Creswell, OR

One of the biggest things stopping people from participating in the American Dream today is the ability to come up with the down payment. While talk of a credit crunch keeps some buyers sidelined because of credit problems, many others with good credit are able to get the best deals in years including programs with no down payment!

The program leading the way in no down payment requirements (for non veterans) is the USDA Rural Development loan. This loan is available right now for Creswell and who better to show you homes in this community than Bobby Stevens with Eugene's Alternative - Realtors.

To qualify for the program (it is income limited), a family of four cannot have a total household income of more than $70,750 per year. That is a pretty liberal guideline.

If you are interested in property in this area and would like to see if the address falls within the USDA "footprint" click here.

So - THE TIME IS RIGHT! We have many properties on the market, we have MONEY TO LEND, and the Federal Government is giving First Time Homebuyers a $7500 tax credit if they purchase prior to next summer!

For more information on USDA loans, and to see if your household income qualifies for this NO PMI loan, please click here. If you want to get the mortgage qualification process started, either call me at 541-342-7576 or fill out an application on line here.

Authored by Fred Chamberlin, a mortgage loan consultant, Eugene/Springfield Oregon

Four years ago my wife and I bought a turn of the century foursquare farmhouse and realized our dream of moving to the country. The idyllic fantasy has now been tempered by the reality of improving and maintaining a big old house and extra property, but that is the subject for another post!

Creswell lacks the charm of other small towns along highway 99, thanks to a relocation of main street and subsequent destruction of the original downtown. But you can get a glimpse of the past in the quaint gothic church that is now home to Creswell's history museum.

In a town of 5,000 souls, with probably fewer than 300 jobs, most people drive to Eugene for entertainment and dining. But when you don't feel like jumping on the freeway, there are a few good options in town.

For the classic "mexican-entree-swimming-in-a-plate-of-beans-rice-and-cheese" You can't beat Los Cabos. Located on Oregon Avenue, Creswell's main street, the friendly staff serves up hot plates and a mean Cadillac Margarita.

There was much rejoicing, especially from the younger set, when we got "Old Time Scoops" our own ice cream and candy emporium two summers ago. Since then the going has been tough and ownership has changed a couple of times. We must not have enough regular ice cream eaters to comfortably support this business, but I hope they manage to stick it out, because there's nothing nicer than stopping by for a cold treat after an afternoon at the park...

Harry and Bertha Holt are pioneers of the international adoption movement, making it possible for thousands of orphaned children to find loving homes. Harry Holt park, in the heart of Creswell, is a great summer gathering spot, and a wonderful place to play with your kids year 'round.