and TDHCA's compliance fees. This category does not include depreciation, interest expense, lender or syndicator's asset management fees, or other ongoing partnership fees.
(K) Tenant Services. Tenant services are not included as an operating expense or included in the DCR calculation unless:
(i) There is a documented financial obligation on behalf of the Owner with a unit of state or local government to provide tenant supportive services at a specified dollar amount. The financial obligation must be identified by the permanent lender in their term sheet and the dollar amount of the financial obligation must be included in the DCR calculation on the permanent lender's 15-year pro forma at Application. At cost certification and as a minimum, the estimated expenses underwritten at Application will be included in the DCR calculation regardless if actually incurred; or,
(ii) The Applicant demonstrates a history of providing comparable supportive services and expenses at existing affiliated properties within the local area. Except for Supportive Housing Developments, the estimated expense of supportive services must be identified by the permanent lender in their term sheet and included in the DCR calculation on the 15-year pro forma. At cost certification and as a minimum, the estimated expenses underwritten at Application will be included in the DCR calculation regardless if actually incurred;
(iii) On-site staffing or pro ration of staffing for coordination of services only, not provision of services, can be included as a supportive services expense without permanent lender documentation.
(L) Total Operating Expenses. The total of expense items described above. If the Applicant's total expense estimate is within 5 percent of the final total expense figure calculated by the Underwriter, the Applicant's figure is characterized as reasonable in the Report; however, for purposes of calculating DCR, the Underwriter's independent calculation will be used unless the Applicant's first year stabilized pro forma meets the requirements of paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(3) Net Operating Income ("NOI"). The difference between the EGI and total operating expenses. If the Applicant's first year stabilized NOI figure is within 5 percent of the NOI calculated by the Underwriter, the Applicant's NOI is characterized as reasonable in the Report; however, for purposes of calculating the first year stabilized pro forma DCR, the Underwriter's calculation of NOI will be used unless the Applicant's first year stabilized EGI, total operating expenses, and NOI are each within 5 percent of the Underwriter's estimates. For Housing Tax Credit Developments at cost certification, actual NOI will be used as adjusted for stabilization of rents and extraordinary lease-up expenses. Permanent lender and equity partner stabilization requirements documented in the loan and partnership agreements will be considered in determining the appropriate adjustments and the NOI used by the Underwriter.
(4) Debt Coverage Ratio. DCR is calculated by dividing NOI by the sum of scheduled loan principal and interest payments for all permanent debt sources of funds. If executed loan documents do not exist, loan terms including principal and/or interest payments are calculated based on the terms indicated in the most current term sheet(s). Otherwise, actual terms indicated in the executed loan documents will be used. Term sheet(s) must indicate the DCR required by the lender for initial underwriting as well as for stabilization purposes. Unusual or non-traditional financing structures may also be considered.
(A) Interest Rate. The rate documented in the term sheet(s) or loan document(s) will be used for debt service calculations. Term sheets indicating a variable interest rate must provide a breakdown of the rate index and any component rates comprising an all-in interest rate. The term sheet(s) must state the lender's underwriting interest rate assumption, or the Applicant must submit a separate statement from the lender with an estimate of the interest rate as of the date of such statement. At initial underwriting, the Underwriter may adjust the underwritten interest rate assumption based on market data collected on similarly structured transactions or rate index history. Private Mortgage Insurance premiums and similar fees are not included in the interest rate but calculated on outstanding principal balance and added to the total debt service payment.
(B) Amortization Period. For purposes of calculating DCR, the permanent lender's amortization period will be used if not less than thirty (30) years and not more than forty (40) years. Up to fifty (50) years may be used for federally sourced or insured loans For permanent lender debt with amortization periods less than thirty (30) years, thirty (30) years will be used. For permanent lender debt with amortization periods greater than forty (40) years, forty (40) years will be used. For non-Housing Tax Credit transactions a lesser amortization period may be used if the Department's funds are fully amortized over the same period as the primary senior debt.
(C) Repayment Period. For purposes of projecting the DCR over a thirty (30) year period for developments with permanent financing structures with balloon payments in less than thirty (30) years, the Underwriter will carry forward debt service based on a full amortization at the interest rate stated in the term sheet(s).
(D) Acceptable Debt Coverage Ratio Range. Except as set forth in clauses (i) or (ii) of this subparagraph, the acceptable first year stabilized pro forma DCR for all priority or foreclosable lien financing plus the Department's proposed financing must be between a minimum of 1.15 and a maximum of 1.35 (maximum of 1.50 for Housing Tax Credit Developments at cost certification).
(i) If the DCR is less than the minimum, the recommendations of the Report may be based on a reduction to debt service and the Underwriter will make adjustments to the financing structure in the order presented in subclauses (I) - (III) of this clause subject to a Direct Loan NOFA and program rules:
(I) a reduction to the principal amount of a Direct Loan;
(II) in the case where the amount of the Direct Loan determined in (I) is insufficient to balance the sources and uses;
(-a-) a reduction to the interest rate;
(-b-) an increase in the amortization period;
(III) an assumed reduction in the permanent loan amount for non-Department funded loans based upon the rates and terms in the permanent loan term sheet(s) as long as they are within the ranges in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph.
(ii) If the DCR is greater than the maximum, the recommendations of the Report may be based on an increase to debt service and the Underwriter will make adjustments to the assumed financing structure in the order presented in subclauses (I) - (III) of this clause subject to a Direct Loan NOFA and program rules:
(I) an increase to the interest rate up to the highest interest rate on any senior debt or if no senior debt a market rate determined by the Underwriter based on current market interest rates;
(II) or a decrease in the amortization period but not less than thirty (30) years;
(III) an assumed increase in the permanent loan amount for non-Department funded loans based upon the rates and terms in the permanent loan term sheet as long as they are within the ranges in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph.
(iii) For Housing Tax Credit Developments, a reduction in the recommended Housing Credit Allocation Amount may be made based on the Gap Method described in subsection (c)(2) of this section as a result of an increased debt assumption, if any.
(iv) For Developments financed with a Direct Loan subordinate to FHA financing, DCR on the Direct Loan will be calculated using 75% of the Surplus Cash (as defined by the applicable FHA program).
