Last December, or early January, I read an article in the Cecil Whig about the Rural Development Home Loans. It was a great article and because of this very timely piece, we will be closing on a new home in the next 6 weeks. This home loan program is an excellent option for new home owners and I wanted to write about it to clue everyone into it.
The United States Department of Agriculture runs the program that gives “low income” rural families the opportunity to purchase homes. They run 2 loan programs. The Direct Loan Program is directed at truly low income families. Here are the income guidelines for our area (see the Philadelphia – Camden- Wilmington area) . The second loan, the Loan Guarantee Program, has much higher income limits. (again, look under the Philadelphia– Camden – Wilmington area.) The best part about the Loan Guarantee Program is that you do not have to have any down payment, are not charged any mortgage insurance (PMI) and the closing costs can be included in the loan for up to 6% of the loan. The trade off is that the USDA charges you $5000 as a guarantee of repayment. If you buy a house for $250,000, they add on the $5000 so your mortgage is for $255,000.
Here is the general information link to the Loan Guarantee Program: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_rhguar.htm
The link for the Direct Loan Program is here:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/indiv_sfh.htm#Direct%20Loan%20Program%20(Section
Most of Cecil County is eligible for the loan with the exception of the tiniest bit in the North East Corner (Fair Hill Area). The USDA has a searchable map of eligible property.
One of the things that the newspaper article talked about was the difficulty of finding a lender. Although my realtor gave me a contact or two, she hadn’t done one of these home sales in a long time, so the contacts were not good. I ended up calling around until I finally found someone who did the loans. In the interest of saving readers time and effort, here is her contact information:
LAURA L'ITALIEN
Home Mortgage Consultant
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
206 South St
Elkton, MD 21921
Laura.LItalien@wellsfargo.com
410-620-2227
Now is a great time to take advantage of buying a house because there is an $8,000 credit to your taxes when you buy a home this calendar year. With this loan and the tax credit, we saved thousands of dollars. Now, maybe, you can too.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Annual Clothing Swap!
The Elkton Presbyterian Church, at 209 E. Main St. in Elkton, is having their annual clothing swap!!! I found out about it today in the Whig. The Whig blurb did not have the hours printed in a clear manner so I called the church. Drop off is today from 8 am – 3 pm and between 6-8 pm today. Tuesday the drop off is from 8 am – 3 pm. Then pick up hours are from 6-8 on Tuesday, and on Wednesday from 8 am – 12 pm and from 5 – 7 pm. The clothes must be gently worn, clothing, shoes or accessories. Go to the Fellowship Hall for both drop off and pick up.
Here is a link to an article from the L.A. Times about clothing swaps, in general:
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-swap15-2009feb15,0,2516914.story
If you like the idea try arranging for a clothing swap at your church, place of work, children's school, mom's club, etc. It may be a great thing for everyone!
Work was terribly busy today so I couldn’t get this posted until almost 3 pm.
Here is a link to an article from the L.A. Times about clothing swaps, in general:
http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-ig-swap15-2009feb15,0,2516914.story
If you like the idea try arranging for a clothing swap at your church, place of work, children's school, mom's club, etc. It may be a great thing for everyone!
Work was terribly busy today so I couldn’t get this posted until almost 3 pm.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Buying a House in Cecil County
Back from Vacation!
I probably should have mentioned that I was on “vacation” last week. The college where I work was closed for Spring Break. I spent the days catching up on all the stuff one does at home. We also spent some time house hunting. We put in an offer but it was too low. We went out today and found a different house! We are hoping our offer will be accepted.
So, this is what we found out when we house hunted: The stagnant market has suddenly changed. Houses are selling rapidly and they seem to be selling for closer to the asking price than they had been selling for last Fall and Winter. We looked at 12 houses altogether. Many of the houses that we first looked at are already sold. The house we first offered on was put on the market about 3 weeks and they took someone else’s offer. The same day we saw that one, we looked at one that had been listed for a week. That one sold too!
Why is this happening? Could it be BRAC? I don’t think BRAC is playing a large part in this because we were looking in the $200,000-$300,000 range. If I sold my home in New Jersey for $500,000+ than I certainly wouldn’t look in that range! I think it is the $8,000 tax credit as well as people getting their taxes back. Plus, Spring is the time houses move. (I am not a realtor or an economist. This is just based on personal observation)
If you are looking to buy a house than buy this year! The $8,000 tax credit means $8,000 off of your taxes! We were going to buy a house anyway but the tax credit will be great.
