General Contractors & Lead Contractors Wanted
Seeking General Contractors for current and upcoming owner occupied rehab loan programs throughout Semcac and the Bluff Country HRA’s service area including Goodhue, Rice and Wabasha counties.
Woman owned and/or minority owned and Section 3 (household income of 80% and lower of county median) contractors are encouraged to apply.
Must have current MN Residential Contractor’s license and insurance. Lead Firm Certification (MDH & EPA)- Lead Renovators and/or Supervisors are required for MN Housing funded projects. Lead Supervisor Certification is required for DEED funded projects.
For an application, please contact Cindy at Semcac/Bluff Country HRA. 204 S Elm Street, PO Box 549, Rushford, MN 55971 – 507.864.8207 – cindy.vitse@semcac.org
Semcac offers several programs to assist homeowners, rental property owners and/or commercial property owners to fix up their home or property. See program options below. To determine if you qualify and learn more about each program, please call Cindy at (507) 864-8207 or cindy.vitse@semcac.org
Small Cities Development Program
Semcac partners with local units of government, CEDA and HRA authorities, to administer Small Cities Development Program projects. Current available grant programs include:
- City of La Crescent; Owner Rehab
- City of Hokah; Owner Rehab (Our partner CEDA is doing Rental and Commerical Rehab in Hokah.)
- City of Harmony; Owner Rehab (Our partner CEDA is doing Commercial Rehab in Harmony.)
About Small Cities Development
Funds may be used to provide financial assistance for property owners to correct certain health, safety, accessibility, prevent further deterioration of property, and/or restore and preserve a property’s historical value.
Contact Cindy Vitse for more information – 507.864.8207 cindy.vitse@semcac.org
Loan Programs for Homeowners
MN Housing Rehab Loan Program
This Minnesota Housing loan program helps low-income homeowners make their homes more livable, accessible, and energy efficient. Eligible improvements include plumbing, electrical wiring, roofing, heating, accessibility improvements, and remedy of any defect preventing the structure from meeting code requirements. This loan places a 15-year mortgage on the property and is forgivable after 15 years only if it has remained the owner’s principal place of residence. For mobile homes in a mobile home park, the term of the loan is 10 years.
Contact Cindy Vitse for more information – 507.864.8207 cindy.vitse@semcac.org
For Olmsted County homeowners, contact Olmsted County HRA at 507.328.7124
Residential Homeowner Rehab Programs
MN Housing Accessibility/Emergency Loan Program
The MN Housing Accessibility/Emergency Loan Program assists homeowners needing emergency assistance and/or essential accessibility improvements to their home. Guidelines and terms for this loan program are the same as it is for Rehab Loan Program.
Contact: Cindy Vitse | 507-864-8207 | cindy.vitse@semcac.org
MN Housing Fix-Up Fund Loan Program
To find a lender, please contact MN Housing at: www.mnhousing.gov | PH: 651.296.8215 or 800.710.8871
FAQs
Fair Housing Act
Semcac does business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law (The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988). It is illegal to discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
- In the sale or rental of housing or residential lots;
- In advertising the sale or rental of housing;
- In the financing of housing;
- In the appraisal of housing; and
- In the provision of real estate brokerage services.
- Blockbusting is also illegal.
Anyone who feels he or she has been discriminated against should file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): 1-800-669-9777 (toll free) or 1-800-927-9275 (TTY).
Resources
- Radon Brochure
- Renovate Right Brochure – EPA
- Homebuyer Education: www.hocmn.org
- Foreclosure Prevention Assistance: Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, lssmn.org