From the Builder

Greetings Friends,

The holiday season is fast approaching and this is my favorite time of year.  We begin the holiday season by giving thanks, count our blessings at Christmas time, and graciously welcome a new year with optimism and hope for a prosperous future.  I sincerely hope this holidays season brings all this and much more to all of us. 

We have been extremely busy here at Hibbard Construction, and what a good feeling that is!  We are very thankful for the projects we have been involved with over this past year!

In this issue, we wanted to gather information on all the different programs available for financing the purchase of a home.  We have found some amazing opportunities and programs for financing.  You may be surprised to find that even with less than perfect credit, these programs may work for you, and “The American Dream” of homeownership is closer than you may think!

If you have been thinking about purchasing a home, take the time and talk with our colleagues about the possibility of homeownership today.  If you know of someone who could benefit from these programs, please forward this newsletter.

Also, please see the book excerpt from my good friend, Joan Endicott. Her new book has just gone international and we are thankful for her contrubution to our newsletter as a pilot shares a soldier's thankful perspective!

Peace and blessings to you and your family! 

Jeff Hibbard

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Home mortgage loan programs for those with not so perfect credit:

Achieve Your Dream of Homeownership

With a stagnant housing market, unemployment at an all time high, and many folks with a less than perfect credit rating, many families believe the opportunity to own their own home is too far out of reach.  But, really it’s not!

Interest rates have never been lower and housing prices have hit rock bottom.  Surprisingly, there are a variety of loan programs geared toward those on limited income and less than perfect credit. 

Homeownership is an exciting step for any individual or family. Whether you are purchasing your first home or a new home, you are building a future and solid foundation for you and your family.

A great place to start is with Idaho Housing and Finance, a uniquely created and organized financial institution and administrator of affordable housing resources. In its simplest form, IHFA’s mission is to provide funding for affordable housing opportunities in Idaho communities where they are most needed and when it is economically feasible.

Also, proper homebuyer education will prepare you and your family for homeownership.  IHFA offers an eight-hour homebuyer education course called “Finally Home”.  You will learn everything from whether you can afford homeownership to information about mortgages, closing costs, budgets, and how to protect your greatest investment.

If your credit score needs a little work, IHFA offers free, statewide housing counseling for a variety of housing concerns before you purchase a home.  If you need assistance before purchasing a home, IHFA’s housing counselors can help with a variety of situations, by:

· Reviewing your credit reports and helping you with a debt-reduction plan.
· Developing a budget with you with homeownership in mind.
· Providing you with information and education about housing resources, rights, and responsibilities.

Free housing counseling is available by calling 1-877-888-3135.

Getting the right loan product with a great interest rate and a manageable loan payment is essential for successful homeownership.  IHFA has several loan programs for first time homebuyers (have not owned a home in the last three years) as well as the normal conventional loan programs, too.  Along with competitive interest rates, IHFA also has programs that can assist you with down payment and closing costs.  Most of these programs require a credit score of at least 620 to 640 to qualify.

To read more and link to more info, click here.

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We can choose to give thanks – always!

By Joan Endicott

(*An excerpt of Joan's new book.(which also makes a great gift) Click here for more!)

"Gratitude shouldn’t be an occasional incident, but a continuous attitude."  ~ Harvey Mackay

I heard someone the other day say they didn’t feel there was much to be thankful for with the way things are in business, politics, and economy…and just life in general.  But even when life is the most challenging, there is always something to be thankful for.

There are also people around us who could use a word of thanks.  I saw a story on the Today Show about Captain Bud Willis, who learned the importance of thanking people while serving in Vietnam in 1966.  Captain Bud Willis was a young marine aviator who flew several missions a day.  Their role was to fly wounded soldiers out of the combat area and into the hospital, as quickly as possible. 

Seeing their pain and suffering, he knew it was more than he could bear if he was to do his job.  “So I learned to look away so I could do what I needed to do and wouldn’t watch them die,” he said.        
                 
One day, one particular mission stood out to Bud above the others.  They were transporting a young marine who had half of his body blown off—he was missing a leg, an arm, an ear, and an eye.  The arm and leg were wrapped in the poncho and laid next to his stretcher in the helicopter.  When they landed at the hospital pad, the crew transferred the wounded man, along with the poncho with his limbs in it, to the hospital medical staff.  Their job was done.  As they were getting ready to take off, one of the doctors motioned for the crew chief to come back over.

The pilot saw the crew chief lean down as the wounded soldier told him something.  Then the crew chief returned to the helicopter.  As they took off, he said to the captain, “Do you know what he said to me?  He said to tell the pilot, ‘Thanks for the ride.’ ”

Captain Willis said that on the way back to the base, the crew all bawled like babies rather than combat-tested marines.  He was amazed how this young soldier could see past what he was going through, and have the presence of mind to thank someone else.  He saw that as a personal message and it changed him forever.  It made him realize how important it was to look around and tell others thank you!  Since then, he makes a point to do that every day.  He said, “If we will do that, it will make our lives better.” 

I believe him!  Captain Bud Willis said, “We should all remember to show gratitude and to thank people every day and to thank God.” Thanks bud, I couldn’t agree more!

“In everything give thanks.” - I Thessalonians 5:18a

This is an excerpt of Joan's new book - available at: JoanEndicott.com

Joan Endicott is an internationally known professional speaker and author who educates, encourages, and empowers individuals and organizations to grow their teams, increase morale and productivity.  Joan is the founder / author of the powerful “I Get To!”® perspective principle.  Please visit: JoanEndicott.com, call (208) 453-8056 or email:Joan@JoanEndicott.com

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Holiday Decorating Trends

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to crawl up into the attic and bring down those boxes of decorations.  Many of us have been using the same decorations year after year, and some of those decorations may look a little outdated by now.  If this is the case, you may want to update your decorations or add some new twists to your decorative flair. 

Two trends in particular have been emerging, with very different themes and looks.  One is a more sophisticated theme, while the other stays more traditional. Here are a few must-try trends that will guarantee a fresh festive look for your home.

Seasonal sophistication
Green and red might be Christmas mainstays, but your holiday decor doesn’t have to depend on these two hues alone. This season, look to more sophisticated versions of those classic shades with some other, more versatile tones.  For the sophisticated theme, the colors are rich burgundies, deep golds, dark cranberry and hunter greens as color schemes.  You can focus your holiday decor on just one color throughout or a mix of two or all four.

Table setting
To really set a sophisticated scene, add a new tablecloth or table linens in these rich, elegant colors. Use solids for the placemats and a fun pattern for the napkins to add interest and depth. Salad plates in these shades mixed in with your standard china add a punch of color, while entertaining new stemware in festive, chic hues make a great accent for your holiday table.

To read more, click here.

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Ground Breaking News!

Congratulations to Joe & Carol for breaking ground for their new Hibbard home being built it Sweet, Idaho. 

Hibbard Construction is honored to be a part of this joyous time in your life, and to be chosen as the builder of your home.  We sincerely hope we exceed all your expectations in the building of your home.

We wish you many years of memories and happiness in your new home!

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Progress Photos

               Walls Framed                                            Sided

          October 7th, 2011                             November 18th, 2011

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