Cheryl Westwood

This fall season, FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans will be more popular than ever for home purchase and refinancing. These types of loans are more popular because the requirements can be much more flexible, which makes them available to a broader spectrum of potential homebuyer's.

Some reasons you may want to consider one of these fixed rate loans:

~ Attractive interest rates. FHA loans are insured. This reduces the risk and more borrowers are eligible for better or more favorable rates.

~ Easier to qualify. Even those with lower credit scores are acceptable and you can use co-borrowers who don't live with you to help you qualify.

~ Low Down Payment. As much as 96.5% of the home's value may be financed. The down payment can be used as a gift, but it is subject to conditions.

~ Not limited to primary residences. FHA loans can be used for a second or third home also.

~ No income restrictions. FHA loans don't exclude higher-income borrowers, unlike other government loans.

These are the most up-to-date requirements and conditions, but they change frequently. So, be sure to get any updates that may be available, before you go with a FHA loan. And, good luck on your home search.

Come to Rotary Park in Lake Havasu City on Saturday, September 27th for Family Safety Day. This free event includes a bicycle obstacle course, car seat safety inspections, help with proper installation of car seats, crafts, free food, skateboard competitions, free bike registration and licensing, a bounce house, airbrush tattoos and free giveaways. The local Lake Havasu Fire Department, Law Enforcement officials, FOP Lodge 47 and the city's parks and recreation department are sponsoring a Fire Truck Tug to benefit Special Olympics. Three different categories will compete separately: up to eight men on a team, up to ten women on a team or co-ed teams of five of one gender and four of the other. The cost of registration for each team will be $100, which can be raised through the members of the team however they wish (a sponsor, conducting a fundraiser or simply having each member pay a portion). All proceeds from this tug will go directly to the Lake Havasu Special Olympics. Make time in your family's day on Saturday, September 27th, from 9am-1pm to come down and celebrate Family Safety Day at Rotary Park. You'll have a blast and could raise some money for a wonderful cause.

Where were you seven years ago when you heard the devastating news about the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and the heroic actions of a group of people on a plane downed in that Pennsylvania field? Today, Lake Havasu City will gather at London Bridge Park to remember that day and honor the memory of those lost in the tragedies. The ceremony will begin with a prayer and a moment of silence followed by a posting of colors and the National Anthem being sung by choirs from Thunderbolt and Daytona Middle Schools. Local essay contest winners will lead the Pledge of Allegiance while presenting wreaths to place on the Sept. 11 Memorial in the park. Lake Havasu's own Mayor Mark Nexsen and Joe Torillo, a retired New York City Firefighter injured during the 9/11 rescue and recovery, are set to speak. After songs are performed by local students, several members of the armed forces will conduct a Rifle Salute. The ceremony will conclude with Taps being played while the flags are raised. We must never forget the day that changed our nation forever..September 11, 2001.

You know that a tidy front yard, beautiful foliage and gorgeous flowers go a long way in making that critical first impression on visitors to your home. But, another large, often overlooked area for possible positive curb appeal is your driveway. Thankfully, unless the driveway poses a safety hazard or is cracked and crumbling, creating an attractive entrance to your home is not an expensive process. One easy way to keep your driveway crack-free is to reseal it. You can find great sealants that also fill in small cracks by visiting your local home improvement warehouse. Adding low-voltage or even solar landscape lighting creates a lovely border for your driveway. Another great border option is a row of flowers, colored pavers or even a rock garden. And make sure that you don't forget the sidewalk. Clean off the dirt, algae or mold that can build up from watering your yard and plants. These easy and simple steps can make the difference between inviting a potential buyer into your home or making them decide it's not worth their time.

Is your home starting to look a little worn around the edges and you want to sell, but you don't have the money to invest in a major overhaul? There are a few quick fixes you can make that cost little money:

A fresh coat of paint is a quick, easy, inexpensive way to brighten up a room. A beautiful neutral color on the wall will bring an older home into the 20th century and appeal to a wide variety of potential buyers. Painting the baseboards and other trim a bright white makes the walls pop even more.

Lift up the carpet. If there is salvageable hardwood underneath, you have hit the jackpot! You can do your own staining and sealing quite easily and inexpensively, but hire a professional to sand down the floors. This will typically cost you only $1-$1.50 per square foot. However, it's too easy to ruin a good floor in the sanding process, so hiring someone is the best way to do it. If carpet is the only way to go, buy the best padding you can afford. A mid-range priced carpet will feel alot more luxurious with a nice, thick padding underneath it.

Replace older lighting fixtures in the kitchen, hallways and bathrooms. Are there still fluorescent lights in the kitchen? That's so 1970's. Are there brass lighting fixtures in the hallways and bathrooms? Hello '80s. Adding recessed lighting is a great way to create natural-looking light as well. Updating the light fixtures brings a fresh, new look to a home.

Don't forget the curb appeal. Keeping the grass cut and the shrubbery trimmed shows a pride in ownership. Painting the front door and replacing old doorknobs or doorknockers will freshen up an entryway. Potted plants and flowerbeds are also great ways to create a cheery entrance. Replace that old mailbox or change out the tired house numbers. Buy a new welcome mat. Many times, potential buyers make up their minds before they even enter a home.

These are just a few ways you can make your home look new without breaking the bank.