Neighborhood Housing Services of Richland County

Summary: After 12 years’ success in developing and marketing new homes to lower-income households within its service area, Neighborhood Housing Services of Richland County wished to evaluate current conditions in the surrounding community, and to investigate new methods and targets for its home ownership activities. The Partnership designed and conducted a market study to help the organization determine how best to expand its marketing reach, and prepared a written report on the findings. Click here to view or download the report in PDF

Staff contact: Joanna Balsamo-Lilien

Wisconsin Partnership's role: CHDO TA provider

Status of work: Completed in 2007

Over a 12-year period, Neighborhood Housing Services of Richland County (NHSRC) had successfully developed, marketed, and sold 36 new homes to lower-income households within its rural southwestern Wisconsin service area. Because market conditions change continually, NHSRC wished to evaluate current conditions in the surrounding community, and to investigate new methods and targets for its home ownership activities.

To carry out the market study, NHSRC requested no-cost technical assistance under the Partnership’s contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Partnership staff began by reviewing area demographic, income and housing information. To develop a clearer picture of the housing supply and needs in the community, staff also spoke with local government officials, housing developers and real estate professionals. Staff then analyzed NHSRC’s current marketing practices and developed recommendations for expanding the organization’s marketing reach.

To complete the project, the Partnership prepared a report that included market and demographic data, an analysis of housing market conditions in the area and recommendations for future market expansion. Click here to view or download the report in PDF.