RE/MAX gets USDA award today

     As a part of June National Homeownership Month, USDA Rural Development officials are recognizing essential partners whose efforts have led to an increased number of Maine residents obtaining homeownership.
    RE/MAX Central, Houlton Office was selected to receive the Homeownership Partner of the Year Award, which will be presented today at 10 a.m. at the RE/MAX office on Main Street.
    “We feel honored to be recognized for the Homeownership Partner of the year award,” said Diane Hires, RE/MAX realtor. “It has been a rewarding experience in the last six months, working with Cheryl Hews,  Sean Thibeau and staff. We look forward to developing a continued and successful relationship with USDA Rural Development.”
    Greg Miller and Hires have assisted three or more families in attaining homeownership through the Rural Development Section 502 Direct Program.
    “These folks all have commented that ‘they never believed they could actually buy a home’,” said Miller.
     Also to be recognized at the event are two homeowners pursuing the dream of homeownership through utilizing this partnership. Each will be presented with seeds to plant a Homeownership Garden.
    “The Rural Development is a direct program with no money down,” said Hires. “The potential homeowner can also take a homeowners’ class and receive a bonus for participating.”
    But, Hires said they try to reach those who may want to own a home, but don’t think they could ever afford one. Her slogan is “Let me show you how.”
    “I want to take someone who is putting an exorbitant amount of money into renting and turn them into a homeowner.”