(Marcy, NY – Dec. 13, 2011) Interested in a home loan that requires no down payment, no private mortgage insurance and offers low, fixed interest rates?

If so, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development agency’s home loan program might be right for you.

Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Program

Rural Development serves as the USDA’s economic and community development arm and has the mission of improving economic conditions and the quality of life in rural America.

The agency’s Single Family Housing (SFH) Program supports this mission by offering direct and guaranteed home loans to help rural New Yorkers buy or build safe, decent and affordable homes. Home ownership is an economic cornerstone for individuals and communities and owning a home is an integral part of the American dream. The direct and indirect impacts of housing development also provides a stimulus for manufacturing, trade industries and related professional services, benefitting the larger economy.

Last year, Rural Development’s SFH program invested more than $228.5 million in New York, helping more 2,344 families and individuals buy, build or repair homes.

Direct Loan Program

The direct loan program provides government loans to low-income families or individuals desiring to live in an eligible rural area. Borrowers must be able to afford mortgage payments, including taxes and homeowners insurance, and have a reasonable credit history. Direct loans are for 33 years, although 38-year terms are available in some cases. The current interest rate is 3.25%. Payment assistance also is available for many qualifying borrowers.

Guaranteed Loan Program

The guaranteed loan program is administered in partnership with private lenders and is designed to assist low- and moderate-income borrowers. In the program, the loan is made by a bank, credit union or other financial institution, and Rural Development guarantees a large percentage of the loan on the borrower’s behalf. The guarantee enables lenders to offer more affordable mortgage terms. The loans have a two percent guarantee fee and this can often be rolled into the mortgage, enabling lenders to finance up to 103.5 percent of an appraised home’s value.

The First Step

Rural Development operates an extensive income and property eligibility web site at http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do. Potential applicants can find out if the home they’re interested in is in an eligible area – the loan programs are restricted to rural areas – and find income limits for their locations.

Prospective homebuyers should call the USDA Rural Development Service Center in Marcy, NY at (315) 736-3316 Ext. 4 to obtain detailed information on the loan programs and assistance in helping prospective home buyers determine which program is right for them. The Marcy Office serves Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties.

(Morrisville, NY – Dec. 2011) The Community Action Partnership Housing Division has packed its bags and moved its office to 6 Cambridge Ave. in Morrisville; the Cambridge Ave. office, located next to CORE Credit Union, is now home to both the Starting Together Program, as well as the Housing Division.

The Housing Division administers the First-Time Homebuyers program, through which participants may be eligible for a grant to be applied toward the purchase of an existing home within Madison County. Although the home purchased through the program must be located in Madison County, applicants do not have to live in Madison County currently in order to apply.

This program not only provides financial assistance, but it also teaches participants about budgeting and saving, as well as about the home buying process and home maintenance.

General qualifications for applicants to the First Time Homebuyers Program:

* Must have never owned a home before OR must not have had their name on a deed for more than three years;

* Must have stable employment;

* Must have good credit; and

* Must fall within the HUD income guidelines.

Pre-screenings may now be completed by phone or online. For details and to complete the pre-screening process, call the Housing Division at 684-7862 or go to the Housing Division page on the CAP website at capmadco.org.

Volunteers Doug Taberg, Phil Robb, Candyce Robb, Stephen Goodfriend and Judi Goodfriend get ready to replace a railing at a house in Erieville.

RSVP partners with Habitat for Humanity for ‘Brush With Kindness’

(Madison County, NY – Oct. 2011) Oct. 22 was national ‘Make A Difference” day and RSVP partnered with Habitat for Humanity to place 24 volunteers in A Brush With Kindness program.

Five homes around Madison County got some needed repairs.  Selected homes were based on greatest need and on the availability of resources needed to complete the work.

In Erieville, volunteers worked on repairing a porch railing, rain gutters were installed on a house in Chittenango, indoor painting and carpet preparation work was done on houses in Bridgeport and North Chittenango and an air exchange system was installed on a home in West Eaton.

One volunteer team needed to get more supplies and plans to return this coming weekend to finish the rain gutter job in Chittenango.

One volunteer commented, “It was nice to be able to help out and I learned a lot about how to do a project at my own home.”

RSVP of Madison County and Habitat for Humanity have had a long standing partnership and wanted to do a special project together. It was a great success and leads to more opportunities for the groups to work together.

