Houses, how to start one with an NPC group
 

Hey, I'm wondering if anyone knows how one would go about getting a house for their sorority/fraternity. My chapter is interested in starting one up (our campus sororities/frats generally don't have houses) and I was wondering how we would do that exactly?
Any info would be greatly appreciated,
Thanks!

There are a lot of questions that need to be asked first. Depending on the size, location, and such a house could easily cost several million. How are you going to raise that money? Would you take out a mortgage/construction loan? Remember there will be costs afterwards too, everything from loan payments to insurance to maintenance to staff salaries (if necessary). Is your chapter size large enough to pay for/support a house year in and year out? Are there enough members willing to live in and pay rent? Would you include a kitchen and provide meal service to all members?

You need to find out if there are any University policies regarding Greek housing. Where would you build? Is there an available location or would you have to go way off campus? If it's off campus would it hurt the chapter in recruiting and such? Are there any zoning ordinances that would limit locations, building size, construction?

I strongly suggest contacting your I/Natl. Many GLO's have I/Natl officers specifically responsible for housing issues. They can help raise money, reach out to alumnae, may have connections with contractors, have experience navigating University/City zoning issues, and a variety of other areas. Some I/Natls will even help obtain mortgage/construction loans.

Thanks a lot, will bring up next chapter :)