Lee County Association of Realtors makes a donation to the Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity

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The Lee County Association of Realtors (LCAR) donated $5,000 to the Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity on November 12.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization felt they could not safety hold their annual “Habitat Around the Heart” fundraiser, instead this year they are asking sponsors to give directly to support building Habitat homes.

These donations go directly to support the mission of building homes, community, and hope in Auburn and Opelika.

Habitat for Humanity has recently completed 4 homes in Opelika and are now planning and building 3 more homes in Auburn.

You may contact Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity at www.auburnopelikahabitat.org.

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Lee County Association of Realtors makes a donation to the Food Bank of East Alabama and Mercy Medical

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The Lee County Association of Realtors (LCAR) donated $30,000 to the Food Bank of East Alabama and Mercy Medical on Friday, March 20.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local charitable organizations are seeing an increase in need from citizens. Charitable organizations are also having a harder time securing resources during this time of need.

“With a national emergency now declared, local school districts closed, we are stepping up to provide the resources to help both the chronically food-insecure and those newly experiencing food insecurity,” said Martha Henk, Director of the Food Bank of East Alabama. “We are fully operational but are experiencing a decline in traditional sources of food. Support from the Lee County Association Realtors will play a major role in helping to make sure our neighbors are fed.”

Mercy Medical provides medical care for the underserved in Lee County. Mercy Medical indicated they have seen a major increase in their level of activity. They are in the process of establishing a “Teledoc” service to help Lee County citizens who are trying to practice social distancing, but need to speak to a healthcare professional.

“We appreciate the service that the Food Bank and Mercy Medical provide to this community. We hope that this donation will be helpful in this time of need. We’re all in this together,” said Lee Harris, 2020 president of LCAR.

The Lee County Association of REALTORS® promotes and enhances the success of its members through education, professionalism, and ethical conduct. For more information about LCAR visit leecorealtors.org.

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First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account: Helping You Save for the Perfect Home

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There’s Good News for Alabamians Looking to Purchase Their First Home

Alabama has signed into law a new savings account program supporting first-time homebuyers. Known as the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Program, Alabamians can create a monetary savings
account for the down payment and/or closing costs for the purchase of a single-family dwelling. What’s more, the principal deposits and earnings from the account are tax deductible.

With the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Program, you’re one step closer to finding your perfect home!

Here are the details on Alabama’s latest program benefiting first-time homebuyers:

Who?

Alabama first-time homebuyers and those re-entering the housing market, if they have not owned a home within 10 years.

What?

A savings account that can be used towards the down payment and/or closing costs for the purchase of a single-family dwelling.

When?

You can open a First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account starting in 2019.

Where?

The account can be opened at any financial institution authorized to do business in Alabama, and only marketable securities or cash may be contributed.

How?

Talk to a trusted advisor, such as your local REALTOR®, to help you understand all the tax benefits associated with homeownership – and to help ensure you’re getting the most out of Alabama’s new
law, the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Program.

Why?

When you are ready to buy a home, you will have the savings you need. Plus, the principal deposits and earnings from the account are tax deductible. Total deductions from deposit and earnings can be up to $50,000. Principal contributions can be up to $5,000 for individual filers and $10,000 for joint filers.

The First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Program could have a positive net economic impact on Alabama that would range from $2.4 million to $26.8 million annually in economic activity due
to increased home purchases.

To learn more about how you can unlock the keys to homeownership, visit the First-Time Homebuyer section of AlabamaRealtors.com.