Big Holiday Guide #2


SANTA ROSA, CA. ~ As we approach the shortest day and the end of another calendar year, it makes me pause and refl ect on the eleven preceding months. No mat- ter what highlights there may have been, the over- whelming event that shocked us all to the core was the devastating wild fi re that ravaged through Northern California. While the fi re displaced thousands, it brought yet out the best of each of us. As a community, we are stronger together and the trag- edy that we experienced is the thread that ties us together. So- noma Strong! T e foundation for building


EVENTS•ENTERTAINMENT•FOOD Sonoma Strong 100%!


wealth leaving those home- owners at the discretion of in- surance adjusters and govern- ment agencies. T e hardest part of the process is to put a price tag on fam- ily possessions and life-time memo- ries. When all your possessions have been reduced to ashes it is hard to know where to begin. T e other side


of this disaster is the displaced households. How


do you quickly relocate so many households in such a short time? We can’t rebuild overnight. T e construction process takes time.


In a strug-


wealth has always been through home ownership. T ese dev- astating fi res transformed that


gling market that was already stressed for aff ordable house, losing fi ve percent of the ex- isting homes doesn’t help. you have the potential to add


If


a granny unit or accessory unit you could take advantage to expand what you have. We have a cooperative bureaucra- cy right now with more relaxed guidelines to help.


For


some this could add more income to your


UPBEAT TIMES, INC. • December 2017 • 15 by Barry O'Meara • barryo@stearns.com


point is, people like having a place to call home. Besides VA loans, there are choices


a few other for


100% fi nancing. Veterans repre- sent 1% of our population. In my opinion,


Veterans are the true 1%, not the rich! If household and help a com- munity mend.


Usually the fi rst step in home- ownership is


the down pay-


ment. When you are living pay check to pay check that seems like an impossible task. T e solution to no down pay- ment is 100% fi nancing. Many skeptics worry that if you have no skin in the game, it is a rec- ipe for default. VA has off ered 100% fi nancing for decades without defaults. T e essential


you are not a Veteran like the other 99% of us, there is USDA, FHA(H), and Bond programs that off er various second loans to help cover your down pay- ments. USDA is one of my favorite


programs, but has income lim- its and eligible property loca- tions. T e income limit for Sonoma County is a little over $105,000 for a household of 4 and $130,000 for a household of 5 or more. Bond programs usually have income limits and restrictions. ... continued on page 22


Happy Holidays to Everyone! Pub & Gift


Shop Hours: 11 AM to Midnight Daily


Can’t think of what to get someone? Our


Gift Cards are perfect! www.russianriverbrewing.com


Visit our Gift Shop at the Pub! Growlers, Bottles, T-Shirts and Merchandise TO GO!


Weird Facts & Trivia - 3


In Germany and some other western European countries, St. Nicholas , or Nikolaus comes on the night from the 5th to the 6th of December, where children have their boots all shined and clean in front of a door or window. He will leave toys, nuts oranges, apples and chocolate for the good children.


The poinsettia, a traditional Christmas fl ower, originally grew in Mexico, where it is also known as the ‘Flower of the Holy Night’. Joel Poinsett fi rst brought it to America in 1829.


When visiting Finland, Santa leaves his sleigh behind and rides on a goat named Ukko. Finnish folklore has it that Ukko is made of straw, but is strong enough to carry Santa Claus anyway.


Happy Hour:


M-F 4-6:30 pm & All Day Sunday!


725 4th St. Santa Rosa, CA 707-545-2337


“Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fi erce and original in your work.” ~ Gustave Flaubert UPBEAT TIMES, INC. • December 2017 • 15


THE MORTGAGE COACH


TM


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