Last week, the FHA (Federal Housing Authority) announced that the First-Time Buyers Tax Credit can now be used for a down payment on an FHA loan.  This is really great news for first-time buyers!  First-time home buyers can now add the $8,000 (max) tax credit to their down payment and/or their closing costs. FHA mortgage loans require a 3.5% - 5% down payment.  The tax credit may not be used in place of the required down payment for your FHA loan but it can ... Read Full Story

The Treasury Department began implimenting programs last month that they are hoping will bring help and hope to Jefferson County distressed homeowners.  The Making Home Affordable program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  This program offers two options for homeowners.  The loan modification program is primarily aimed at helping distressed homeowners who are falling behind on their payments.  The refinancing program is primarily aimed at homeowne... Read Full Story

The Treasury Department began implimenting programs last month that they are hoping will bring help and hope to Jefferson County distressed homeowners.  The Making Home Affordable program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  This program offers two options for homeowners.  The loan modification program is primarily aimed at helping distressed homeowners who are falling behind on their payments.  The refinancing program is primarily aimed at homeowne... Read Full Story

Spring fire season officially began yesterday in West Virginia.  Fire restrictions will be in effect until May 31st.  Outdoor burning is prohibited between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.  If you are planning to do any outdoor burning, remember to include a 10 foot safety strip around the fire area.  The 10 foot strip is required by law.  In addition, all fires must be attended to until they have been completely extinguished.  Anyone who violates the fire res... Read Full Story

Spring fire season officially began yesterday in West Virginia.  Fire restrictions will be in effect until May 31st.  Outdoor burning is prohibited between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.  If you are planning to do any outdoor burning, remember to include a 10 foot safety strip around the fire area.  The 10 foot strip is required by law.  In addition, all fires must be attended to until they have been completely extinguished.  Anyone who violates the fire res... Read Full Story

As part of the new $789 billion economic stimulus plan, first time homebuyers will receive an $8000 tax credit when they purchase a home, an increase over last year's $7500 repayable tax credit.  This new non-repayable tax credit is expected to increase home sales by 500,000 units in 2009 alone, according to the National Association of Realtors.  The previous repayable credit was only good until June 30th.  The new, higher, non-repayable tax credit has been extended to Septembe... Read Full Story

As part of the new $789 billion economic stimulus plan, first time homebuyers will receive an $8000 tax credit when they purchase a home, an increase over last year's $7500 repayable tax credit.  This new non-repayable tax credit is expected to increase home sales by 500,000 units in 2009 alone, according to the National Association of Realtors.  The previous repayable credit was only good until June 30th.  The new, higher, non-repayable tax credit has been extended to Sept... Read Full Story

Through the combined efforts of local Jefferson County Cub and Boy Scouts, more than 15,000 lbs of food were offered to the food pantry run by the Jefferson County Community Ministries in 2008.  One weekend a year, scouts go out in their neighborhoods and ask for donations to this great cause.  Some scout troops, like Pack 95 with the Mannahoac District of the Shenandoah Area Council, donated 165 pounds of food bought from money they raised through a popcorn sale earlier in th... Read Full Story

Through the combined efforts of local Jefferson County Cub and Boy Scouts, more than 15,000 lbs of food were offered to the food pantry run by the Jefferson County Community Ministries in 2008.  One weekend a year, scouts go out in their neighborhoods and ask for donations to this great cause.  Some scout troops, like Pack 95 with the Mannahoac District of the Shenandoah Area Council, donated 165 pounds of food bought from money they raised through a popcorn sale earlier in th... Read Full Story

Last week it was announced that, through the incredible outpouring of support from the local Jefferson County community, the United Way of Jefferson County has reached its annual fundraising goal of $440,000.  This means that 21 Jefferson County chartitable organizations will be receiving the assistance they need from United Way to help fund programs for food, clothing and youth programs in the area.  This amazing feat was accomplished through the help of donation... Read Full Story