What the workshop is
After a major disaster, people who lost their homes are flooded with information about insurance, FEMA, and cleanup — but rarely about how to buy or rebuild a home. The FHA Disaster Recovery Workshop™ closes that gap. Matthew Brown, Sr. Loan Originator / Mortgage Broker, walks attendees through FHA Section 203(h) in plain English, with practical examples and time for questions.
The workshop is educational. It isn't a sales pitch, and there's no cost to host it.
Why it matters
FHA 203(h) has a built-in clock: an FHA case number generally must be assigned within one year of the President's major disaster declaration. Families who don't hear about the program until month ten — or never hear about it at all — may lose the chance to use it. Many assume it's only for homeowners, only for people rebuilding on the same lot, or only for homes that were completely destroyed. None of those assumptions is quite right.
The agents, adjusters, contractors, and community volunteers who meet displaced families every day are in the best position to spread accurate information. The workshop gives them the essentials in under an hour.
Want this for your next sales meeting? Request a date with Matthew below.
Talk with MatthewWho it's for
Brokerages & teams
Agents who want to serve displaced buyers and renters with confidence.
Realtor associations
Educational sessions for members in or near affected regions.
Community groups
Long-term recovery groups, nonprofits, churches, and civic organizations helping families rebuild.
Insurance agents, public adjusters, restoration contractors, and property managers are welcome too — see resources for Realtors and partners.
Formats
- Live on Zoom, nationwide. Ideal for teams in any market, including offices far from Matthew's home base.
- In person in select markets. Availability depends on location and scheduling.
- Fits your existing meetings. Sales meetings, team meetings, association events, and community group gatherings.
The session typically runs 45–60 minutes, including Q&A. It can be shortened for a tight agenda.
Agenda and topics
- How 203(h) works. Who HUD designed it for, how it differs from standard FHA financing — including no-down-payment FHA financing that may be available for eligible borrowers — and the one-year application window. Background: how FHA 203(h) works.
- Identifying potentially eligible homeowners and renters. Simple screening questions and the misconceptions that cause families to miss out.
- Documentation. Proof of prior primary residence, insurance and damage records, and standard loan documents.
- Current disaster areas. How to read FEMA declarations and which areas are active, being watched, or not eligible. See current disaster areas.
- Sharing accurate information with affected families. Respectful, compassionate ways to explain the program without overpromising.
- Common misconceptions. Renters, relocating to another state, partial damage, and more.
What attendees leave with
- A clear, accurate way to explain 203(h) to a homeowner or renter in a few sentences.
- Three screening questions to tell whether a conversation is worth having: primary residence, qualifying declaration, and timing.
- A working understanding of declaration types — major disaster, emergency, FMAG, and Public Assistance only — and why they matter.
- A documentation checklist families can start on right away.
- Links to this site's plain-English guides, including the 203(h) FAQ, for sharing with clients.
Hosting on Zoom? All that's needed is a meeting link and a few minutes at the start for setup. For in-person sessions, a screen or projector is helpful but not required.
About the presenter
The workshop is presented by Matthew Brown, Sr. Loan Originator / Mortgage Broker, NMLS #1254520, based in Austin, Texas. Matthew works with FHA programs including 203(h) and 203(k), and he tracks disaster declarations on this site's news page. His approach is practical and honest: explain what the program can do, where its limits are, and when another option may serve a family better. Matthew is licensed in multiple states; attendees are free to work with any lender.
How to request a workshop
Use the form below and select "I'm a real estate agent" or "I'm an insurance / recovery professional," then add your organization, preferred dates, audience size, and whether you'd like Zoom or in person. You can also schedule a quick planning call on Calendly or call (512) 952-1125.
Coming soon: co-branded workshop materials, including handouts and slides your office can use to follow up with attendees.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cost to host the workshop?
No. The workshop is complimentary and educational.
How long is the workshop?
Typically 45–60 minutes including Q&A, and it can be adjusted to fit your meeting.
Can the workshop be held in person?
In select markets, yes. Live Zoom sessions are available nationwide.
Request the FHA Disaster Recovery Workshop™
Tell Matthew a little about the property and your plans. He'll follow up by phone or email — no obligation.
Prefer to start now? Start your pre-approval · Schedule a call · (512) 952-1125
Please don't include Social Security or account numbers.