I probably should have mentioned that I was on “vacation” last week. The college where I work was closed for Spring Break. I spent the days catching up on all the stuff one does at home. We also spent some time house hunting. We put in an offer but it was too low. We went out today and found a different house! We are hoping our offer will be accepted.
So, this is what we found out when we house hunted: The stagnant market has suddenly changed. Houses are selling rapidly and they seem to be selling for closer to the asking price than they had been selling for last Fall and Winter. We looked at 12 houses altogether. Many of the houses that we first looked at are already sold. The house we first offered on was put on the market about 3 weeks and they took someone else’s offer. The same day we saw that one, we looked at one that had been listed for a week. That one sold too!
Why is this happening? Could it be BRAC? I don’t think BRAC is playing a large part in this because we were looking in the $200,000-$300,000 range. If I sold my home in New Jersey for $500,000+ than I certainly wouldn’t look in that range! I think it is the $8,000 tax credit as well as people getting their taxes back. Plus, Spring is the time houses move. (I am not a realtor or an economist. This is just based on personal observation)
If you are looking to buy a house than buy this year! The $8,000 tax credit means $8,000 off of your taxes! We were going to buy a house anyway but the tax credit will be great.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Walgreens Announces Free Visits at Take Care Clinics
Walgreens has announce that through the end of 2009, they will provide free health care in their in-store Take Care clinics for those who are recently employed and lost their insurance. These treatments ordinarily cost $59+ for those with no insurance. There are a number of limitations, including:
1. For patients who lose their job and health insurance after March 31, 2009 (includes their spouses and kiddos who are not otherwise insured, too).
2. Care is limited to certain conditions, including respiratory problems, allergies, infections and skin conditions, among other ailments.
3. Free services will be offered only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
4.They have partnered with Quest Diagnostics to offer free tests for strep and urinary tract infections.
5. They will not be offering general free checkups, vaccinations (or any other injections) because they are focusing only on services which patients might otherwise have to go to an urgent-care center or even an emergency room to have treated.
6. "Patients have to show proof of unemployment, including a federal or state unemployment determination letter and an unemployment check stub. They will have to sign a form at the clinic saying they have lost their jobs and health benefits. If they find a new job or get new health insurance, they will no longer be eligible for the free care at Walgreens Take Care clinics."
7. Prescriptions and other OTC medications are not free.
The closest location to Cecil is: 216 Suburban DrNewark, DE
General Information on the Take Care Clinics:
http://www.takecarehealth.com/welcome-to-take-care.aspx
Information on free visits for those who have lost their jobs:
http://www.takecarehealth.com/recoveryplan/
1. For patients who lose their job and health insurance after March 31, 2009 (includes their spouses and kiddos who are not otherwise insured, too).
2. Care is limited to certain conditions, including respiratory problems, allergies, infections and skin conditions, among other ailments.
3. Free services will be offered only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
4.They have partnered with Quest Diagnostics to offer free tests for strep and urinary tract infections.
5. They will not be offering general free checkups, vaccinations (or any other injections) because they are focusing only on services which patients might otherwise have to go to an urgent-care center or even an emergency room to have treated.
6. "Patients have to show proof of unemployment, including a federal or state unemployment determination letter and an unemployment check stub. They will have to sign a form at the clinic saying they have lost their jobs and health benefits. If they find a new job or get new health insurance, they will no longer be eligible for the free care at Walgreens Take Care clinics."
7. Prescriptions and other OTC medications are not free.
The closest location to Cecil is: 216 Suburban DrNewark, DE
General Information on the Take Care Clinics:
http://www.takecarehealth.com/welcome-to-take-care.aspx
Information on free visits for those who have lost their jobs:
http://www.takecarehealth.com/recoveryplan/
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Using Your Bread Machine to Make Pizza
One of the people who came to my last Frugal Living to Accomplish Your Goals presentation sent me an email about what recipe I use to make pizza dough. I use the bread machine recipe that came with my machine and tinker with it to get it to my taste.
