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 Scio and Sweet Home, and who better to show you homes in these communities than Leslie Stewart with Prudential Real Estate Professionals in Stayton.

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

Scio Veterans Memorial, Scio Oregon

Honoring Veterans – Past, Present and Future

The Scio Veteran’s Memorial is located on at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 226. It was rebuilt over the footprint of the original Memorial established twenty five years earlier. In 1983, the founding father of the Memorial, placed a cannon and a flag pole at this location and dedicated it as a war memorial honoring veterans. In an effort to build on the original idea, the City of Scio and its citizens have expanded the Memorial into a magnificent display to honor those who have honorably served in our countries Armed Services.

The Re-dedication of this memorial was held appropriately on July 4, 2008. The colors were proudly presented by the American Legion Post 51 Honor Guard. Jessica McDaniel sang the National Anthem. Master of Ceremonies was Gene L. Peery US Army Vietnam Veteran, 34 Air Medals, Silver Star, Purple Heart and Air Medal with “V” Device for Valor. Highlights of the event were a flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard F-15, 142nd Fighter Wing and 123rd Fighter Squadron. Mayor Sandra Baggett said the flyover was breath taking and a wonderful addition to the ceremoney.

The Community of Scio has helped the Lamb and Wool Fair and the Mid Valley Chapter 585 of the Vietnam Veterans Association raise funds, much of the memorial is financed by the sale of bricks. Bricks are available for purchase by residents and non-residents for $35.00 each. Donations without brick purchase are also encouraged. Donations are tax deductible. All questions can be referred to vetsmemorial@smt-net.com .