Advice

HBA of FM: Home is the Nicest Word There Is

In honor of Homeownership Month, The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead offers some advice on how to start your own path the homeownership.

By Darrick Guthmiller, Home Builders Association of F-M President
Darrick Guthmiller is a partner in Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc., specializing in new custom homes, remodeling and lake homes.

Homes have taken on a new meaning to us as they became our new offices, playgrounds, sporting fields, entertainment venues and safe refuges during this challenging time. Let’s pause and really think about what a home means as we welcome June as Homeownership Month.

The quote by Laura Ingalls Wilder in the headline (“home is the nicest word there is”) introduces not only the obvious reasons to own one (it’s a good investment and shelter for your family) but also the intangible reasons to own one (there’s no place like home and the feeling of security it provides).

I’d like to remind homeowners who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 be aware of mortgage payment options available. If a loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, borrowers may be eligible to delay making their monthly mortgage payments for a temporary period during in which late fees won’t be incurred and foreclosure and other legal proceedings will be suspended.

You can check online to see if your loan is owned by either of these entities:


If you are in the market to buy a home, here are the HBA’s top three tips to help pave your way:

  1. Both North Dakota and Minnesota have great first-time homebuyer programs to make the burden of a down payment more achievable. Some of these programs can get you into a home for as little as $500 out of pocket, based on certain qualifications! Talk to your lender for more details.
  2. In Fargo and West Fargo, you can save up to $3,800 on your property tax bill when you buy a newly built home. Homeowners get an exemption on up to $150,000 off their property valuation for two taxable years following the year the home was sold.
  3. In Dilworth and Moorhead, you can get a two-year property tax rebate on newly built homes. On a $250,000 home, this is a value of $6,100 over the two-year period. There is no maximum value on new construction of single-family homes, including the building and land.

Of course, there are many small communities surrounding the F-M metro area to explore as well. Contact your local jurisdiction for more details on specific incentives they may offer.

Happy Homeownership Month! Buying a home is a great long-term investment. The HBA of F-M has many members who can help you on your path! From lenders, to Realtors to builders, you can find them all at www.hbafm.com/FindAMember.

Home Builders Association of Fargo Moorhead:
Nurture a thriving, innovative and diverse housing industry in our community

For more information, contact:
hbafm.com
[email protected]
facebook.com/HBAFargoMoorhead
twitter.com/hbafm

 

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