Week 4, October 2009 

Today I want to highlight a program insured by the Federal Housing Administration that enables a home owner or home buyer to borrow in addition to the purchase/refinance loan up to a maximum of $35,000 for certain repairs and improvements to the home.  It’s called the Streamline 203(k) program, and I think it’s a pretty awesome opportunity for some situations.  In HUD’s own words: “The Streamlined (k) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required.”  And repairs can include: 

• Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
• Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems
• Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems
• Repair/Replacement of flooring
• Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs
• Painting, both exterior and interior
• Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
• Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens
• Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
• Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards
• Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches
• Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs
• Basement waterproofing
• Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
• Septic system and/or well repair or replacement 

Obviously, these are all projects that many homebuyers and homeowners get into, often whether they want to or not.  Good information in the link below describing in detail what the program is all about.  It can really help homeowners get things done!   

See here to learn more about FHA Streamline 203(k) program.

To contact me about financing your dream-home click here.

Weekend Wanderer’s Events

…finding the treasures in your town and beyond. 

Two for This Weekend:

“Something’s Happening Here” Museum Exhibition in San Francisco:  I don’t think I can say it better than the Chronicle did: “Bay Area Rock ‘n’ Roll 1963-73 at the Museum of Performance & Design charts the Bay Area rock scene from the folk-infused early ‘60s to the last days of the Fillmore West. The exhibition is an unprecedented, in-depth examination of this incredibly diverse era—dispelling its myths and offering a fresh look at this well-known subject—all evoked in a blaze of sight and sound with a wealth of original posters, images, instruments, and costumes on display.”  Check it out here. 

Golden Gate Park Annual Book Fair in San Francisco:  With a website that’s so simple it’s comical, this alone to me demonstrates that this event has no connection whatsoever to “new media.”  This is old school style.  You remember, books!  This one will feature “Used, Vintage, Rare and Collectible Books and Ephemera”, as heralded in their fancy website.  Most importantly, it’s a chance to check out the trade of some of the books you can’t find just anywhere, and it’s only once a year.  Check it out here.  

Help Your Fellow Living Beings:

CaliforniaVolunteers.org:  From the website:  “…individuals and families can find more than 45,000 volunteer opportunities throughout the state involving the arts, education, animals, disaster preparedness, the environment and other areas of interest. Karen Baker, the nation’s first state cabinet secretary of service and volunteering leads the organization and First Lady Maria Shriver serves as the honorary chairperson.”  If you’re looking for a way to get involved check ‘em out here.   

Two Weekends from Now:

Halloween Silent Film at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco:  This one just looks too cool to pass up.  It’s a silent film from 1922 called Nosferatu, which tells the story of a vampire called Count Orlok— and how a group of “meddling kids” accompanied by a goofy dog foils his haunted ways.  (Just kidding!)  The film is accompanied in the mode of its era with a live organ filling the air with shrills and thrills.  It’s on Halloween night in San Francisco!  Check it out here.

Pic of the Week… from my phone camera.

Watching Sunset Wedding Party Pics at Baker Beach in San Francisco