(v) The Underwriter may limit total debt service that is senior to a Direct Loan to produce an acceptable DCR on the Direct Loan.
(5) Long Term Pro forma. The Underwriter will create a 30-year operating pro forma using the following:
(A) The Underwriter's or Applicant's first year stabilized pro forma as determined by paragraph (3) of this subsection.
(B) A 2 percent annual growth factor is utilized for income and a 3 percent annual growth factor is utilized for operating expenses except for management fees that are calculated based on a percentage of each year's EGI.
(C) Adjustments may be made to the long term pro forma if satisfactory support documentation is provided by the Applicant or as independently determined by the Underwriter.
(e) Total Housing Development Costs. The Department's estimate of the Total Housing Development Cost will be based on the Applicant's development cost schedule to the extent that costs can be verified to a reasonable degree of certainty with documentation from the Applicant and tools available to the Underwriter. For New Construction Developments, the Underwriter's total cost estimate will be used unless the Applicant's Total Housing Development Cost is within 5 percent of the Underwriter's estimate. The Department's estimate of the Total Housing Development Cost for Rehabilitation Developments will be based in accordance with the estimated cost provided in the PCA for the scope of work as defined by the Applicant and §10.306(a)(5) of this chapter (relating to PCA Guidelines). If the Applicant's cost estimate is utilized and the Applicant's line item costs are inconsistent with documentation provided in the Application or program rules, the Underwriter may make adjustments to the Applicant's Total Housing Development Cost.
(1) Acquisition Costs. The underwritten acquisition cost is verified with Site Control document(s) for the Property. At Cost Certification, the underwritten acquisition cost will be the amount verified by the settlement statement. For Identify of Interest acquisitions, the cost will be limited to the underwritten acquisition cost at initial Underwriting.
(A) Excess Land Acquisition. In cases where more land is to be acquired (by the Applicant or a Related Party) than will be utilized as the Development Site and the remainder acreage is not accessible for use by tenants or dedicated as permanent and maintained green space, the value ascribed to the proposed Development Site will be prorated based on acreage from the total cost reflected in the Site Control document(s). An appraisal containing segregated values for the total acreage, the acreage for the Development Site and the remainder acreage, or tax assessment value may be used by the Underwriter in making a proration determination based on relative value; however, the Underwriter will not utilize a prorated value greater than the total amount in the Site Control document(s).
(B) Identity of Interest Acquisitions.
(i) An acquisition will be considered an identity of interest transaction when an Affiliate of the seller is an Affiliate of, a Related Party to, any owner at any level of the Development Team or a Related Party lender; and
(I) is the current owner in whole or in part of the Property; or
(II) has or had within the prior 36 months, legal or beneficial ownership of the property or any portion thereof or interest therein prior to the first day of the Application Acceptance Period.
(ii) In all identity of interest transactions the Applicant is required to provide:
(I) the original acquisition cost in the most recent non-identity of interest transaction evidenced by an executed settlement statement or, if a settlement statement is not available, the original asset value listed in the most current financial statement for the identity of interest owner; and
(II) if the original acquisition cost evidenced by subclause (I) of this clause is less than the acquisition cost stated in the application:
(-a-) an appraisal that meets the requirements of §10.304 of this chapter (relating to Appraisal Rules and Guidelines); and
(-b-) any other verifiable costs of owning, holding, or improving the Property, excluding seller financing, that when added to the value from subclause (I) of this clause justifies the Applicant's proposed acquisition amount.
(-1-) For land-only transactions, documentation of owning, holding or improving costs since the original acquisition date may include property taxes, interest expense to unrelated Third Party lender(s), capitalized costs of any physical improvements, the cost of zoning, platting, and any off-site costs to provide utilities or improve access to the Property. All allowable holding and improvement costs must directly benefit the proposed Development by a reduction to hard or soft costs. Additionally, an annual return of 10 percent may be applied to the original capital investment and documented holding and improvement costs; this return will be applied from the date the applicable cost is incurred until the date of the Department's Board meeting at which the Grant, Direct Loan and/or Housing Credit Allocation will be considered.
(-2-) For transactions which include existing residential or non-residential buildings that will be rehabilitated or otherwise retained as part of the Development, documentation of owning, holding, or improving costs since the original acquisition date may include capitalized costs of improvements to the Property, and in the case of USDA financed Developments the cost of exit taxes not to exceed an amount necessary to allow the sellers to be made whole in the original and subsequent investment in the Property and avoid foreclosure. Additionally, an annual return of 10 percent may be applied to the original capital investment and documented holding and improvement costs; this return will be applied from the date the applicable cost was incurred until the date of the Department's Board meeting at which the Grant, Direct Loan and/or Housing Credit Allocation will be considered. For any period of time during which the existing residential or non-residential buildings are occupied or otherwise producing revenue, holding and improvement costs will not include capitalized costs, operating expenses, property taxes, interest expense or any other cost associated with the operations of the buildings.
(C) In no instance will the acquisition cost utilized by the Underwriter exceed the lesser of the original acquisition cost evidenced by clause (ii)(I) of this subparagraph plus costs identified in clause (ii)(II)(-b-) of this subparagraph, or if applicable the "as-is" value conclusion evidenced by clause (ii)(II)(-a-) of this subparagraph or the transfer value approved by USDA. Acquisition cost is limited to appraised land value for transactions which include existing buildings that will be demolished. The resulting acquisition cost will be referred to as the "Adjusted Acquisition Cost."
