06/04/09 - Mayor extends hand to first time homebuyers
Roefaro extends office to propel homeownership in city, invites Uticans to call upon him
June 4, 2009- (Utica, NY) – "We're here today with good news; good news that involves every gamut of government- and local government is often a person's most accessible option- that's what we're extending today- My offices accessibility," Utica Mayor David Roefaro said today at a press conference he called in an effort to highlight the Home Buyer Tax Credit.
"There's been a lot of talk about what the Recovery Bill – or as many of us call it, the "Stimulus bill" – and what it means to the average person on the street. This tax credit is a perfect example of what the average person is benefiting from," Roefaro said.
"This credit would not be possible without the federal government's Recovery Bill. With this bill, homeownership around New York will now be possible for more people because the Federal Government found a way to help local government," the mayor said.
"I'm standing here today in this beautiful neighborhood to offer the City of Utica's full support to potential homebuyers in accessing this tax credit opportunity and achieving their dream of homeownership."
"I'm standing with a young Utican, Frank DiBrango. Frank is a lifelong Utican, educated here and now, he has chosen to live here, to buy his first home here."
"When Frank was looking to purchase his first home, he called our office asking for information about getting the tax credit. We not only were going to make sure he understood how to get it, pointing him in the right direction, but we made sure he new exactly what to do to access the credit. Our office became the link between the Federal Government and the average Utican," the mayor added.
"I'm here today to announce that we want to do this for every Utican thinking about purchasing their first home. So, who can we help? Who is a First Time Home Buyer?" the mayor asked.
"Obviously, it's any first time home buyer, but it's also any person who has not owned a home within the last three years," he said.
"And the tax credit- It's equal to 10% of the home's purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000."
"My office can help with those facts, help in navigating the paperwork, and if you don't have an accountant, or a realtor- most Uticans don't have those luxuries- My office will help you," he said.
Roefaro went on to explain that his office was officially open to meet with any resident who needs help, and that he's even created a hotline for residents with questions.
Mayor Roefaro's Home Buyer Hotline number is 269-3109. There, residents can leave a message with their questions, and they will receive a call back, some direction.
"I called the Mayor's office asking for some help. I had heard about the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, but I wasn't too sure on how to access it, on how to get the money myself," First Time Home Buyer, Frank DiBrango said. "The Mayor really reached out to me, helped me align everything, and now I've got my check for $8,000 and a brand new home. I'm a homeowner," DiBrango said with a smirk.
Since Roefaro took office, he has routinely pointed out that only through homeownership, will the City of Utica put an end to urban blight.
"We've got to put an end to the renting cycle in this city. It is only through homeownership that we see residents' taking pride, having a stake in their community. I'm using this tax credit, and my offer to help people with questions, as a way to let citizens know- Now is the time to buy in Utica," the mayor said.
Mayor Roefaro showcasing a Utican who called his office asking for help navigating the 'First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit' program. Frank DiBrango is now a first time homebuyer with an extra $8,000 in his wallet.
The Mayor and Joe Johnson, from Congressman Arcuri's office speak with the new homeowners.
Mayor stands with Utica's newest property owners.
Mayor Roefaro offers Frank DiBrango some of his wisdom on keeping the lawn green, a feat the Mayor has yet to fully accomplish.
