OHFA Launches New Product to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Home Buyers

On September 1, OHFA rolled out a new product, Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance, which provides down payment assistance equal to 2.5% or 5% of the purchase price and can be used to pay for the down payment, closing costs or other prepaid expenses incurred prior to closing. Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for home buyers and help increase home ownership within Ohio. While we will continue to price this product daily, the new mortgage rates are expected to be more competitive in the future.

Program Highlights
The borrower will have the option to choose down payment assistance equal to 2.5% or 5% in the form of a 0 % second mortgage. Down payment assistance is forgiven after seven years. If the homebuyer sells or refinances within seven years, they must repay all of the assistance provided. The lender and borrower can decide the best use of the funds such as 3.5% toward down payment and 1.5% towards closing costs or 5% toward down payment 0% toward closing costs. (Homebuyer can apply funds in any combination.)

Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance (2.5% or 5%) will be included in Grants for Grads, however, the forgiveness for Grants for Grads will remain the same. The second mortgage will be forgiven at 20% per year over five years. If the borrower sells the home prior to the end of fifth year and provides evidence of continued residency in Ohio, the remaining balance will be forgiven. If a homebuyer refinances their first mortgage, OHFA will continue to re-subordinate their second mortgage. Borrowers can apply for Grants for Grads within 48 months of graduating from an accredited educational institute with an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree.

Beautiful 4/3 Center Hall Colonial with Gleaming Hardwood Floors and Semi-Open Floor Plan

Beautiful Center Hall Colonial
This beautiful center hall colonial greets you with warm, gleaming hardwood floors and blends the right mix of causal and formal living spaces. The hardwood floors are continued through the kitchen, family room, and first floor half bath. The family room features a gas fireplace flanked by custom oak built-ins. Other features include an open floor plan, first floor laundry, a large and impressive master bedroom suite with vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet and a 4 piece master bath featuring soaker tub, corian counters with double sinks and oil-rubbed bronze faucets. Additional living space is found in the finished rec room in the basement. Use the spare basement room as an office, home school classroom, or other private space. The recreation area is large and unobstructed... think pool table! The yard size is perfect for family enjoyment with its lush lawn and expansive deck but easy to maintain. Recent updates include newer stainless appliances, family bathroom, roof (2004) furnace (2014). Balance of the seller's home warranty is transferable.

Michelle Stanifer
Stanifer-Spence Team
Russell Real Estate Services
(440) 391-1304
mstanifer@gmail.com 

www.StaniferSpenceTeam.com

Tiny Cottage with Big Charm and a Little Price Tag!

Tiny Cottage with Big Charm
Have you been thinking that a Debt Free Life in a Tiny House is for you? This small, cottage style home is loaded with tons of old world charm. The efficient kitchen is packed with storage space and cabinets galore. The living/dining space features hardwood floors and coved ceilings. The hardwoods continue through the three bedrooms. You will enjoy summer breezes on the wrap around enclosed porch. This home is situated on a quiet, private road that reminds of a time when neighbors still greeted each other, almost no one had fences and kids played catch in the street. Olmsted Falls is the perfect backdrop to step back in time and enjoy life at a quieter pace.

Michelle Stanifer
Stanifer-Spence Team
(440) 391-1304
mstanifer@gmail.com

www.StaniferSpenceTeam.com

Berea's Moonlight Movie - July 18th, Dolphin Tale 2

On July 18^th, Berea’s Moonlight Movie will play Dolphin Tale 2, the sequel to the inspiring real life story, made into a book and then the movie, Dolphin Tale.  Dolphin Tale tells the story of Winter the dolphin who was rescued by workers at Clearwater Marine Aquarium as a baby.  Winter had her tail caught in a crab trap rope and subsequently lost it.  Her rescue and rehabilitation included her gaining a prosthetic tail and learning to swim all over again. 

The sequel, Dolphin Tale 2 tells her continuing story and also introduces a new rescue, Hope who was also rescued as a baby found attempting to nurse from her deceased mother.  Winter and Hope come together to develop a bond of friendship that will leave you feeling uplifted. 

Outdoor Movies are located at Triangle, Downtown Berea. They start approximately 9 PM.

Movies are shown on a 30' inflatable screen. Please bring your own chair or blanket.

Copyright © 2015 Stanifer-Spence Team, All rights reserved. 

Lakewood Colonial w/Refinished Hardwood Floors Throughout! REDUCED

Priced to sell at $119,900 this 1321 sq ft Lakewood colonial offers features that many Lakewood homes do not.  The kitchen has been updated and comes with brand new stainless appliances.  A full bathroom on every floor puts an end to waiting in line!  The third floor space makes a nice finished attic for storage or could be used as extra living space.  The seller has invested in all new cement for the drive and walk-ways.  The furnace, central air and hot water heater have been recently updated as well.  Call Michelle Stanifer today at (440) 391-1304 for a private showing.  Tomorrow may be too late!

Russell Real Estate Services and The Stanifer-Spence Team

offers buyers great rates and services though their lender partner, insurance company and preferred title agency.  Ask for details how you can save with Russell Real Estate Services!

www.StaniferSpenceTeam.com

Copyright © 2015 Stanifer-Spence Team, All rights reserved. 

Berea Art Day May 30th 10 am - 5 pm

The annual Berea Art Walk is combining with the Berea Fine Arts MayFest to create the Berea Arts Fest this year.  The event will be held on May 30th from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.  The Art Walk will be held in the Triangle, Berea's downtown area.  Visit local Berea businesses to meet the artists, hear music and more!

The MayFest can be enjoyed at Coe Lake behind Berea City Hall.  Meet and see the work of established artists.  No matter your taste, you will find something to love!

Cool off afterwards with a decadent custom frozen yogurt treat at Berea's coolest new downtown business, Igloo's Frozen Yogurt.

Memorial Weekend Remembrance May 24th & 25th

In its usual fashion, the City of Berea, OH does it better than most.  Of the Memorial Day events that are being held around the Greater Cleveland Area, Berea, OH remembers our nation's fallen with a reverence and tribute that the occasion deserves.

On Sunday, May 24th beginning at 1 pm, the tribute begins with St. Paul Lutheran Church conducting the “Of Faith and Freedom Cantata” at Coe Lake Gazebo.  From the City of Berea website: This beautiful tribute to America includes an orchestra, chorus and readings by Berea veterans and civic leaders. Participating members represent many churches and organizations in this area. The performance is free. Rain location will be St. Paul Lutheran Church, 276 E Bagley Road.

On Monday, May 25th the observances continue as the American Legion Post 91 conducts remembrances beginning at the Adams Street Cemetery at 8 am followed by services at Woodvale Cemetery, immediately following.  

Berea's Memorial Day Parade will begin on May 25th at 10 am.  Because of construction at McKelvey Park, the ceremony will be held on the Berea Triangle.