5 Things to Know Today

Good morning Bloomingdale Patch.

1. If you're looking for a new home today and happen to be a first-time homebuyer, here's some good news.

 In an effort to encourage first-time homebuyers into the market, Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Department has $1 million in funding available to help qualifying households purchase their first home. The funds are available through the County’s First Time Homebuyer (FHTB) Program from State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program Funds.  The program helps low- to moderate-income homebuyers with closing costs and down payment assistance. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
The down payment assistance is provided in the form of a 0 percent interest, deferred payment loan (DPL). This means that there is no interest accrued and no payments are made during the life of the loan. The DPL is a second mortgage up to15-year term with a portion of the mortgage loan forgiven each full year the homeowner continues residency in the home. If ownership is maintained for the full term of the loan, then the second mortgage with Hillsborough County is forgiven and repayment is not necessary.
 
The maximum purchase price of the home allowed by HUD is currently $150,575, but subject to change annually.
Homebuyers' net assets cannot be more than $20,000.

For more information, contact the Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Department at (813) 274-6680 or click on the First Time Homebuyer Program link on page: www.hillsboroughcounty.org/affordablehousingoffice/.

2. If you're looking for that certain something you must have,visit this morning's rummage sale at Alafia Elementary School.

The Alafia Elementary School will host its first Rummage Sale and Craft Show Saturday, Feb. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

3. Here's something for all pet owners.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay will host a free shot clinic Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the International Independent Showmen's Association, 6915 Riverview Drive, Riverview. Dogs and cats must be 8 weeks or older to receive their DA2PP/FVRCP vaccine and 3 months or older to receive their rabies vaccination. Cats must be in a carrier; dogs must be on a leash. Call (813) 367-2078 or visit www.humanesocietytampa.org. 

4. If you're itching to do some spring planting, stop by Kerby's Nursery for a free vegetable gardening workshop.

Kerby's Nursery & Landscaping, 2311 S. Parsons Ave., Seffner, will host a vegetable gardening workshop Saturday at 10 a.m. The workshop will provide information you will need to get your vegetable garden going this spring. Also included is an Earthbox demonstration showing how to grow vegetables even with limited space. Call (813) 685-3265 or visit www.kerbysnursery.com.

5. And, finally, if you're a radio-controlled hobbyist, check out this swap meet.

The Tampa Radio Control Aircraft Club Inc. will host a pre-spring swap meet Feb. 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the club's flying field, 7208 Taylor Road, Seffner. All types of models and modelers are welcome. General admission is $1 per carload. Club members are admitted for fee. Vendor spaces are $5. The event will include an auction. Participants must have a swap meet space to enter items in the auction. Call (813) 654-0212 or visit www.tractampa.com/.

Have a great weekend.