From classroom to home ownership

COEUR d’ALENE — Local Realtor Darlene Kacalek is on a mission to help workers with moderate to low incomes achieve their home ownership goals. Along with her daughter and fellow realtor Julia Boord, Kacalek has taught more than 100 local residents this year how to utilize the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program to realize their goals.

The Treaty Rock Realtors host a class at the North Idaho Workforce Training Center, located at 525 S. Clearwater Loop in Post Falls, every other month. Classes start at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m., are free of charge, and refreshments are served, Kacalek said.

“The USDA Rural Development Program is the only 100 percent financing program available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There is no required down payment for a residential purchase on new or existing homes,” Kacalek said.

The instructors wrapped up their July class Wednesday night, and will hold the class again on Sept. 19, and on Nov. 14.

Kacalek said the classes include guest speakers from the USDA who will go over the agency’s loans, loan requirements, and what borrowers can expect once they obtain approval for a USDA loan.

“Without safe and sanitary housing people won’t be able to live in the communities that they work in. With our below-market rate, long loan term, no down payment and lower closing costs USDA RD is able to give potential homeowners more housing option with less out-of-pocket costs with a lower house payment,” said USDA area specialist Christine Fisher.

Evergreen Home Loans consultant Veronica Garnsey also answers questions about credit and what potential buyers can do to qualify for a home loan. Garnsey also offers a free credit report to those who attend the class.

“Every situation is different but the one thing that we encourage people to do is to take the leap of faith to see if you’re pre-qualified. That is the first step in the home-buying process,” Boord said.

“We are so fortunate to live in an area that the USDA Rural Development Program is still available to us. Don’t miss out, this is an opportunity of a lifetime for you and your family!” Kacalek said.

To register for an upcoming “How to Buy a Home with Average-to-Low Income” class, call 208-769-3333 or go to northidaho.augusoft.net. To learn more call Kacalek at 208-773-2524.