Housing briefs

Mid-Minnesota Home Builders Association members built an intricate indoor playground for the Brainerd Family YMCA. The effort is part of Home Builders Care, a nationwide community service program.

The Mid-Minnesota Home Builders Association donated materials and more than 180 volunteer hours during three weeks to build and assemble the indoor playground -- designed like a castle.

Bay Lake Area Tour of Homes set

A Bay Lake Area Tour of Homes to benefit the Bay Lake Lions Mobility Bus, which provides transportation for the elderly and disabled throughout the Cuyuna Range, is set August 2 and 3.

The tour will include five homes and gardens. Bus transportation is provided. The event includes viewing a miniature village exhibit, which features 15 stuctures and gardens along with 90 dolls and Ruttger's lunch buffet. The tour begins at 8 a.m. with registration and refreshments. Tour buses depart at 9 a.m. Buffet lunch is at Ruttger's main lodge at 1 p.m. with time to tour the village display.

Cost is $35. Reservation deadline is July 25. Participants should be 15 years or older, bring no cameras and wear no shoes in the houses.

For more information, contact Marlys Orr, 678-3360, Barbara Burt, 678-2920 or Rolf Westgard at 678-3447.

MHFA announces low mortgage rate

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency announced about $55 million in funding available for first-time homebuyer programs -- among the lowest mortgage interest rates in agency history.

Current rates for the agency's Minnesota Mortgage Program and Minnesota City Participation Program are 5.70 percent. Funds for the Community Activity Set Aside, known as CASA Program, are available at 5.60 percent.

"These rates are among the lowest offered in the MHFA's 30-year history," said Michael Haley, assistant commissioner, Minnesota Homes Division. "The resources now available significantly expand homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income first-time homebuyers."

Qualified borrowers may also be eligible for assistance from the Homeownership Assistance Fund. The HAF Program offers an interest free, deferred second mortgage to assist with down payment and closing costs and/or monthly mortgage payments.

The Minnesota Mortgage Program is available statewide to help qualifying low and moderate income Minnesotans buy a home at below market interest rates.