In fact, RSVP is calling for volunteers to work with Habitat in a house deconstruction near Hamilton during the month of November. No special skills required. Habitat will use materials from the deconstruction in ‘A Brush With Kindness’ program. Deconstruction is the process of “carefully” taking apart a building to reuse as much of the material as possible. This project will also help to keep materials out of our landfills. They will be taking out cabinets, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets and switches, lights, doors, windows… and the list goes on and on. How much they are able to save is directly related to how many volunteers they have.

If you would like more information you may call Rev. Greg Wright  at 374-9054 or email him at gwright@syracusehabitat.org. To sign up to volunteer there is a “Doodle” scheduling page set up at doodle.com/ry48nuixgcnfw9uc. Indicate your availability and you will be contacted to confirm a schedule.

(Cazenovia, NY – Aug. 2011) Hunt Real Estate Corporation announces the addition of Thomas Tait to their team at the Cazenovia office. Tait, a lifelong resident of Cazenovia, serves as a realtor and will cover Madison and Onondaga counties.

Since graduating from Nazareth College in 1990, Tait has served in an array of leadership capacities including village of Cazenovia Trustee, chief of the Cazenovia Fire Department, president of the Madison County Fire Chiefs Association, member of the town of Cazenovia Planning Board, president of the Cazenovia Rotary Club, president of the Cazenovia Civic Club and vice president of the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation.

Tait has also served on the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, The Executive Committee of Cazenovia Area Planning project and founded the village of Cazenovia Tree Commission. He received the Greater Syracuse 40 Under 40 Award, Madison County Firefighter of the Year Award, Cazenovia Preservation Association’s Community Appreciation Award, Rotary International’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award and Nazareth College’s Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Professionally Tait has served in a sales capacity for the past 21 years, the majority as a Certified Arborist with the F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Co.

“My detailed knowledge of Madison County and the eastern suburbs of Onondaga County provide me with an excellent background for the real estate profession,” Tait said. “In addition, my solid understanding of building construction coupled with my lengthy career in the fields of landscape development and arboriculture allow me to provide my clients with a skill set that is vitally important in today’s real estate market.”

“My interest in the real estate profession dates back to the mid 1990’s,” Tait said. “I have always admired the idea of providing a caring, informative and diligent approach to clients who are buying or selling a home and for me now is the perfect time to joint Hunt Real Estate. In my personal and professional life I strive for quality in everything that I do. Those that know me know that loyalty is paramount. I am committed to serve those looking to buy or sell a home with a tireless work ethic, strong knowledge of the market and strict adherence to our Code of Ethics.”

Thomas Tait can be reached at 657.0473 or e-mail, ttait@twcny.rr.com.

The wRIGHT Way

By Ron Wright

(Cazenovia, NY – July 2011) Don’t get me started on everything about taxation. But isn’t the most unfair tax the one levied on your primary residence?

For most people like me, we’re talking about their only residence and the same one that is not partially rented out. There your house sits on a permanent foundation on your property. You can’t just pack up your home and land and cart it off to another state, perhaps one with lower taxes.

Your house is exposed to all and vulnerable to the tax man, a sitting duck ready to get nailed big time, each year, every year, no where to run or hide.

So the overworked assessor drives by and presto!, within a 30-second viewing determined that what was just seen is worth precisely $138,700 or some other figure, and on to the next victim, your neighbor’s house.

Oh, by the way, the chances that you will get that dollar figure in 2011 or for many years to come, if you are planning to sell, is between slim and none. But that’s what your tax levy will be based on: “fair market value.” Just makes your day.

Everyone knows the government needs revenue to operate. School systems need money to operate. School teachers unions, for example, love the property tax and will come up with lots of reasons against a property tax cap. Again, your house is sitting there for the purpose of being taxed, so that’s what is going to happen.

A plum ready to be picked. It’s so easy.

So what about other forms of taxation that would be more source-neutral like a value-added tax? Or even modifications to the income tax. People would be reminded how high taxes are every time they would buy anything or get their paycheck.

Politically tough to increase these taxes, so back to the individual homeowner who is always there to get the money yanked out of their bank account.

Can you spell “double” or “multiple taxation?” You may rightly expect to pay a tax when you sell your home, but with the yearly (at least) property tax scheme, you are taxed over and over on the same thing, year after year. Your home is never really “finally paid for.”

