We are pleased to announce new lower mortgage interest rates for Vermonters purchasing homes through VHFA's mortgage programs.   As of Friday, September 30, 2011, the new interest rates are:

• 3.50% with 0 points for 30 year fixed rate government mortgage loans (FHA, VA, RD-Rural Development)
• 3.75% with .25 point for 30 year fixed rate conventional mortgage loans

Zero down payment loans are available to eligible borrowers.   For a list of participating VHFA lenders please visit http://www.vhfa.org/homeownership/lenders.php

Yesterday, FEMA postponed the deadline for registering for infrastructure assistance to October 17th.  By this date, government agencies and certain private non-profit organizations needing funds to rebuild infrastructure damages caused by hurricane Irene must register with FEMA. 

FEMA's Public Assistance (Infrastructure) program reimburses state and municipal governments for the cost of eligible emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair, restoration, reconstruction or replacement of public infrastructure such as roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities and parks, and other recreational facilities damaged during a disaster.

Government agencies and certain private non-profit organizations needing funds to rebuild infrastructure damages caused by hurricane Irene must register with FEMA no later than Oct. 1, 2011.   The deadline is extended to Oct. 17^th for Grand Isle County.  

Tropical Storm Irene wrecked havoc on many of Vermont's mobile homes and mobile home parks.   Since they are more affordable than most other types of owner occupied housing, mobile home residents are more likely to be lower income and to lack the resources to needed to repair or in some cases remove their homes. 

Read this morning's VPR story and yesterday's Burlington Free Press article about the state's mobile home residents.