NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MountainOne Bank, with branches across Berkshire County and the South Shore, has been selected to participate in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston's Housing Our Workforce (HOW) Program, which assists local homebuyers with down-payment.
Through HOW, the FHLBank of Boston provides $2.5 million in grants to participating financial institutions to assist homebuyers with the purchase of an owner-occupied primary residence. Income-eligible households can receive up to $10,000 in a one-to-one match of down payments made at the time of purchase, which is forgivable after five years from the date of loan closing. To be eligible, borrowers must be earning more than 80 percent and up to 120 percent of the area median income address of their new home, and must complete a homebuyer counseling program, and post-purchase counseling approved by MountainOne Bank. Loans are subject to credit approval.
"Many homeownership programs are designed to assist lower-income individuals and families. It is often challenging for those in a slightly higher income range to afford housing, particularly in communities where home prices are rising. With this program, a greater number of borrowers who are incredibly important to the economic well-being of our communities will be able to achieve homeownership," said Robert Fraser, MountainOne President & CEO.
MountainOne Bank is eligible to receive up to $100,000 in 2021 through HOW depending on availability of funds.
Those interested in learning more about how they may qualify for HOW funds can contact MountainOne Bank via the www.mountainone.com website or via phone at 855.444.6861.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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