Stop paying the annual tax, and you will eventually have your home forcibly taken away from you. It is not an ongoing income source, it’s your primary residence, for crying out loud.

Say two homeowners have properties that are taxed about the same, again based on that drive-by assessment. One home inside is well kept. This owner is a responsible citizen who lives modestly. The other owner’s house inside is an unkempt, unmaintained mess, and the owner fritters his income on nasty habits.

The assessment takes no account for this, and the tax on both homeowners is the same. Shows real appreciation for the good citizen, doesn’t it?

And on the other hand, consider this idea related to the last: your ability to pay property taxes or what your bank account balance is assumed to be or whether you and your property look “rich or poor” is no one else’s business.

The taxing position is, however, “That person looks like he has a lot of money because of his apparent lifestyle, his fancy car, elegant attire or house view or whatever so it’s OK to charge him more taxes.”

Remember, we’re talking human nature here and a drive-by glimpse of a property; so again, a better and more realistic revenue source plan should include ongoing income basing.

Finally, there are some other innovative ways to tax and be fair to society. Like how about a “creep” tax? Local residents who may or may not own a home but are a persistent problem for their neighbors, the police and the area in general would be so assessed.

Based on the numbers and severity of a person’s misdemeanors and crimes, their tax assessment in the local community goes up.

Pay up or leave town, and don’t come back.

Ron Wright of Cazenovia is a retiree with keen interest in his family, history, politics and his church. He began putting his thoughts on paper a little over a decade ago to share with family and friends. He can be reached at madnews@m3pmedia.com.

(Madison County, NY – July 2011) Madison County Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the launch of a new housing repair program, A Brush with Kindness. The program will assist homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances who struggle to maintain their homes.

“The goal of this program is to help maintain affordable housing in Madison County. Habitat for Humanity will be offering interest free loans to families that qualify,” said Judy Parker, president of Madison County Habitat for Humanity. “We are looking forward to assisting current homeowners who may not have the skills to make repairs or the funds to hire contractors. We are excited to have several projects that will be starting in the next few weeks and look forward to expanding this program through out Madison County.”

“Habitat’s ‘A Brush with Kindness’ program gives us a great opportunity to help more families in need, as well as have an impact on the entire neighborhood,” said Frederick Cleaver, a board member of Madison County Habitat for Humanity.

Repairs will include weatherization, painting, landscaping, grab bars, ramps and other minor repairs. Homes selected for the program will be based on greatest need and on the availability of resources needed to complete the work.

Those selected must currently live in Madison County and meet certain financial criteria.

For more information about A Brush with Kindness program, or to find out how to become involved with Madison County Habitat for Humanity, call (315) 708-4738 or email madisoncounty.hfh@gmail.com.

Madison County Habitat for Humanity News

(Madison County, NY – July 2011) Madison County Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the launch of a new housing repair program, A Brush with Kindness. The program will assist homeowners impacted by age, disability and family circumstances who struggle to maintain their homes.

“The goal of this program is to help maintain affordable housing in Madison County. Habitat for Humanity will be offering interest free loans to families that qualify,” said Judy Parker, president of Madison County Habitat for Humanity. “We are looking forward to assisting current homeowners who may not have the skills to make repairs or the funds to hire contractors. We are excited to have several projects that will be starting in the next few weeks and look forward to expanding this program through out Madison County.”

“Habitat’s ‘A Brush with Kindness’ program gives us a great opportunity to help more families in need, as well as have an impact on the entire neighborhood,” said Frederick Cleaver, a board member of Madison County Habitat for Humanity.

Repairs will include weatherization, painting, landscaping, grab bars, ramps and other minor repairs. Homes selected for the program will be based on greatest need and on the availability of resources needed to complete the work.

Those selected must currently live in Madison County and meet certain financial criteria.

For more information about A Brush with Kindness program, or to find out how to become involved with Madison County Habitat for Humanity, call (315) 708-4738 or email madisoncounty.hfh@gmail.com.

(August 2011) Madison County Habitat for Humanity will hold a golf outing to benefit the organization on Aug. 5 at Turning Stone.

To sign up, visit golf.madisonnyhabitat.org.

Business Profile

Owner Name

Dale W. Smith

Address(es)

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­7643 Tackabury Rd, Earlville, N.Y. 13332

Phone

(315) 691-2839

Hours/Days of Operation

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How long in business?

