Comments on: Maybe my American dream

By: Hawkeye2you

Hawkeye2you — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:10:06 +0000

np, MC…this was just released today

By: MC

MC — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:04:39 +0000

Thanks JW — and Hawkeye — I’m going to check this out … thank you so much!!

By: Hawkeye2you

Hawkeye2you — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:31:15 +0000

Down payment assistance funding available

Eligible applicants in Sarasota County seeking to buy their first home but lacking the funds for a down payment have a little-known resource available to help them.

With $1.2 million in federal and state funding in the Down payment Assistance Program, the Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) can assist eligible, first-time homebuyers with the purchase of their home. Eligible applicants can receive up to $20,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase their first home.

“With people struggling to achieve the dream of home ownership, this is a wonderful opportunity to help people make their dream a reality,” said Jane Hindall, a program manager with OHCD.

Among the qualifications for the program, applicants must contribute $2,150 (including prepaid expenses) toward the purchase of the home and attend a free eight-hour homebuyer education course. The purchase price cannot exceed $150,000.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or a detailed list of qualifications, call Cherry Haynes at 951-3640 extension 3768 or visit the OHCD website at http://www.ohcd.sarasotagov.com.

By: MC

MC — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 23:31:12 +0000

very cool.

By: John W. Perkins

John W. Perkins — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 23:22:19 +0000

After 3 houses, and 2 condos, I prefer living on a boat with an exceptional view.. And, if I don’t like the view, I move the boat.

By: MC

MC — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:12:30 +0000

Good points — let’s go backpacking!

By: Joan L Osgood

Joan L Osgood — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:03:40 +0000

I have a property line of Ligustrum to prune ,kitchen cabinets to replace ,a drywall ceiling needing repair etc etc and property taxes due in the spring !Home ownership is not so wonderful! Wish I could put on my backpack and find another hangout sometimes!

By: MC

MC — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:37:39 +0000

I love your thoughts, Howard, thanks for commenting. I agree — people helping people is what’s important. Yesterday I caught part of the Oprah show about happiness and it said one of the biggest indicators and makers of happiness is if you know your neighbors! so good for you. i know a lot of mine too and it makes a huge difference. one woman is a vet tech and when i had a problem with Boomer, she very sweetly came over to take a look at the problem and has always inquired how he’s doing now.
i also like your response “upright and employed and it’s gravy after that.” good stuff.
thanks for your uplifting words, Howard! you’re as good as the Prez!

By: MC

MC — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:32:50 +0000

Always, wise, that Buddha. Thanks for reading and for commenting, Mick.

By: Howard G

Howard G — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:29:47 +0000

Hi Mary Catherine,

I have always thought that the idea of owning one’s home, while nice, is impractical for many people. I am not saying that there aren’t bad landlords (and tenants), but when I hear about someone spending thousands of dollars to remove trees, or replace an eighty year old heater, etc., etc., etc., I am glad I have an apartment. Sure, I’d like a fireplace and a balcony, but I live in a nice neighborhood near a State park and close to work.

Just this morning, as we awoke to 15 inches of snow, my neighbors dug out my car while I cleaned off their mother’s car. That is what America is REALLY about: People caring and helping each other in times of need.

One other thing you are correct about, be thankful what you DO have. When people ask me how I am doing, I reply: “Upright and employed, it’s all gravy after that.” I am not denying it’s tough, and tougher for single women. But not dwelling on the negative is definitely the way to go.

Enjoy your “home” and Los Gatos.