Take Advantage of the USDA Home Loan
Posted by Cary_Agent
Why You Should Choose USDA to Finance Your North Carolinian Home
The economy may be bust, but that doesn’t mean that the American dream of homeownership is dead. Many in North Carolina still seek to purchase a house of their own; however, tighter lending guidelines have made it more difficult, if not impossible, for many to do so.
For the countless Americans struggling to secure financing, there are several government backed lending programs designed to make purchasing a home affordable. In addition to FHA, the government also offers the USDA home loan program which many are unaware of. In fact, of the 50 million who were eligible for the program last year, only 150,000 took advantage of it.
Isn’t a USDA Home Loan Just for Rural Areas?
While North Carolina may have its fair share of rural areas, not everyone is eager to live in them. Traditionally, the USDA home loan program was designed to help those wishing to purchase a home in a rural area. Today, however, the program covers a much larger area, and even homes on the outskirts of metro areas such as Raleigh/ Durham are eligible.
What are the Benefits of the Program?
The USDA Home Loan Program is backed 100 percent by the US Department of Agriculture. For borrowers, this means that they are eligible for benefits that they would normally be unable to obtain. Such benefits include:
- Zero or limited down payment required
- Regulated closing costs
- No mortgage insurance required
- Competitive interest rates
Who is Eligible for a USDA Loan?
To ensure potential borrowers have the strongest likelihood of approval, the USDA loan requirements are some of the most lenient eligibility requirements of any lending program. To become eligible for a USDA home loan, prospective borrowers must:
- Select to purchase a home within an eligible USDA area
- Have adequate income to support monthly mortgage payments
- Have an income within area’s median range
The USDA program caters to those with greater financial need; however, most lenders will still require potential borrowers to have a credit score of a least 620 to obtain financing. Although 620 is a mid-range credit score, if you feel that your income level or credit history may make you ineligible for this type of loan, you are still encouraged to speak with a USDA loan specialist and apply.
Guest Author: Kevin Pearia
Content Director at USDALoans.com
USDA home loansExperience Raleigh’s Rich, Historic Past: Visit the North Carolina State Capitol Building
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
You don’t have to be a historian or architect to appreciate the remarkable design of the North Carolina state capitol in Raleigh. It’s a wonderful example of Greek revival architecture that once was the seat of the state’s government. The building features a spectacular marble statue of George Washington, and is one of the best-preserved and finest examples of a major civic building in the state.
The Capitol’s Early History
The Capitol is constructed from local stone, and was a replacement for the original brick and stucco building that was destroyed by fire in 1831. A Scotsman, David Paton, who also was the supervising architect, is believed to have designed much of the building’s interior. Alexander Jackson Davis and Ithiel Town served as the principal architects. The final cost of the building exceeded $500,000, which, in 1840, was six times North Carolina’s revenue. A unique railway with wooden tracks was used to haul stone for the project, with mules providing the power to pull the cars.
More about the Capitol’s Features
The building has a rough cruciform (cross-shaped) design that’s three stories in height. A spectacular copper dome is one of the Capitol’s most notable features. Inside, there’s a large central rotunda that’s open from the top of the dome to floor level, providing an expansive look and feel. Two other large rooms house the Senate and House of Representatives, and are a full two stories high. The building stands in the center of Capitol Square, which is one of the five squares specified in the original plan that dates back to 1792. Calculated to lend a sense of importance, permanence, and formality to the main building, the Capitol is surrounded by public monuments and large trees. Landscaped by the renowned Olmstead brothers in the 20th century, Capitol Square is designed to inspire civic pride.
The Capitol Today
The Capitol housed all branches of North Carolina state government until 1888, when the Supreme Court moved into a building dedicated to its exclusive use. The General Assembly met in the Capitol until 1963. That year, it relocated to a separate building. Today, the Capitol still houses the offices of the Governor and Secretary of State. Although there have been periodic clamors to remodel and renovate the building, few actual changes have occured, except for the restoration of the original House and Senate chambers. Today, the Capitol is designated a Raleigh historic landmark. Admission is free, and guided tours are available.
Trees and Gardens in Raleigh, NC: The JC Raulston Arboretum
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
If you’re looking for a unique experience in the Raleigh-Durham region, then plan to spend a day at the spectacular JC Raulston arboretum, located on the North Carolina State University campus. The arboretum is part of the school’s department of horticultural services, covers 8 acres, and contains over 5,000 species and cultivars. Other features on the site include a spectacular rose garden, and another garden that’s a great example of English-style horticulture. The arboretum itself includes many native species, and its exhibits display boxwoods, magnolias, buckeyes, and bamboo. It’s also acclaimed for its extensive collection of plants that have been adapted specifically for landscape use in the southeast US. A wide variety of plants are collected, evaluated, and developed under the arboretum’s mandate to find the best plants to use in landscapes in the South.
The Ruby C. McSwain Education Center
This is an exceptional facility that’s dedicated to supporting and enhancing the educational activities at the arboretum. The center houses the headquarters of the Garden Club of North Carolina, an auditorium, staff offices, a volunteer office, and a membership office. Surrounded by spectacular research and teaching gardens, the McSwain Education Center is home to the Asian Valley garden, the Scree garden, the Xeric garden, and the Contemplation garden. There’s also a beautiful perennial border garden that connects to the arboretum’s unique rooftop terrace that features the first green roof at the university. The center has a sustainable design that uses efficient geothermal wells to heat and cool the facility. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), geothermal systems are capable of reducing energy consumption by as much as 72%, when compared to conventional systems.
Informative Classes for Home Gardeners
The arboretum offers ongoing educational programs for all ages. One that’s very popular is the year-long class entitled “The Year in Trees and Shrub, Etc.” This course examines trees and shrubs at the arboretum over a period of 12 months, and allows students to observe how these plants change with the seasons. The class emphasizes plants that are readily available to home gardeners, and demonstrates in detail how to use and care for them in everyday garden design.
Admission to the JC Raulston Arboretum is free, and the facility is open year-round. Parking also is free, and no-charge tours are available.