New

How many people does the business employ?

Three

Nature of Business

Landscaping

How did you get interested in this field?

My agriculture-based love for the outdoors, and I have worked in the field for 10 years

How has the business been received in the community?

Very well, but definitely room for growth.

­­­­­­­­­­­­What is the biggest challenge you face as a business right now, and why?

Starting my business in the middle of the season, because a lot of people have already hired other landscape contractors.

What are the biggest opportunities?

To enter the commercial end of landscaping and provide a superior quality of service.

What has surprised you most since start-up?

The willingness for my bank to assist me.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about the field?

That anyone that mows a lawn is a landscaper.

What would you most like the public to know about the product or service you provide that they may not already know?

That landscaping as a title also includes the hardscape field; hardscaping refers to paver walkways, patios and segmental retaining walls.

What are your plans for the business for the next year?

To create relationships with customers so they will refer me to their friends.

What are your plans for the business for the next five years?

To grow into the leading paver installer in our area.

(Marcy, NY – June 14, 2011) June is Homeownership month. This year’s theme is “Rural Housing/Rural Jobs.”

Activities and events in communities across the country will focus on housing’s role in creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the sale of an existing median- priced home ($173,000 in 2010) generates $58,529 in economic activity. This includes $15,570 in direct real estate industry support (fees for real estate agents, title companies, mortgage brokers); $5,235 in furniture, home furnishings, landscaping, etc; and $9,987 in stimulated economic activity. New home sales generate even more economic activity, including the costs of construction materials and construction jobs, according to NAR.

USDA Rural Development has been very successful in helping rural residents live the American dream of homeownership. Through May 31 of the current fiscal year, which started October 1, 2010, Rural Development has financed approximately 80,000 home loans.

The Obama administration is committed to ensuring that America’s rural communities are vibrant and thriving economically. USDA has made an unprecedented commitment to this goal by supporting affordable rural housing.

During and uncertain housing market, USDA Rural Development has helped contribute to the nation’s economic recovery.

USDA Rural Development has two loan programs that provide affordable homeownership opportunities to rural Americans: the Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan program, and the Single Family Housing Direct Loan program. Interested parties should contact the local USDA Rural Development office in Marcy at 315-736-3316 ext 4. A list of other offices is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/StateOfficeAddresses.html.

USDA uses sound underwriting criteria to ensure borrowers are able to repay their loans. By doing so we’re helping to keep people in their homes.

USDA is helping to build the foundation of a new rural economy that will be built on a set of pillars that combine the successful strategies of today and the compelling opportunities of tomorrow.

Expanding and preserving homeownership is a major part of the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous rural America.

While most Americans are familiar with the historic mission of the USDA, many may not know the Department plays a major role in helping to provide homeownership and home repair assistance to millions of citizens living in rural areas.

For more than 60 years, USDA has worked to increase homeownership opportunities for rural Americans through a combination of guaranteed (by lender partners) and direct loan funds.

A healthy American economy depends on a prosperous rural America, which supplies much of our nation’s food and water and safeguards our environmental heritage. Its role in establishing our nation’s energy independence is growing every day.

Direct Loan Program

The direct loan program provides government loans to low-income families or individuals desiring to live in an eligible rural area. Borrowers must be able to afford mortgage payments, including taxes and homeowners insurance, and have a reasonable credit history. Direct loans are for 33 years, although 38-year terms are available in some cases. Payment assistance also is available for many qualifying borrowers.

Guaranteed Loan Program

The guaranteed loan program is administered in partnership with private lenders and is designed to assist low- and moderate-income borrowers. In the program, the loan is made by a bank, credit union or other financial institution, and Rural Development guarantees a large percentage of the loan on the borrower’s behalf. The guarantee enables lenders to offer more affordable mortgage terms. The loans have a two percent guarantee fee and this can often be rolled into the mortgage, enabling lenders to finance up to 103.5 percent of an appraised home’s value.

The First Step

Rural Development operates an extensive income and property eligibility web site at http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do. Potential applicants can find out if the home they’re interested in is in an eligible area – the loan programs are restricted to rural areas – and find income limits for their locations.

Prospective homebuyers should call the USDA Rural Development Service Center in Marcy, NY at (315) 736-3316 Ext. 4 to obtain detailed information on the loan programs and assistance in helping prospective home buyers determine which program is right for them. The Marcy Office serves Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties.