Government has $200 million for Maine homebuyers
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
HOULTON — REMAX Central brokers Greg Miller and Diane Hires accepted an award last week from the USDA for helping prospective homeowners realize the American dream through unique government programs. The Houlton office of REMAX was one of that government agency’s partners recognized for its efforts during June which is National Homeownership Month.
With nearly $200,000,000 available to Maine families, alone, what might have been an unattainable dream of buying or building a home is becoming a reality for many. According to the USDA, so far in Maine in this fiscal year, 1,033 families have been assisted through the USDA’s rural development housing programs. Dale Holmes, the USDA housing director for rural development, says thanks to stimulus money, the agency’s funding expanded to about $200 million. 
AWARD CENTRAL — Raymond Roberts, USDA area director of rural development, Greg Miller, REMAX Central associate broker, Clifford Folsom, homeowner and grandson Gavin Miller stand outside the REMAX office on Main St. in Houlton with Diane Hires who proudly holds the award from the USDA. Folsom is holding gifts he accepted from the USDA to congratulate him on his new home.
Clifford Folsom, a first-time buyer from Houlton, recently purchased his home through the USDA’s 502 Direct Program. “I didn’t want to rent so I talked to Diane. She helped me find a house and hooked me up with the USDA. She was there 100 percent for me.” His 4-year-old grandson, Gavin Miller, was with him and said he liked Folsom’s new house — a ranch-style with a master suite, a two-car garage and an acre of land.
Hires says “there’s lots of money in the pot just waiting for people to apply for it.” She added that her clients become her friends and often they come into the office just needing direction and encouragement.
Hires and Miller say word-of-mouth has been an important ingredient in their success in putting people in homes of their own. Miller says through the direct-loan program, he has put two single mothers into their own home. That plan does not require a down payment, just certification that the house has no major plumbing, structural or electrical issues. And the buyer must be without adequate housing. The USDA is the lender instead of a bank.
Jane Towle, designated broker with REMAX Central said she was “extremely proud of Greg and Diane. They are part of the super team at REMAX and they have their hearts in the right place.”
Raymond Roberts, USDA’s area director of rural development, presented the award to Hires and Miller and congratulated them on their successful partnership with USDA to put people in homes. Roberts said by providing 100 percent financing over 33 years with no required down payment, the agency is helping low-income families who don’t have adequate housing become first-time buyers. There is also, he says, another program for people with higher income levels whereby his agency guarantees a bank loan.
Hires says with the guaranteed loan program, closing costs can be included, no down payment is required and even though the bank makes the loan, it is often at a better interest rate for people with slightly higher incomes so that just about everyone can qualify for USDA money.
Holmes says in Aroostook County, the agency has helped 26 families purchase or build a new home with $677,234 in home financing. “For the entire state we have helped 1085 families with $142,677,213 in home financing assistance. We expect to be able to help approximately 1,500 Maine families with about $200,000,000 to realize the American dream of homeownership.”
