Not only are interest rates at an all time low, there are also some great progams available to assist you.

New Hampshire Housing offers a number of programs that assist people with low to moderate incomes.  If you need cash assistance with your downpayment or closing costs, New Hampshire Housing offers a 4% cash assistance grant.  Buyers must contribute 1% of the purchase price with their own money.  There is no monthly payment on the cas assistance grant plus the grant will be forgiven as long as you live in the home as your primary residence for four years. 

The First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit is still available to members of the military and certain other Federal employees who served outside of the United States in 2010.  To take advantage of the tax credit you must provide documentation of time served, enter into a legal purchase and sales agreement by April 30, 2011 to purchase your principal residence and close the purchase by June 30, 2011.

For those of you who have protected the dream of our Nation, VA loans can protect your dream of homeownership!  VA loans offer no money down, fixed interest rates, no pre-payment penalty and no monthly mortgage insurance if you qualify.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has programs to help increase homeownership.  FHA programs offers 96.5% financing options, cash gifts are allowed for downpayment and closing costs.  Sellers can contribute up to 6% of the sale price toward your closing costs.

FHA allows a home purchase two years after a bankruptcy and three years after a foreclosure.

Rural Development guaranteed loan program offers 100% financing, no montly mortgage insurance, flexible credit and qualifing guidelines.  Repairs and improvements to the home can be included in the loan.  In order to qualify the residential property must be located in a Rural Develpment eligible area.  Ineligibel areas are:  Concord, Derry, Dover, Hudson, parts of Goffstown & Hooksett, Londonderry, Manchester, Merrimack, Nashua, Portsmouth, Rochester and Salem.

All of the above programs have qualification requirements.  For more information visit:

www.nhhfa.org

www.rurdev.usda.gov

www.Irs.gov

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/buying_a_home

Donna Marston
Broker/Realtor
Homequest Real Estate
www.homequestnh.com

(800)-713-2057 ext. 1
(603)-568-0533
homequestllc@comcast.net

Yes, because home ownership brings substanital benefits for families, communites and the country.  There are tangible benefits of being a home owner, such as the  financial benefit of the home building equity, plus develping our own economic foundation for our families future.  Research shows that home owners are generally committed to their neighborhoods, so in turn, they are more likely to make friends with their neighbors plus volunteer in political and community activities.  Most people take pride in a strong sense of community.

The National Association of Realtors research has reported that home ownership is particulary beneficial to children.  It states that children of homewoners are more likely to perform higher on academic achievement tests and finish high shool.  It also states that home owners who are safisfied with their home are more likely to say in their homes for a longer period of time.  These facts partially impact a sense of security, whether it be in the household or in the community.

Over the years policy makers have promoted homeownership through various channels, however, being a home owner has been an essential element of the American Dream for years  Research has consistently shown over the years the importance of housing on the economy and the long term social and financial benefits to individual home owners.

For more information visit:   http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2010/08/stable_communities

If a homeowner purposely defaults on their mortgage because the home is worth less than what is owed, it is known as Strategic Default or in layman's terms, walking away from your mortgage (even if they can afford it).

Associated Risks:

1, Your Lender can file a lawsuit against you,  demanding the unpaid balance be satisfied.

2. Your credit score will be negatively impacted.

3. Be cautious of companies that are suddenly popping up to take advantage of this trend.  These companies promise to help homeowners deal with their lender for a fee.

Before making any major decision it is recommended that you speak to your Lender to learn about your options or contact an attorney to educate yourself about the process.

Teens can get their hands on perscription medications faster than they can get fast food.  2,500 teenagers per day use a prescription drug to get high for the first time. Typically they are getting the drugs in their homes because all they have to do is open a cupboard, drawer, or medicine cabinet. 

Usually a teens desire for getting high outweighs their perception of the risks:

• 12 to 17 year olds abuse prescription drugs more than they abuse ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined
• 60% of teens who have abused prescription painkillers did so before age 15
• There are as many new abusers age 12 to 17 of prescription drugs as there are of marijuana

No one wakes up one day  and say's " I think I'll become a drug addict today", if a teen is vuneralbe to the disease, eventually the diseae will be in control of the teen.

As stated in the AA Big Book " Addiction is an allergy of the body and an obsession of the mind"

For more information visit:    http://www.drugfree.org/NotInMyHouse/default.aspx

Join in the fun with the Make-A-Wish-Foundation Night:Merchants Auto Stadium in Manchester, N.H. on Saturday August 28, 2010  at 7 p.m.