(D) Eligible Basis on Acquisition of Buildings. Building acquisition cost will be included in the underwritten Eligible Basis if the Applicant provided an appraisal that meets the Department's Appraisal Rules and Guidelines as described in §10.304 of this chapter. The underwritten eligible building cost will be the lowest of the values determined based on clauses (i) - (iii) of this subparagraph:
(i) the Applicant's stated eligible building acquisition cost;
(ii) the total acquisition cost reflected in the Site Control document(s), or the Adjusted Acquisition Cost (as defined in subparagraph (B)(iii) of this paragraph), prorated using the relative land and building values indicated by the applicable appraised value;
(iii) total acquisition cost reflected in the Site Control document(s), or the Adjusted Acquisition Cost (as defined in subparagraph (B)(iii) of this paragraph), less the appraised "as-vacant" land value; or
(iv) the Underwriter will use the value that best corresponds to the circumstances presently affecting the Development that will continue to affect the Development after transfer to the new owner in determining the building value. These circumstances include but are not limited to operating subsidies, rental assistance, transfer values approved by USDA and/or property tax exemptions. Any value of existing favorable financing will be attributed prorata to the land and buildings.
(2) Off-Site Costs. The Underwriter will only consider costs of Off-Site Construction that are well documented and certified to by a Third Party engineer on the required Application forms with supporting documentation.
(3) Site Work Costs. The Underwriter will only consider costs of Site Work that are well documented and certified to by a Third Party engineer on the required Application forms with supporting documentation.
(4) Building Costs.
(A) New Construction and Reconstruction. The Underwriter will use the Marshall and Swift Residential Cost Handbook, other comparable published Third-Party cost estimating data sources, historical final cost certifications of previous Housing Tax Credit developments and other acceptable cost data available to the Underwriter to estimate Building Cost. Generally, the "Average Quality" multiple, townhouse, or single family costs, as appropriate, from the Marshall and Swift Residential Cost Handbook or other comparable published Third-Party data source, will be used based upon details provided in the Application and particularly building plans and elevations. The Underwriter will consider amenities, specifications and development types not included in the Average Quality standard. The Underwriter may consider a sales tax exemption for nonprofit General Contractors.
(B) Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse.
(i) The Applicant must provide a scope of work and narrative description of the work to be completed. The narrative should speak to all off-site, site work, building components including finishes and equipment, and development amenities. The narrative should be in sufficient detail so that the reader can understand the work and it should generally be arranged consistent with the line-items on the PCA Cost Schedule Supplement and must also be consistent with the development cost schedule of the Application.
(ii) The Underwriter will use cost data provided on the PCA Cost Schedule Supplement.
(5) Contingency. Total contingency, including any soft cost contingency, will be limited to a maximum of 7 percent of Building Cost plus Site Work and off-sites for New Construction and Reconstruction Developments, and 10 percent of Building Cost plus Site Work and off-sites for Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse Developments. For Housing Tax Credit Developments, the percentage is applied to the sum of the eligible Building Cost, eligible Site Work costs and eligible off-site costs in calculating the eligible contingency cost.
(6) General Contractor Fee. General Contractor fees include general requirements, contractor overhead, and contractor profit. General requirements include, but are not limited to, on-site supervision or construction management, off-site supervision and overhead, jobsite security, equipment rental, storage, temporary utilities, and other indirect costs. General Contractor fees are limited to a total of 14 percent on Developments with Hard Costs of $3 million or greater, the lesser of $420,000 or 16 percent on Developments with Hard Costs less than $3 million and greater than $2 million, and the lesser of $320,000 or 18 percent on Developments with Hard Costs at $2 million or less. Any contractor fees to Affiliates or Related Party subcontractors regardless of the percentage of the contract sum in the construction contract (s) will be treated collectively with the General Contractor Fee limitations. For Housing Tax Credit Developments, the percentages are applied to the sum of the Eligible Hard Costs in calculating the eligible contractor fees. For Developments also receiving financing from USDA, the combination of builder's general requirements, builder's overhead, and builder's profit should not exceed the lower of TDHCA or USDA requirements. Additional fees for ineligible costs will be limited to the same percentage of ineligible Hard Costs but will not be included in Eligible Basis.
(7) Developer Fee.
(A) For Housing Tax Credit Developments, the Developer Fee included in Eligible Basis cannot exceed 15 percent of the project's eligible costs, less Developer fees, for Developments proposing fifty (50) Units or more and 20 percent of the project's eligible costs, less Developer fees, for Developments proposing forty-nine (49) Units or less. For Public Housing Authority Developments for conversion under the HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration ("RAD") program that will be financed using tax-exempt mortgage revenue bonds, the Developer Fee cannot exceed 20 percent of the project's eligible cost less Developer Fee.
(B) Any additional Developer fee claimed for ineligible costs will be limited to the same percentage but applied only to ineligible Hard Costs (15 percent for Developments with fifty (50) or more Units, or 20 percent for Developments with forty-nine (49) or fewer Units). Any Developer fee above this limit will be excluded from Total Housing Development Costs. All fees to Affiliates and/or Related Parties for work or guarantees determined by the Underwriter to be typically completed or provided by the Developer or Principal(s) of the Developer will be considered part of Developer fee.
(C) In the case of a transaction requesting acquisition Housing Tax Credits:
(i) the allocation of eligible Developer fee in calculating Rehabilitation/New Construction Housing Tax Credits will not exceed 15 percent of the Rehabilitation/New Construction eligible costs less Developer fees for Developments proposing fifty (50) Units or more and 20 percent of the Rehabilitation/New Construction eligible costs less Developer fees for Developments proposing forty-nine (49) Units or less; and
(ii) no Developer fee attributable to an identity of interest acquisition of the Development will be included.
(D) Eligible Developer fee is multiplied by the appropriate Applicable Percentage depending whether it is attributable to acquisition or rehabilitation basis.
(E) For non-Housing Tax Credit developments, the percentage can be up to 15 percent, but is based upon Total Housing Development Cost less the sum of the fee itself, land costs, the costs of permanent financing, excessive construction period financing described in paragraph (8) of this subsection, reserves, and any identity of interest acquisition cost.
(8) Financing Costs. All fees required by the construction lender, permanent lender and equity partner must be indicated in the term sheets. Eligible construction period interest is limited to the lesser of actual eligible construction period interest, or the interest on one (1) year's fully drawn construction period loan funds at the construction period interest rate indicated in the term sheet(s). For tax-exempt bond transactions up to twenty four (24) months of interest may be included. Any excess over this amount will not be included in Eligible Basis. Construction period interest on Related Party construction loans is only included in Eligible Basis with documentation satisfactory to the Underwriter that the loan will be at a market interest rate, fees and loan terms and the Related Party lender can demonstrate that it is routinely engaged in construction financing to unrelated parties.
