Program continues growth of pride in our community

Driving around McCook, it's obvious that many of us -- a majority, in fact -- take great pride in our homes.

Drive through older parts of town, and you'll see many homes that have been remodeled and updated, everything from a simple new siding and window job to a complete gutting and installation of new electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems.

Pride is the main factor in this renewal, but opportunity is as well.

Many folks have found housing here to be a great bargain, and a lot of the local homes are the result of equity transferred here from other parts of the country with higher real estate prices.

But reasonable interest rates are an important factor as well.

A new opportunity has arisen in McCook, thanks to the McCook Economic Development Corp.'s effort to start a purchase, rehabilitation and resale housing program.

The program is starting out small, Denise Ringenberg of the MEDC said, so administrators can learn in the process and keep the program growing and enhancing our community.

Recently, $200,000 was released from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to get things started.

Applicants must first complete an approved homebuyer education class and qualify for a home loan from a local lender.

Next, working with the MEDC, the applicant will find a house, which if all conditions are met, will be purchased by the MEDC, rehabilitated and sold to the applicant, with the help of $3,000 in downpayment assistance from the program.

It's for first-time homebuyers, but if you have not owned a home in three years or have experienced a life change such as being divorced or widowed, you may qualify.

The program is designed to rehabilitate six homes over the next two years.

If you would like more information, contact (308) 345-5188 for an application.

Better yet, learn about the program at the MEDC's booth, sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, at the McCook Home & Leisure Show in the old Stage building in Westview Plaza tonight and this weekend.

It's a great opportunity to be a part of the continued growth of pride in our community.