When I first started making bread with the bread machine, I would dump in the ingredients and walk away. I learned that the bread machine usually needs a bit of help mixing the ingredients. I put them in, start it and come back in 5 minutes and scrape down the sides. I do it a second time after a few more minutes. I also adjust the moisture in the recipe or the flour, if I need to. Part of the reason I do this is because bread machine flour is much more expensive than regular flour. But regular flour seems to take more water in the recipe. I haven’t figured out the amount so I frequently add some water or some flour. If you are just starting to use the bread machine don’t use regular flour. Get some experience behind you with the machine. Then “doctor it up”.
The cheapest source of yeast is the Newark Natural Foods store. You can also try another health food store. I get 8 oz. for about $3.00 and that lasts a long time in my freezer. If you go there, check out the bulk spices which are very cheap and fresh. I get most of my spices in bulk from there.
Additionally, if you don’t have a bread machine, check out the dozen or so in the Goodwill. Before you buy one, make sure to test it in the store.
Here is the recipe:
Bread Machine Pizza Dough
1 1/2 c. very warm water and an additional 2 TBS of warm water
1tbs. sugar
1 tbs. oil (I use olive for pizza)
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 1/2 c. bread flour
2 1/2 tsp yeast
Put it in the machine in this order. Before putting yeast in smooth the flour so it lays pretty flat. Then sprinkle yeast on top. Set the machine to the dough setting. When it is done, divide into 2 thick crusts or 3 thin crust pizzas. Spray your cookie sheets with oil. Roll out the dough to fit the cookie sheet. Place on top. Add sauce to taste. Add toppings to taste (I always fry up the meat toppings before hand and drain fat off). Cover with cheese (about 1 cup or to taste). Bake at 450 degrees for 12-18 minutes. (depends if it is thin crust and if it is in the center rack of the oven)
Total time is about 2 hours.
If you only want one pizza, freeze half in a bag but leave room for expansion. It will keep rising for a bit in the freezer. Defrost it starting in the morning in a covered bowl in a warm place.
Enjoy!
When I first started making bread with the bread machine, I would dump in the ingredients and walk away. I learned that the bread machine usually needs a bit of help mixing the ingredients. I put them in, start it and come back in 5 minutes and scrape down the sides. I do it a second time after a few more minutes. I also adjust the moisture in the recipe or the flour, if I need to. Part of the reason I do this is because bread machine flour is much more expensive than regular flour. But regular flour seems to take more water in the recipe. I haven’t figured out the amount so I frequently add some water or some flour. If you are just starting to use the bread machine don’t use regular flour. Get some experience behind you with the machine. Then “doctor it up”.
The cheapest source of yeast is the Newark Natural Foods store. You can also try another health food store. I get 8 oz. for about $3.00 and that lasts a long time in my freezer. If you go there, check out the bulk spices which are very cheap and fresh. I get most of my spices in bulk from there.
Additionally, if you don’t have a bread machine, check out the dozen or so in the Goodwill. Before you buy one, make sure to test it in the store.
Here is the recipe:
Bread Machine Pizza Dough
1 1/2 c. very warm water and an additional 2 TBS of warm water
1tbs. sugar
1 tbs. oil (I use olive for pizza)
1 1/2 tsp salt
4 1/2 c. bread flour
2 1/2 tsp yeast
Put it in the machine in this order. Before putting yeast in smooth the flour so it lays pretty flat. Then sprinkle yeast on top. Set the machine to the dough setting. When it is done, divide into 2 thick crusts or 3 thin crust pizzas. Spray your cookie sheets with oil. Roll out the dough to fit the cookie sheet. Place on top. Add sauce to taste. Add toppings to taste (I always fry up the meat toppings before hand and drain fat off). Cover with cheese (about 1 cup or to taste). Bake at 450 degrees for 12-18 minutes. (depends if it is thin crust and if it is in the center rack of the oven)
Total time is about 2 hours.
If you only want one pizza, freeze half in a bag but leave room for expansion. It will keep rising for a bit in the freezer. Defrost it starting in the morning in a covered bowl in a warm place.
Enjoy!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Fifth Season of the Year!!! Garage Sale Season!
