Local

Credit union to give away 2 houses

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

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Marc Jacobson
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(11/04/09) -- A local credit union will provide two Mid-Michigan families with the ultimate holiday gift -- a house.

For the second year in a row, Dort Federal Credit Union is giving away two houses that are mortgage-free.

"It's actually called a forgivable mortgage, and the way it works is that the homes will be entirely deeded to the families within five years," credit union Marketing Manager Jenny Ludwigsen said.

It's part of the second-annual Home for the Holidays Home Giveaway. Applicants must currently live within Genesee, Shiawassee, Lapeer or northern Livingston Counties.

Jamie Gaskin is the executive director of the Boys and Girls Club in Genesee County. "First, you have to meet the income guidelines of $17 to $35,000 a year and you can't have owned a home in the last three years."

The selection committee is made up of local agency leaders who will review the applications and choose eight finalists.

"There's background checks on the families. We want to make sure they're financially stable so they can afford the home once they're in it because they will be responsible for the taxes and insurance," said Salvation Army Development Director Connie Peters.

The homes are currently being renovated and getting a little TLC to bring them up to code.

"The house we're standing in is the Flint Township home. It's a three-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch. The Mount Morris Township home has a pole barn. It's on almost a complete acre. It's a three-bedroom, one-bathroom ranch," Ludwigsen said.

Just by looking around this home, you can see there's still plenty of work left to go. The ultimate goal is to have it up and ready for the Big Reveal on December 21. The new owners should be able to move in early in the new year.

"It's so exciting. To walk into your house for the first time, there's just nothing like it," said Ludwigsen.

And if last year's giveaway is any indication, this next big reveal will be a rather emotional experience.

"There wasn't a dry eye in the place. It was just an awesome event," recalled Ludwigsen.

ABC12 is one of the sponsors of Home For the Holidays. Applications will be accepted through November 25.