The Fisher Cats will be playing the Portland Sea Dogs and there will be fireworks!

Tickets are only $10.00 each,  $3.00 from each ticket will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

Tickets can be purchased at  N.H. Federal Credit Union.

Do you know that a credit score of  620 or above is now considered desirable for getting a mortgage?

Factors that decide your credit score:

1.  What is your payment history?

Do you pay your bills on time

2. How much do you owe on credit?

If you have numerous credit cards/debt on a variety of accounts, you may be considered as over extended

3. How long is your credit history?

The longer the better.  No credit is considered as bad credit.

4. Do you have new credit?

How much new credit that you have is considered more risky even if you pay on time.

5, What type of credit do you use:

Having more than one type of credit (credit cards, mortg. installment loans) is generally more desirable.

Over 3,200 fairs are held in North America each year.  Offering  Food, rides, exhibits, demonstration,  livestock, horticulture and agriculture  competitions.

In the beginning Merchants from distant countries would come together, bringing their merchandise  to trade with one another. It's not factual but estimated that American fairs and exhibitions came  out of  the eighteenth century western Europe, and delivered to the colonial docks of Boston and Halifax.

Fairs today offer much more than live stock and agricultural exhibits.  Some offer live entertainment, demolition derby's and oh boy, what about the food?  Fried dough, candy apples, cotton candy, burgers, fries, onion rings and so much more!   If you love playing  games in hopes of winning an over sized stuffed animal or spinning around on crazy rides, you'll enjoy one of these New Hampshire Fairs.

2010 Fairs in New Hampshire:

July 28th to Aug. 1st                          North Haverhill Fair

July 22nd  to July 25th                     Stratham Fair

Aug. 4th  to Aug. 8th                          Cheshire Fair

Aug. 14th to Aug. 15th                      Belknap county 4-H Fair

Aug. 20th to Aug. 22nd                    Cornish Fair

Sept. 1st to Sept. 6th                          Lancaster Fair

Sept. 2nd to Sept. 6th                        Hopkinton State Fair

Sept. 10th to Sept. 12th                    Hillsborough county Agricultural Fair

Sept. 17th to Sept. 26th                   Rochester Fair

Sept. 30th to Oct. 3rd                       Deerfield Fair

Oct. 9th to Oct. 11th                           Sandwich Fair

History of Fairs

New Hampshire Association of Fairs

Henry Pr att has been working on making his dream of buidling a Veteran's Museum in New Hampshire a reality.  Mr. Pratt has been working on the land permits, and all the particulars that go into a new building since last September.  Now that he has the go ahead to move forward with this project, funding is critical for the museum.  Please help by making a donation to the Veteran's Museum of NH, 8037 Willow St., Manchester, N.H. 03103.  Your support will be greatly appreciated!

Article written in the Merrimack Valley Voice by Henry Pratt Last September. 

My mother passed away February 9, 2008, and was interred on February 21, 2008, at the New Hampshire State Veteran’s Cemetery.  She had been a proud member of the Air Force WASP’s during the Korean Conflict specializing in communications.  Each and every Sunday since she passed away, I have visited her grave sight to mourn and remember the times we spent together.  As I was leaving the cemetery, the thought occurred tome, what could I do to help other veterans, both living and deceased and perhaps even leave a legacy behind.  Not wanted to leave the cemetery one day, I notice the land across the street was available for sale.  I immediately tracked down the owner, Wesley Carlton and put the land under agreement.  I presented my plan to the Boscawen Town Selectman and drafted my plans for local fund raising. The Selectman were warm and receptive to my ideas and suggested I come back for a second meeting.  One comment was made that they were pleased, as they had been fearful that the land would end up being a used car lot, I assured them that I felt this was the ideal spot for a veteran’s museum.

The name for the proposed museum has not been  without controversy and we finally settled upon Veteran’s Museum of New Hampshire instead of the original name, State of New Hampshire Veteran’s Museum.

My original agreement to purchase the land was contingent upon the town accepting my idea.  After further discussions, the town agreed my goals could be met.  I have purchased the land and am beginning to raise funds to secure architectural drawings to ensure that the design of the museum fits nicely and compliments the quaint village of Boscawen.  My ultimate goal is to build a museum to honor my mother and the many New Hampshire veterans, living and passed, it is my small way of giving something back to society and those who have served our country so honorably.

