John W. Shore, Executive Director

Community Housing Council of Fresno

What we do: HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency helping families achieve homeownership through education.

Education: B.A. degree, music education, Calvin College

Age: 65

Family: Married to Jacquelyn Shore; raised 3 boys and enjoy 2 granddaughters!

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How did you come to your position as Executive Director of the Community Housing Council, John?

I was one of the many who saw the need for a non-profit agency that promoted homeownership. We opened our office in 2006 and when I left the mortgage industry in 2009 the agency was searching for a new executive director!

How did you get your start in the housing industry, John?

I had become a real estate investor in the ‘80s and liked it so much that I became licensed in 1985. I have sold real estate and transitioned into mortgage banking, which I did for over 25 years. 

Is there a big need for your organization’s counseling services in the Valley, John?

There is a huge need for educating families in making the single largest purchase most will ever make. With homeownership come many responsibilities. HUD approved agencies offer the best resource for educating future homeowners in these responsibilities. More and more loans are requiring homebuyer education from agencies like CHC.

How do you think the drought will impact the local housing market, John? 

In an area like the Central Valley that depends upon our agriculture to drive our economy, this drought like most in the past will equate into lost jobs. Unemployment affects those who already own a home as well as those who are renting and want to buy.

In your opinion, what are some of the key characteristics that help make the Central Valley housing market appealing to buyers, John?  

The Central Valley has always been one of the best places in the country to purchase a home. You have the benefit of the California climate, the nearness of the mountains and the sea and the fact that we offer all of this and still have very affordable housing!

What skills or information do you think is the most important for today’s homebuyer, John? 

Future homeowners should remember that it takes good credit and being responsible to achieve homeownership. Never turn yourself down for a loan! An agency like CHC can help you get from where you are to the satisfaction of being a homeowner. Get the answers from a professional.

What was your first job and what did you learn from it, John? 

My first job was working at my father’s “Flying A” service station in Hanford. I was only in my early teens but Dad taught me to work hard and to always do my best. Thanks Dad!! (P. S. I remember gas as cheap as 19 cents a gallon!!)

What person now or in history would you be most interested in meeting and why, John? 

Cannot come up with only one person, but it would probably not be anyone famous and especially not a politician. 

What do you like to do in your spare time, John?

I love to fix things so I spend any free time I have working on repairs around the house. I enjoy working on cars and musical instruments as well.