Home improvement loans and grants available

KALISPELL — Summer is officially here, and it is prime time for those overdue home repairs. Homeowners on a limited income may be eligible for federal assistance from Rural Development to make critical repairs to your home.

Now is the perfect time to replace or repair the roof, doors, windows, siding, flooring, furnaces, water heaters, and upgrade the energy efficiency of your home by improving your home’s insulation.

In Montana, USDA Rural Development has funding available right now for very low-income homeowners in rural areas that need to complete critical home repairs. Homeowners can borrow up to $20,000 for 20 years at a fixed 1percent interest rate. For example; a new roof for $5,000 on a 20-year loan would have a monthly payment of $23. Grants of up to $7,500 are available for very low-income homeowners over the age of 62.

If you are on a limited income, and want to see if you are eligible for Rural Development’s Home Repair and Rehabilitation Program, please visit our website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/mt or contact the Rural Development Area Office in Kalispell at (406) 756-2005 for an application packet.