Construction Closing Process in Affordable Housing

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August 19 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

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You did it! Your project secured a tax credit award, and you’ve selected your investors and lenders—now the real fun begins: the construction finance closing. But what exactly does that entail, and what should you expect along the way?

In this training, we’ll walk through the ins and outs of construction closing, bringing together insights from a financial consultant, lender, LIHTC attorney, and title and escrow officer. You’ll gain a clear understanding of:

  • What’s next after an LOI and the Term Sheets are signed? A broad overview of the closing process and timeline
  • Parties involved in the closing process, their roles, and perspectives.
  • Critical milestones, Long lead items, and crucial documents highlight.
  • Overall tips

Whether you’re preparing for your first closing or need a refresher, this session will give you the tools and confidence to navigate this critical phase and move your project successfully toward groundbreaking.

Speakers Include:

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Sherin Bennett, Director, Financial Consulting – Housing Finance Training, California Housing Partnership (moderator)

Sherin Bennett joined the California Housing Partnership in 2016 and is based in Los Angeles. As Director, Financial Consulting – Housing Finance Training, she provides financial consulting to nonprofit and government partners and supports the Partnership’s training programs.

Previously, Sherin was an underwriter with Chase Community Development Banking and a Housing Fellow for the City of New York. Ze earned an MS in Urban Public Policy from the Milano The New School and a BFA in Stage Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

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James Vossoughi, Senior Commercial Banker, JPMorganChase

James Vossoughi is a passionate, reasonable, reliable and community minded Senior Commercial Banker within Community Development Banking at JPMorgan Chase, a national leader in community development finance for affordable housing.

In his position, James originates loans for the new construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing in the Western Unites States. Since stepping into his role in 2019, James has supported his clients with over $1.8 billion in construction financing and over $231 million in permanent financing for over 6,300 low-income homes in 69 communities. He’s guest lectured at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design on the topic of affordable housing finance and in 2022 he was named a San Francisco Business Times 40 Under 40.

In addition, GlobeSt.com named him a Lender Influencer in Commercial Real Estate in 2021. Prior to his role as a Banker, James was a Community Development Banking Underwriter. Before joining Chase in 2013, James was a Project Manager for Portland-Pacific, LLC, a private real estate investment and development firm specializing in value added real estate investments on the West Coast.

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Jennifer Senhaji, Commercial Escrow Officer, Old Republic Title

Jen Senhaji has over 20 years of experience with Old Republic Title’s Alameda County Commercial division. She successfully closed a multitude of commercial transactions including, but not limited to multifamily affordable housing projects financed by HUD, BONDs, Tax Credit based loans and other Government Agencies. Jen also has experience closing market rate multifamily and commercial development projects with construction and permanent financing, as well as shopping centers, industrial and office properties.

Jen is a Five-time recipient of the Company’s 5-Star Award and 11 consecutive years as a Star Award recipient, which recognizes excellence in escrow. She is passionate about the intricacies of complex transactions and collaborating on affordable housing developments to provide much-needed housing for seniors, low-income families and students.

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Evan A. Gross, Attorney, Gubb & Barshay

Mr. Gross is a partner in the firm specializing in affordable housing finance, real estate, and municipal law matters. Mr. Gross was previously an associate with the firm, and represented nonprofit developers in connection with the acquisition, financing and syndication of real estate projects utilizing low income housing tax credits and other public and private affordable housing financing sources. Mr. Gross spent eight years as a Deputy City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco, representing the City in affordable housing development and finance transactions, real estate matters, economic development programs, and affordable housing policy matters.

Education: Graduated from Macalester College in 1999 with a B.A. in Economics and Urban Studies. Received J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003, magna cum laude. Member of the State Bar of California.

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