(9) Reserves. Except for the underwriting of a Housing Tax Credit Development at cost certification, the Underwriter will utilize the amount described in the Applicant's project cost schedule if it is within the range of two (2) to six (6) months of stabilized operating expenses plus debt service. Alternatively, the Underwriter may consider a greater amount proposed by the first lien lender or syndicator if the detail for such greater amount is found by the Underwriter to be both reasonable and well documented. Reserves do not include capitalized asset management fees, guaranty reserves, tenant services reserves or other similar costs. Lease up reserves, exclusive of initial start-up costs, funding of other reserves and interim interest, may be considered with documentation showing sizing assumptions acceptable to the Underwriter. In no instance at initial underwriting will total reserves exceed twelve (12) months of stabilized operating expenses plus debt service (and only for USDA or HUD financed rehabilitation transactions the initial deposits to replacement reserves and transferred replacement reserves for USDA or HUD financed rehabilitation transactions). Pursuant to §10.404(c) and for the underwriting of a Housing Tax Credit Development at cost certification, operating reserves that will be maintained for a minimum period of five years and documented in the Owner's partnership agreement and/or the permanent lender's loan documents will be included as a development cost.
(10) Soft Costs. Eligible soft costs are generally costs that can be capitalized in the basis of the Development for tax purposes. The Underwriter will evaluate and apply the allocation of these soft costs in accordance with the Department's prevailing interpretation of the Code. Generally the Applicant's costs are used however the Underwriter will use comparative data to determine the reasonableness of all soft costs.
(11) Additional Tenant Amenities. For Housing Tax Credit Developments and after submission of the cost certification package, the Underwriter may consider costs of additional building and site amenities (suitable for the tenant population being served) proposed by the Owner in an amount not to exceed 1.5% of the originally underwritten Hard Costs. The additional amenities may be included in the LURA.
(12) Special Reserve Account. For Housing Tax Credit Developments at cost certification, the Underwriter may include a deposit of up to $2,500 per Unit into a Special Reserve Account as a Development Cost.
(f) Development Team Capacity and Development Plan.
(1) The Underwriter will evaluate and report on the overall capacity of the Development Team by reviewing aspects, including but not limited to those identified in subparagraphs (A) - (D) of this paragraph:
(A) personal credit reports for development sponsors, Developer fee recipients and those individuals anticipated to provide guarantee(s) in cases when warranted. The Underwriter may evaluate the credit report and identify any bankruptcy, state or federal tax liens or other relevant credit risks for compliance with eligibility and debarment requirements in this chapter;
(B) quality of construction, Rehabilitation, and ongoing maintenance of previously awarded housing developments by review of construction inspection reports, compliance on-site visits, findings of UPCS violations and other information available to the Underwriter;
(C) for Housing Tax Credit Developments, repeated or ongoing failure to timely submit cost certifications, requests for and clearance of final inspections, and timely response to deficiencies in the cost certification process;
(D) adherence to obligations on existing or prior Department funded developments with respect to program rules and documentation.
(2) While all components of the development plan may technically meet the other individual requirements of this section, a confluence of serious concerns and unmitigated risks identified during the underwriting process may result in an Application being referred to the Committee by the Director of Real Estate Analysis. The Committee will review any recommendation made under this subsection to deny an Application for a Grant, Direct Loan and/or Housing Credit Allocation prior to completion of the Report and posting to the Department's website.
(g) Other Underwriting Considerations. The Underwriter will evaluate additional feasibility elements as described in paragraphs (1) - (3) of this subsection.
(1) Floodplains. The Underwriter evaluates the site plan, floodplain map, survey and other information provided to determine if any of the buildings, drives, or parking areas reside within the 100-year floodplain. If such a determination is made by the Underwriter, the Report will include a condition that:
(A) the Applicant must pursue and receive a Letter of Map Amendment ("LOMA") or Letter of Map Revision ("LOMR-F"); or
(B) the Applicant must identify the cost of flood insurance for the buildings and for the tenant's contents for buildings within the 100-year floodplain and certify that the flood insurance will be obtained; and
(C) the Development must be proposed to be designed to comply with the QAP, Program Rules and NOFA, and applicable Federal or state requirements.
(2) Proximity to Other Developments. The Underwriter will identify in the Report any developments funded or known and anticipated to be eligible for funding within one linear mile of the subject. Distance is measured in a straight line from nearest boundary point to nearest boundary point.
(3) Supportive Housing. The unique development and operating characteristics of Supportive Housing Developments may require special consideration in these areas:
(A) Operating Income. The extremely-low-income tenant population typically targeted by a Supportive Housing Development may include deep-skewing of rents to well below the 50 percent AMGI level or other maximum rent limits established by the Department. The Underwriter should utilize the Applicant's proposed rents in the Report as long as such rents are at or below the maximum rent limit proposed for the units or equal to any project based rental subsidy rent to be utilized for the Development if higher than the maximum rent limits;
(B) Operating Expenses. A Supportive Housing Development may have significantly higher expenses for payroll, management fee, security, resident support services, or other items than typical affordable housing developments. The Underwriter will rely heavily upon the historical operating expenses of other Supportive Housing Developments affiliated with the Applicant or otherwise available to the Underwriter. Expense estimates must be categorized as outlined in subsection (d)(2) of this section;
(C) DCR and Long Term Feasibility. Supportive Housing Developments may be exempted from the DCR requirements of subsection (d)(4)(D) of this section if the Development is anticipated to operate without conventional or "must-pay" debt. Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to offset any projected 15-year cumulative negative Cash Flow. Such evidence will be evaluated by the Underwriter on a case-by-case basis to satisfy the Department's long term feasibility requirements and may take the form of one or a combination of: executed subsidy commitment(s); set-aside of Applicant's financial resources to be substantiated by current financial statements evidencing sufficient resources; and/or proof of annual fundraising success sufficient to fill anticipated operating losses. If either a set aside of financial resources or annual fundraising are used to evidence the long term feasibility of a Supportive Housing Development, a resolution from the Applicant's governing board must be provided confirming their irrevocable commitment to the provision of these funds and activities; and/or
(D) Total Housing Development Costs. For Supportive Housing Developments designed with only Efficiency Units, the Underwriter may use "Average Quality" dormitory costs, or costs of other appropriate design styles from the Marshall & Swift Valuation Service, with adjustments for amenities and/or quality as evidenced in the Application, as a base cost in evaluating the reasonableness of the Applicant's Building Cost estimate for New Construction Developments.
