Crystal Fuoss cut the ribbon yesterday in front of the home in Allen, Nebraska that officially made her a first time homeowner. USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul, Security Bank Branch President Rob Bock and housing partners joined in the event.
Moul said, "It is exciting to see how Rural Development’s Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan program helps to bring homeownership to rural Nebraska. Security Bank and many housing partners were involved in the loan process and I wish to thank everyone for their assistance.”
Bock said, “It is great to see young people buying homes in our communities. They will be our leaders tomorrow.”
Crystal and Brian moved to Allen, Nebraska about a year ago. Tired of paying rent Crystal opted for a change. To buy a home. As of today, Crystal will be writing a monthly check that will go towards her mortgage, building equity with each payment. Being a homeowner makes her free to make any changes she wants. Crystal is excited about the garage where she can do her woodworking, making everything from plaques to benches.
Housing partners involved are the West Gate Bank, Northeast Housing Initiative, Federal Home Loan Bank, and Nebraska Housing Developers Association.
USDA Rural Development provides guaranteed financing, private lending institutions provide the loans which are guaranteed by the federal government. The program features no down payment to eligible income households and no maximum mortgage limits. Homes must be located in rural areas. All communities in Nebraska are eligible for USDA Rural Development housing programs with the exceptions of Fremont, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Lincoln, North Platte, Omaha and South Sioux City/Dakota City. See http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/ for eligible areas.
For additional information on becoming an approved lender contact Krista Mettscher at USDA Rural Development, 100 Centennial Mall North, Suite 308 Lincoln, NE 68508, (402) 437-5518 or at krista.mettscher@ne.usda.gov. Visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/ne.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.