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authority’s Ann Shroeder Osterberg said common problems that qualify are dry rot in bathrooms, failing septic systems, outdated electrical wiring or the need to provide accessibility for a handicap.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