Press Release from the Department of Parks and Recreation:

(Concord, NH) On August 18, 1:00 pm, the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation is hosting the Grand Opening of the newest State Park campground, Gilson Pond Campground at Monadnock State Park. The public is invited to join the celebration and tour the new campground. The Gilson Pond opening serves as the culmination of our year-long 75th anniversary celebration.

The grand opening will celebrate the first new campground built by the Division of Parks and Recreation in 40 years.  Gilson Pond Campground replaces a 21 site campground at the headquarters area that was built in 1935. This new campground at the Gilson Pond area has 40 camp sites including 5 walk-in sites, a new playground, and a new bathhouse.   The campground at the headquarters area will be used for youth group camping.

Monadnock State Park is open year-round and is a popular destination for hikers with over 40 miles of trails for all abilities. The summit offers a 360 degree view of the Monadnock Region and visitors can see over 100 miles on a clear day.  During the winter months, the park not only offers camping and hiking but also cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for the winter recreational enthusiast.   

The Division of Parks and Recreation is comprised of the Bureau of Park Operations, Bureau of Historic Sites, Bureau of Trails, and Cannon Mountain.  The Division manages 92 properties, including state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, trails, waysides, and natural areas.  The Division of Parks and Recreation is one of four divisions of the Department of Resources and Economic Development.  To learn more, visit www.nhstateparks.org, follow NH State Parks on Facebook and Twitter, or call 603/271-3556.

SITE FEE COVERS 2 ADULTS AND UP TO 4 CHILDREN. FOR ALL ADDITIONAL ADULTS A FEE OF $10 PER NIGHT AND FOR ALL ADDITIONAL CHILDREN FEES OF $5 PER NIGHT ARE TO BE PAID UPON ARRIVAL.

Youth Group pay $5 per child per night and for every 4 children 1 adult pays $5 per night. Each additional adults pay $10 per night. Camping is available year round but during winter months there is no plowing so all must hike in carrying their gear. Youth groups during walk in season must call the park at 603-532-8862 to make reservations.
Pets are NOT allowed at any time. No hook up sites at this campground. Sites accommodate a maximum of 6 people, combination of adults and children with no more than 4 adults per site. Except Youth Group sites.

For any NH State Park youth group reservations, refunds after arrival date or other NH State Park headquarters' questions please contact 603-271-3556

http://www.youtube.com/user/CoDEndowmentTube#p/u/7/d64Sst9AZ4w

The Problem

A generation ago, American soldiers risking their lives in Southeast Asian jungles returned home to a nation ambivalent to their sacrifice. Good jobs were scarce. Educational opportunities were limited. Too often sidewalks and parks served as home. This national shame cannot be repeated. Many of our soldiers who risked their lives patrolling the streets and villages of Iraq and Afghanistan and other conflicts are met with closed doors unless we pry them open today. Rather than be rewarded for their service, they are effectively penalized.

Recent statistics say volumes about the issue. According to recent figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 500,000 men and women between the ages of 18 and 64 unemployed. And the present unemployment rate for recently discharged veterans is an alarming 20 percent.¹ More than 60 percent of employers surveyed recently do not believe they have “a complete understanding of the qualifications ex-service members offer,”² and more than three quarters of veterans themselves find it difficult to “effectively translate their military skills into civilian terms.”³

Veterans Deserve More…
Regardless of these reasons, the truth is that our military veterans should be at the top of the candidate list when companies are searching for new employees. In addition to their tested skills of composure and discipline “under fire,” these men and women have received the finest training and expertise that our nation has to offer in a variety of fields. They have been nurtured as the next generation of leaders from the moment of their enlistment and they are proven problem solvers that have the ability to adjust to a variety of situations and challenges put before them.

The time has come for employers to open their doors to some of our nation’s brightest, bravest, and hardest working Americans. Now is the time for us and every employer out there to answer our own call of duty, just as they men and women did when they entered the military. America’s veterans don’t deserve to return home from one battle, only to be thrust into another. Just as they fought to protect our nation and liberties, we will fight to ensure that they are rewarded for their service with stable, competitive, and fruitful opportunities of employment.

visit: C.O.D.E Call of Duty Endowment