(h) Work Out Development. Developments that are underwritten subsequent to Board approval in order to refinance or gain relief from restrictions may be considered infeasible based on the guidelines in this section, but may be characterized as "the best available option" or "acceptable available option" depending on the circumstances and subject to the discretion of the Underwriter as long as the option analyzed and recommended is more likely to achieve a better financial outcome for the property and the Department than the status quo.
(i) Feasibility Conclusion. An infeasible Development will not be recommended for a Grant, Direct Loan or Housing Credit Allocation unless the Underwriter can determine an alternative structure and/or conditions the recommendations of the Report upon receipt of documentation supporting an alternative structure. A Development will be characterized as infeasible if paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection applies. The Development will be characterized as infeasible if one or more of paragraphs (3) - (5) of this subsection applies unless paragraph (6)(B) of this subsection also applies.
(1) Gross Capture Rate, AMGI Band Capture Rates, and Individual Unit Capture Rate. The method for determining capture rates for a Development is defined in §10.303of this chapter. The Underwriter will independently verify all components and conclusions of the capture rates and may, at their discretion, use independently acquired demographic data to calculate demand and may make a determination of the capture rates based upon an analysis of the Sub-market. The Development:
(A) is characterized as an Elderly Development and the Gross Capture Rate or any AMGI bad capture rate exceeds 10 percent; or
(C) is in a Rural Area and targets the general population, and the Gross Capture Rate or any AMGI band capture rate exceeds 30 percent; or
(D) is Supportive Housing and the Gross Capture Rate or any AMGI band capture rate exceeds 30 percent; or,
(E) has an Individual Unit Capture Rate for any Unit Type greater than 65 percent.
(F) Developments meeting the requirements of subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) of this paragraph may avoid being characterized as infeasible if clause (i) or (ii) of this subparagraph apply.
(i) Replacement Housing. The proposed Development is comprised of affordable housing which replaces previously existing affordable housing within the Primary Market Area as defined in §10.303 of this chapter on a Unit for Unit basis, and gives the displaced tenants of the previously existing affordable housing a leasing preference.
(ii) Existing Housing. The proposed Development is comprised of existing affordable housing, whether defined by an existing land use and rent restriction agreement or if the subject rents are at or below 50% AMI rents, which is at least 50 percent occupied and gives displaced existing tenants a leasing preference as stated in a relocation plan.
(2) Deferred Developer Fee. Applicants requesting an allocation of tax credits where the estimated deferred Developer Fee, based on the underwritten capitalization structure, is not repayable from Cash Flow within the first fifteen (15) years of the long term pro forma as described in subsection (d)(5) of this section.
(3) Pro Forma Rent. The Pro Forma Rent for Units with rents restricted at 60 percent of AMGI is less than the Net Program Rent for Units with rents restricted at or below 50 percent of AMGI unless the Applicant accepts the Underwriter's recommendation, if any, that all restricted units have rents and incomes restricted at or below the 50 percent of AMGI level.
(4) Initial Feasibility.
(A) Except when underwritten at cost certification, the first year stabilized pro forma operating expense divided by the first year stabilized pro forma Effective Gross Income is greater than 68 percent for Rural Developments 36 Units or less and 65 percent for all other Developments.
(B) The first year DCR is below 1.15 (1.00 for USDA Developments).
(5) Long Term Feasibility. The Long Term Pro forma at any time during years two through fifteen, as defined in subsection (d)(5) of this section, reflects:
(A) a Debt Coverage Ratio below 1.15; or,
(B) negative cash flow (throughout the term of a Direct Loan).
(6) Exceptions. The infeasibility conclusions may be excepted when:
(A) Waived by the Executive Director of the Department or by the Committee if documentation is submitted by the Applicant to support unique circumstances that would provide mitigation.
(B) Developments not meeting the requirements of one or more of paragraphs (3), (4)(A) or (5) of this subsection will be re-characterized as feasible if one or more of clauses (i) - (v) of this subparagraph apply. A Development financed with a Direct Loan will not be re-characterized as feasible with respect to (5)(B).
(i) The Development will receive Project-based Section 8 Rental Assistance or the HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration Program for at least 50 percent of the Units and a firm commitment, with terms including Contract Rent and number of Units, is submitted at Application.
(ii) The Development will receive rental assistance for at least 50 percent of the Units in association with USDA financing.
(iii) The Development will be characterized as public housing as defined by HUD for at least 50 percent of the Units.
(iv) The Development will be characterized as Supportive Housing for at least 50 percent of the Units and evidence of adequate financial support for the long term viability of the Development is provided.
(v) The Development has other long term project based restrictions on rents for at least 50 percent of the Units that allow rents to increase based upon expenses and the Applicant's proposed rents are at least 10 percent lower than both the Net Program Rent and Market Rent.
§10.303.Market Analysis Rules and Guidelines.
(a) General Provision. A Market Analysis prepared for the Department must evaluate the need for decent, safe, and sanitary housing at rental rates or sales prices that eligible tenants can afford. The analysis must determine the feasibility of the subject Property rental rates or sales price and state conclusions as to the impact of the Property with respect to the determined housing needs. The Market Analysis must include a statement that the report preparer has read and understood the requirements of this section. The Market Analysis must also include a statement that the person or company preparing the Market Analysis is a disinterested party and will not materially benefit from the Development in any other way than receiving a fee for performing the Market Analysis, and that the fee is in no way contingent upon the outcome of the Market Analysis.
