Homeowner helpers

  • Mike Benbow / Herald Writer
  • Saturday, December 8, 2001 9:00pm
  • Business

Low- and no-interest loans help owners with needed repairs

By Mike Benbow

Herald Writer

Gail Manson had just gotten her Edmonds house insulated when her bedroom ceiling collapsed.

So much for keeping the heat in and the cold out.

The single homeowner, who earns a modest living as a security guard, was wondering just what to do next when a weatherization worker suggested she contact the Snohomish County Housing Authority.

Today, the roof leak that caused the cave-in has been repaired. In fact, Manson has a new roof, a new foundation, new plumbing and new siding to cover the lead paint on the home’s exterior.

"My house is brand new," said Manson of the home built during the 1950s.

Manson got help through the authority’s home rehabilitation program, which helps people make repairs needed for health and safety reasons by providing no- or low-interest loans. The city of Everett makes similar loans through its Community Housing Improvement Program.

The idea is to build the quality of neighborhoods and the quality of life for individuals by helping them keep their homes in good repair.

"Seniors and families will have the opportunity to repair their homes and enjoy renewed pride of ownership," said Bob Davis, executive director of the county housing authority.

Home repair help

People with low or moderate incomes can get low- or no-interest loans to repair their homes for health or safety reasons.

To find out if you qualify, or to get more information, call 425-259-8735 if you live within the city limits of Everett or 425-290-8499 if you live anywhere else in Snohomish County.

Davis recently announced the county had received more than $1 million from the federal government to continue the program, which is now more than 20 years old here.

Some 4,000 homes have been repaired by the authority through the years.

People seeking money will find there are some strings attached:

Applicants must meet income criteria as well as own and occupy the property.

Examples of qualifying incomes include a family of four with an income of less than $52,500 or a single person with an income below $36,750.

Health and safety concerns, failing roofs, electrical, plumbing, heating, foundation, dry rot and other home improvement needs all qualify for a loan.

The authority’s Ann Shroeder Osterberg said common problems that qualify are dry rot in bathrooms, failing septic systems, outdated electrical wiring or the need to provide accessibility for a handicap.

"The distinction being that the loan is to keep the building itself in a sound condition," she said. "We can do other improvements as long as we’ve gone in for health and safety reasons."

Manson borrowed the maximum, $40,000, and will pay it back over 30 years with no interest.

It’s really cool," she said. "I thought, ‘No interest, I can’t believe that.’ For once in my life, I got good luck."

Terms range from 0 to 3 percent interest over 20 or 30 years adjusted to the homeowner’s ability to make the monthly payments. Deferred-payment loans are available to elderly and handicapped/disabled households.

Manson said selecting the right contractor took some time. But she said she finally did find a contractor with whom she was comfortable, and she recently had all the work completed.

"I’m tickled to death," she said.

You can call Herald Writer Mike Benbow at 425-339-3459

or send e-mail to benbow@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

A closing sign hangs above the entrance of the Big Lots at Evergreen and Madison on Monday, July 22, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Big Lots announces it will shutter Everett and Lynnwood stores

The Marysville store will remain open for now. The retailer reported declining sales in the first quarter of the year.

George Montemor poses for a photo in front of his office in Lynnwood, Washington on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.  (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Despite high mortgage rates, Snohomish County home market still competitive

Snohomish County homes priced from $550K to $850K are pulling in multiple offers and selling quickly.

Henry M. Jackson High School’s robotic team, Jack in the Bot, shake hands at the 2024 Indiana Robotics Invitational.(Henry M. Jackson High School)
Mill Creek robotics team — Jack in the Bot — wins big

Henry M. Jackson High School students took first place at the Indiana Robotic Invitational for the second year in a row.

The computer science and robotics and artificial intelligence department faculty includes (left to right) faculty department head Allison Obourn; Dean Carey Schroyer; Ishaani Priyadarshini; ROBAI department head Sirine Maalej and Charlene Lugli. PHOTO: Arutyun Sargsyan / Edmonds College.
Edmonds College to offer 2 new four-year degree programs

The college is accepting applications for bachelor programs in computer science as well as robotics and artificial intelligence.

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin, Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center executive director Larry Cluphf, Boeing Director of manufacturing and safety Cameron Myers, Edmonds College President Amit Singh, U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, and Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 2 celebrating the opening of a new fuselage training lab at Paine Field. Credit: Arutyun Sargsyan / Edmonds College
‘Magic happens’: Paine Field aerospace center dedicates new hands-on lab

Last month, Edmonds College officials cut the ribbon on a new training lab — a section of a 12-ton Boeing 767 tanker.

Gov. Jay Inslee presents CEO Fredrik Hellstrom with the Swedish flag during a grand opening ceremony for Sweden-based Echandia on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Swedish battery maker opens first U.S. facility in Marysville

Echandia’s marine battery systems power everything from tug boats to passenger and car ferries.

Helion Energy CEO and co-founder David Kirtley talks to Governor Jay Inslee about Trenta, Helion’s 6th fusion prototype, during a tour of their facility on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
State grants Everett-based Helion a fusion energy license

The permit allows Helion to use radioactive materials to operate the company’s fusion generator.

People walk past the new J.sweets storefront in Alderwood Mall on Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New Japanese-style sweets shop to open in Lynnwood

J. Sweets, offering traditional Japanese and western style treats opens, could open by early August at the Alderwood mall.

Diane Symms, right, has been the owner and CEO of Lombardi's Italian Restaurants for more than three decades. Now in her 70s, she's slowly turning the reins over to her daughter, Kerri Lonergan-Dreke.Shot on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 in Everett, Wash. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant in Mill Creek to close

Lombardi’s Restaurant Group sold the Mill Creek property currently occupied by the restaurant. The Everett and Bellingham locations remain open.

The Safeway store at 4128 Rucker Ave., on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Mike Henneke / The Herald)
Kroger and Albertsons plan to sell these 19 Snohomish County grocers

On Tuesday, the grocery chains released a list of stores included in a deal to avoid anti-competition concerns amid a planned merger.

Helion Energy CEO and co-founder David Kirtley talks to Governor Jay Inslee about Trenta, Helion's 6th fusion prototype, during a tour of their facility on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Inslee energized from visit to Everett fusion firms

Helion Energy and Zap Energy offered state officials a tour of their plants. Both are on a quest to generate carbon-free electricity from fusion.

Awards honor employers who promote workers with disabilities

Nominations are due July 31 for the awards from the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.