I am completely excited! Garage sale season is beginning! I am starting to see ads in the paper and signs about town! The thrill of the hunt is on. In the old days men would hunt and women would gather their food. Now, the women have become the hunters, the hunters of the best bargain! Garage sales are where I hone my hunting and negotiation skills.
The best sales to go to are the neighborhood sales. These are great because you can get to 5 -20 individual sales at a time. I usually get a lot of walking in when I go to a neighborhood sale. Last year I went to the Washington Woods and Patriot’s Glen community yard sales. I did a lot of walking and bought some nice things. I also saw a van load of Amish with a non-Amish driver. The van had a huge trailer attached to it to haul their booty. Everyone participates in the hunt!
To prepare for sales, I first make sure to budget money in my monthly budget. I try to get money on Fridays in ones and fives. When I run out of cash, it is the end of my garage sale morning. Many times I have left over cash. I carry it over to the next week or stick it in my savings account. Since it is budgeted but not spent, it makes sense to save it. When my daughters were young, I would take them with me and give each of them $2 to spend. My only guideline was "NO stuffed animals!" They loved to go with me.
Usually I peruse the Friday Cecil Whig ads with my Saturday morning tea and stake out a route so I can hit several sales (5-8) that are near each other. I try to leave the house by 8 am so I can get the best bargains. I make sure to bring a bottle of water and a snack or two. I don’t want to spend money on food out if I get hungry or thirsty.
People are usually happy to bargain with you if you don’t like a price. I do not bargain often but if I see something I want but find it priced too high for me, I will ask for a price reduction. If they say no, I usually just leave the item there.
There is a great article in The Tightwad Gazette, by Amy Dacyczyn about her garage sale strategies. Most every other book on frugality also has secrets to having good hunting at your local garage sales.
Let the season begin!
The best sales to go to are the neighborhood sales. These are great because you can get to 5 -20 individual sales at a time. I usually get a lot of walking in when I go to a neighborhood sale. Last year I went to the Washington Woods and Patriot’s Glen community yard sales. I did a lot of walking and bought some nice things. I also saw a van load of Amish with a non-Amish driver. The van had a huge trailer attached to it to haul their booty. Everyone participates in the hunt!
To prepare for sales, I first make sure to budget money in my monthly budget. I try to get money on Fridays in ones and fives. When I run out of cash, it is the end of my garage sale morning. Many times I have left over cash. I carry it over to the next week or stick it in my savings account. Since it is budgeted but not spent, it makes sense to save it. When my daughters were young, I would take them with me and give each of them $2 to spend. My only guideline was "NO stuffed animals!" They loved to go with me.
Usually I peruse the Friday Cecil Whig ads with my Saturday morning tea and stake out a route so I can hit several sales (5-8) that are near each other. I try to leave the house by 8 am so I can get the best bargains. I make sure to bring a bottle of water and a snack or two. I don’t want to spend money on food out if I get hungry or thirsty.
People are usually happy to bargain with you if you don’t like a price. I do not bargain often but if I see something I want but find it priced too high for me, I will ask for a price reduction. If they say no, I usually just leave the item there.
There is a great article in The Tightwad Gazette, by Amy Dacyczyn about her garage sale strategies. Most every other book on frugality also has secrets to having good hunting at your local garage sales.
Let the season begin!
More Good Thrift Store Sales!
I love church rummage sales! I love to go and shop and then sit and eat their hot dogs, or sip a cup of Maxwell House coffee (and believe me, that is the ONLY place I enjoy a cup of canned coffee!). I feel like my money is going for a good cause and you can get nice things there too.
Today, Friday and Saturday the Nearly New Shop in the Elkton Towne Center on Main St. in Elkton is having $3 bag day. Go down there and load up a bag for cheap.
On Saturday, 3/28, from 9am - 2am, Hopewll United Methodist Church is having a Rummage sale!!! They are at 1811 Hopewell Rd. in Port Deposit.
Today, Friday and Saturday the Nearly New Shop in the Elkton Towne Center on Main St. in Elkton is having $3 bag day. Go down there and load up a bag for cheap.
On Saturday, 3/28, from 9am - 2am, Hopewll United Methodist Church is having a Rummage sale!!! They are at 1811 Hopewell Rd. in Port Deposit.
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