(b) Self-Contained. A Market Analysis prepared for the Department must allow the reader to understand the market data presented, the analysis of the data, and the conclusions derived from such data. All data presented should reflect the most current information available and the report must provide a parenthetical (in-text) citation or footnote describing the data source. The analysis must clearly lead the reader to the same or similar conclusions reached by the Market Analyst. All steps leading to a calculated figure must be presented in the body of the report.
(c) Market Analyst Qualifications. A Market Analysis submitted to the Department must be prepared and certified by an approved Qualified Market Analyst. (§2306.67055) The Department will maintain an approved Market Analyst list based on the guidelines set forth in paragraphs (1) - (2) of this subsection.
(1) The approved Qualified Market Analyst list will be updated and published annually on or about November 1st. If not listed as an approved Qualified Market Analyst by the Department, a Market Analyst may request approval by submitting items in subparagraphs (A) - (F) of this paragraph at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the first day of the competitive tax credit Application Acceptance Period or thirty (30) calendar days prior to submission of any other application for funding for which the Market Analyst must be approved.
(A) Franchise Tax Account Status from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (not applicable for sole proprietorships).
(B) A current organization chart or list reflecting all members of the firm who may author or sign the Market Analysis. A firm with multiple offices or locations must indicate all members expected to be providing Market Analysis.
(C) Resumes for all members of the firm or subcontractors who may author or sign the Market Analysis.
(D) General information regarding the firm's experience including references, the number of previous similar assignments and timeframes in which previous assignments were completed.
(E) Certification from an authorized representative of the firm that the services to be provided will conform to the Department's Market Analysis Rules and Guidelines, as described in this section, in effect for the Application Round in which each Market Analysis is submitted.
(F) A sample Market Analysis that conforms to the Department's Market Analysis Rules and Guidelines, as described in this section, in effect for the year in which the sample Market Analysis is submitted. An already approved Qualified Market Analyst will remain on the list so long as at least one (1) Market Analysis has been submitted to the Department in the previous 12 months or items (A),(B),(C) and (E) are submitted prior to October 1st. Otherwise, the Market Analyst will automatically be removed from the list.
(2) During the underwriting process each Market Analysis will be reviewed and any discrepancies with the rules and guidelines set forth in this section may be identified and require timely correction. Subsequent to the completion of the Application Round and as time permits, staff or a review appraiser will re-review a sample set of submitted market analyses to ensure that the Department's Market Analysis Rules and Guidelines are met. If it is found that a Market Analyst has not conformed to the Department's Market Analysis Rules and Guidelines, as certified to, the Market Analyst will be notified of the discrepancies in the Market Analysis and will be removed from the approved Qualified Market Analyst list.
(A) In and of itself, removal from the list of approved Market Analysts will not invalidate a Market Analysis commissioned prior to the removal date and at least ninety (90) days prior to the first day of the applicable Application Acceptance Period.
(B) To be reinstated as an approved Qualified Market Analyst, the Market Analyst must amend the previous report to remove all discrepancies or submit a new sample Market Analysis that conforms to the Department's Market Analysis Rules and Guidelines, as described in this section, in effect for the year in which the updated or new sample Market Analysis is submitted.
(d) Market Analysis Contents. A Market Analysis for a rental Development prepared for the Department must be organized in a format that follows a logical progression and must include, at minimum, items addressed in paragraphs (1) - (13) of this subsection.
(1) Title Page. Include Property address or location, effective date of analysis, date report completed, name and address of person authorizing report, and name and address of Market Analyst.
(2) Letter of Transmittal. The date of the letter must be the date the report was completed. Include Property address or location, description of Property, statement as to purpose and scope of analysis, reference to accompanying Market Analysis report with effective date of analysis and summary of conclusions, date of Property inspection, name of persons inspecting subject Property, and signatures of all Market Analysts authorized to work on the assignment. Include a statement that the report preparer has read and understood the requirements of this section.
(3) Table of Contents. Number the exhibits included with the report for easy reference.
(4) Market Analysis Summary. Include the Department's Market Analysis Summary exhibit.
(5) Assumptions and Limiting Conditions. Include a description of all assumptions, both general and specific, made by the Market Analyst concerning the Property.
(6) Identification of the Property. Provide a statement to acquaint the reader with the Development. Such information includes street address, tax assessor's parcel number(s), and Development characteristics.
(7) Statement of Ownership. Disclose the current owners of record and provide a three (3) year history of ownership for the subject Property.
(8) Primary Market Area. A limited geographic area from which the Development is expected to draw most of its demand. The size and shape of the PMA should be reflective of proximity to employment centers, services and amenities and contain the most significant areas from which to draw demand. All of the Market Analyst's conclusions specific to the subject Development must be based on only one PMA definition. The Market Analyst must adhere to the methodology described in this paragraph when determining the market area. (§2306.67055)
(A) The PMA will be defined by the Market Analyst as:
(i) geographic size based on a base year population no larger than necessary to provide sufficient demand but no more than 100,000 people;
(ii) boundaries based on U.S. census tracts; and
(iii) the population of the PMA may exceed 100,000 if the amount over the limit is contained within a single census tract.
(B) The Market Analyst's definition of the PMA must include:
(i) a detailed narrative specific to the PMA explaining:
(I) how the boundaries of the PMA were determined with respect to census tracts chosen and factors for including or excluding certain census tracts in proximity to the Development;
(II) whether a more logical market area within the PMA exists but is not definable by census tracts and how this subsection of the PMA supports the rationale for the defined PMA;
(III) what are the specific attributes of the Development's location within the PMA that would draw prospective tenants from other areas of the PMA to relocate to the Development;
(IV) what are the specific attributes, if known, of the Development itself that would draw prospective tenants currently residing in other areas of the PMA to relocate to the Development;
(V) if the PMA crosses county lines, discuss the different income and rent limits in each county and how these differing amounts would affect the demand for the Development;
(VI) for rural Developments, discuss the relative draw (services, jobs, medical facilities, recreation, schools, etc.) of the Development's immediate local area (city or populous area if no city) in comparison to its neighboring local areas (cities, or populous areas if no cities), in and around the PMA. A rural PMA should not include significantly larger more populous areas unless the analyst can provide substantiation and rationale that the tenants would migrate to the Development's location from the larger cities;
(VII) discuss and quantify current and planned single-family and non-residential construction (include permit data if available); and
(VIII) other housing issues in general, if pertinent;
(ii) a complete demographic report for the defined PMA;
(iii) a scaled distance map indicating the PMA boundaries showing relevant U.S. census tracts with complete 11-digit identification numbers in numerical order with labels as well as the location of the subject Development and all comparable Developments. The map must indicate the total square miles of PMA; and,
(iv) a proximity table indicating distance from the Development to employment centers, medical facilities, schools, entertainment and any other amenities relevant to the potential residents and include drive time estimates.
(C) Comparable Units. Identify developments in the PMA with Comparable Units. In PMAs lacking sufficient rent comparables, it may be necessary for the Market Analyst to collect data from markets with similar characteristics and make quantifiable and qualitative location adjustments. Provide a data sheet for each comparable development consisting of:
(i) development name;
(iii) year of construction and year of Rehabilitation, if applicable;
(iv) property condition;
(v) Target Population;
(vi) unit mix specifying number of Bedrooms, number of baths, Net Rentable Area; and
(I) monthly rent and Utility Allowance; or
(II) sales price with terms, marketing period and date of sale;
(vii) description of concessions;
(viii) list of unit amenities;
(ix) utility structure;
(x) list of common amenities;
(xi) narrative comparison of its proximity to employment centers and services relative to targeted tenant population of the subject property; and,
(xii) for rental developments only, the occupancy and turnover.
(9) Market Information.
(A) Identify the number of units for each of the categories in clauses (i) - (vi) of this subparagraph, if applicable:
(i) total housing;
(ii) all multi-family rental developments, including unrestricted and market-rate developments, whether existing, under construction or proposed;
(iii) Affordable housing;
(iv) Comparable Units;
(v) Unstabilized Comparable Units; and
(vi) proposed Comparable Units.
(B) Occupancy. The occupancy rate indicated in the Market Analysis may be used to support both the overall demand conclusion for the proposed Development and the vacancy rate assumption used in underwriting the Development described in §10.302(d)(1)(C) of this chapter (relating to Underwriting Rules and Guidelines). State the overall physical occupancy rate for the proposed housing tenure (renter or owner) within the defined market areas by:
(i) number of Bedrooms;
(ii) quality of construction (class);
(iii) Target Population; and
(iv) Comparable Units.
(C) Absorption. State the absorption trends by quality of construction (class) and absorption rates for Comparable Units.
(D) Demographic Reports.
(i) All demographic reports must include population and household data for a five (5) year period with the year of Application submission as the base year;
(ii) All demographic reports must provide sufficient data to enable calculation of income-eligible, age-, size-, and tenure-appropriate household populations;
(iii) For Elderly Developments, all demographic reports must provide a detailed breakdown of households by age and by income; and
(iv) A complete copy of all demographic reports relied upon for the demand analysis, including the reference index that indicates the census tracts on which the report is based.
(E) Demand. Provide a comprehensive evaluation of the need for the proposed housing for the Development as a whole and each Unit type by number of Bedrooms proposed and rent restriction category within the defined market areas using the most current census and demographic data available. A complete demand and capture rate analysis is required in every Market Study, regardless of the current occupancy level of an existing Development.
(i) Demographics. The Market Analyst should use demographic data specific to the characteristics of the households that will be living in the proposed Development. For example, the Market Analyst should use demographic data specific to the elderly populations (and any other qualifying residents for Elderly Developments) to be served by an Elderly Development, if available, and should avoid making adjustments from more general demographic data. If adjustment rates are used based on more general data for any of the criteria described in subclauses (I) - (V) of this clause, they should be clearly identified and documented as to their source in the report.
(I) Population. Provide population and household figures, supported by actual demographics, for a five (5) year period with the year of Application submission as the base year.
(II) Target. If applicable, adjust the household projections for the qualifying demographic characteristics such as the minimum age of the population to be served by the proposed Development.
(III) Household Size-Appropriate. Adjust the household projections or target household projections, as applicable, for the appropriate household size for the proposed Unit type by number of Bedrooms proposed and rent restriction category based on 2 persons per Bedroom or one person for Efficiency Units.
(IV) Income Eligible. Adjust the household size appropriate projections for income eligibility based on the income bands for the proposed Unit Type by number of Bedrooms proposed and rent restriction category with:
(-a-) the lower end of each income band calculated based on the lowest gross rent proposed divided by 40 percent for the general population and 50 percent for elderly households; and
(-b-) the upper end of each income band equal to the applicable gross median income limit for the largest appropriate household size based on 2 persons per Bedroom (round up) or one person for Efficiency Units.
(V) Tenure-Appropriate. Adjust the income-eligible household projections for tenure (renter or owner). If tenure appropriate income eligible target household data is available, a tenure appropriate adjustment is not necessary.
(ii) Gross Demand. Gross Demand is defined as the sum of Potential Demand from the PMA, Demand from Other Sources, and External Demand.
(iii) Potential Demand. Potential Demand is defined as the number of income-eligible, age-, size-, and tenure-appropriate target households in the designated market area at the proposed placed in service date.
(I) Maximum eligible income is equal to the applicable gross median income limit for the largest appropriate household size.
(II) For Developments targeting the general population:
(-a-) minimum eligible income is based on a 40 percent rent to income ratio;
(-b-) appropriate household size is defined as 2 persons per Bedroom (rounded up); and
(-c-) the tenure-appropriate population for a rental Development is limited to the population of renter households.
(III) For Developments consisting solely of single family residences on separate lots with all Units having three (3) or more Bedrooms:
(-c-) Gross Demand includes both renter and owner households.
(IV) Elderly Developments:
(-a-) minimum eligible income is based on a 50 percent rent to income ratio; and
(-b-) Gross Demand includes all household sizes and both renter and owner households within the age range (and any other qualifying characteristics) to be served by the Elderly Development.
(V) Supportive Housing:
(-a-) minimum eligible income is $1; and
(-b-) households meeting the occupancy qualifications of the Development (data to quantify this demand may be based on statistics beyond the defined PMA but not outside the historical service area of the Applicant).
(VI) For Developments with rent assisted units (PBV's, PHU's):
(-a-) minimum eligible income for the assisted units is $1; and
(-b-) maximum eligible income for the assisted units is the minimum eligible income of the corresponding affordable unit.
(iv) External Demand: Assume an additional 10% of Potential Demand from the PMA to represent demand coming from outside the PMA.
(v) Demand from Other Sources:
(I) the source of additional demand and the methodology used to calculate the additional demand must be clearly stated;
(II) consideration of Demand from Other Sources is at the discretion of the Underwriter;
(III) Demand from Other Sources must be limited to households that are not included in Potential Demand; and
(IV) if households with Section 8 vouchers are identified as a source of demand, the Market Study must include:
(-a-) documentation of the number of vouchers administered by the local Housing Authority; and
(-b-) a complete demographic report for the area in which the vouchers are distributed.
(F) Employment. Provide a comprehensive analysis of employment trends and forecasts in the Primary Market Area. Analysis must discuss existing or planned employment opportunities with qualifying income ranges.
(10) Conclusions. Include a comprehensive evaluation of the subject Property, separately addressing each housing type and specific population to be served by the Development in terms of items in subparagraphs (A) - (I) of this paragraph. All conclusions must be consistent with the data and analysis presented throughout the Market Analysis.
(A) Unit Mix. Provide a best possible unit mix conclusion based on the occupancy rates by Bedroom type within the PMA and target, income-eligible, size-appropriate and tenure-appropriate household demand by unit type and income type within the PMA.
(B) Rents. Provide a separate Market Rent conclusion for each proposed Unit Type by number of Bedrooms and rent restriction category. Conclusions of Market Rent below the maximum Net Program Rent limit must be well documented as the conclusions may impact the feasibility of the Development under §10.302(i) of this chapter. In support of the Market Rent conclusions, provide a separate attribute adjustment matrix for each proposed Unit Type by number of Bedrooms and rental restriction category.
(i) The Department recommends use of HUD Form 92273.
(ii) A minimum of three developments must be represented on each attribute adjustment matrix.
(iii) Adjustments for concessions must be included, if applicable.
(iv) Adjustments for proximity and drive times to employment centers and services narrated in the Comparable Unit description, and the rationale for the amount of the adjustments must be included.
(v) Total adjustments in excess of 15 percent must be supported with additional narrative.
(vi) Total adjustments in excess of 25 percent indicate the Units are not comparable for the purposes of determining Market Rent conclusions.
(C) Effective Gross Income. Provide rental income, secondary income, and vacancy and collection loss projections for the subject derived independent of the Applicant's estimates.
(D) Demand:
(i) state the Gross Demand for each Unit Type by number of Bedrooms proposed and rent restriction category (e.g. one-Bedroom Units restricted at 50 percent of AMGI; two-Bedroom Units restricted at 60 percent of AMGI); and
(ii) state the Gross Demand for the proposed Development as a whole. If some households are eligible for more than one Unit Type due to overlapping eligible ranges for income or household size, Gross Demand should be adjusted to avoid including households more than once.
(iii) state the Gross Demand generated from each AMGI band. If some household incomes are included in more than one AMGI band, Gross Demand should be adjusted to avoid including households more than once.
(E) Relevant Supply. The Relevant Supply of proposed and unstabilized Comparable Units includes:
(i) the proposed subject Units to be absorbed;
(ii) Comparable Units in an Application with priority over the subject pursuant to §10.201(6) of this chapter; and
(iii) Comparable Units in previously approved Developments in the PMA that have not achieved 90% occupancy for a minimum of 90 days.
(F) Gross Capture Rate. The Gross Capture Rate is defined as the Relevant Supply divided by the Gross Demand. Refer to §10.302(i) of this chapter for feasibility criteria.
(G) Individual Unit Capture Rate. For each Unit Type by number of Bedrooms and rent restriction categories, the individual unit capture rate is defined as the Relevant Supply of proposed and unstabilized Comparable Units divided by the eligible demand for that Unit. Some households are eligible for multiple Unit Types. In order to calculate individual unit capture rates, each household is included in the capture rate for only one Unit Type.
(H) Capture Rate by AMGI Band. For each AMGI band (30%, 40%, 50%, 60%), the capture rate by AMGI band is defined as Relevant Supply of proposed and unstabilized Comparable Units divided by the eligible demand from that AMGI band. Some households are qualified for multiple income bands. In order to calculate AMGI band rates, each household is included in the capture rate for only one AMGI band.
(I) Absorption. Project an absorption period for the subject Development to achieve Breakeven Occupancy. State the absorption rate.
(J) Market Impact. Provide an assessment of the impact the subject Development, as completed, will have on existing Developments supported by Housing Tax Credits in the Primary Market. (§2306.67055)
(12) Photographs. Provide labeled color photographs of the subject Property, the neighborhood, street scenes, and comparables. An aerial photograph is desirable but not mandatory.
(13) Appendices. Any Third Party reports including demographics relied upon by the Market Analyst must be provided in appendix form. A list of works cited including personal communications also must be provided, and the Modern Language Association (MLA) format is suggested.
(14) Qualifications. Current Franchise Tax Account Status from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (not applicable for sole proprietorships) and any changes to items listed in §10.303(c)(1)(B) and (C) of this chapter.
(e) The Department reserves the right to require the Market Analyst to address such other issues as may be relevant to the Department's evaluation of the need for the subject Development and the provisions of the particular program guidelines.
(f) In the event that the PMA for a subject Development overlaps the PMA's of other proposed or unstabilized comparable Developments, the Underwriter may perform an extended Sub-Market analysis considering the combined PMA's and all proposed and unstabilized Units in the extended Sub-Market Area; the Gross Capture Rate from such an extended Sub-Market Area analysis may be used as the basis for a feasibility conclusion.
(g) All Applicants shall acknowledge, by virtue of filing an Application, that the Department shall not be bound by any such opinion or Market Analysis, and may substitute its own analysis and underwriting conclusions for those submitted by the Market Analyst.
TRD-201705280
For further information, please call: (512) 475-2973