YOUR AD HERE »

Cathy Walton-Smith – Don’t miss out on that ‘fist time’ homebuyer tax credit

Cathy Walton-Smith / View from the Lake
Grand Lake, CO Colorado

Today, I put on my real estate hat to write this column. I don’t do that very often, but if you are not presently a homeowner in Grand County, this could be the most important thing you read.

In case you haven’t heard, the federal government is giving an $8,000 tax credit to all first-time homebuyers who purchase a home by Nov. 30 of this year. In addition, if you don’t need it all to pay your taxes, they’ll send you the difference in a check. But wait, that’s not all. The term “first time homebuyer” is loosely defined as anyone who has not owned a home for the past three years. The recovery of the American economy is directly tied to home ownership. And we all can participate, because this market has produced lower priced homes in Grand County than we have seen in 10 years.

A FREE Homebuyer’s Workshop, will he held Oct. 12, 5:30-9:30 p.m. at the Grand Lake Fire Station. This class will help you to become a successful homeowner, and offers help in navigating this crazy buyers’ market. Learn about down payment assistance, special loan programs, and new tax credit programs. The class also includes a free workbook. PLEASE REGISTER IN ADVANCE at 725-3071 or online at http://www.grandhousing.org. Sponsored by the Grand County Housing Authority and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. By completing this class, you’ll earn a certificate that could help you qualify for down payment assistance or special loan programs.



Our favorite local restaurants have also come up with some yummy ways to beat the recession. Friday night favorites of all-you-can-eat shrimp at the Daven Haven, and all-you-can-eat crab at the Sagebrush, are back. Johnson’s landing has three nights of all-you-can-eat with shrimp on Wednesday, crab on Thursday and catfish on Friday. Caroline’s Cuisine has taken another approach with a different special’s menu every night and a selection of “petit plats,” with just enough food for a very low price.

This Saturday is dress-up night at the Daven Haven, with the 2nd Annual Little Black Dress Affair. The evening starts at 7 p.m. with welcome Champagne, then a dinner of tantalizing Tapas, wine tasting and give-aways, then dance the night away to the music of Brad Pregeant, all for just $35 per person. You can even spend the night for 50 percent off on lodging. So much fun.



Organization has now begun for the 2009 Olde Fashioned Holiday Craft Bazaar. This is the 21st annual Holiday Craft Bazaar, to be held at the Grand Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Also, please provide your own table. Remember that all items must be made by the exhibitor.

They are able to accommodate around 35 crafters in the Grand Arts Center. Assignment of the spaces is on a first-come, first-served basis. The 2009 bazaar fee is $75, plus the Town of Grand Lake three-day business license fee of $15. Please note that having a state sales tax license is not the same as having a Grand Lake business license.

You will also need to collect a sales tax of 7.9 percent on all items that you sell. This is a Grand Arts Council event. Please call Barbara at 970-627-3097 to secure your space.

Happy birthday to Mac Ruske. I can’t believe he just turned 89. Watching Mac shake it on the dance floor, you’d swear he couldn’t be a day over 70.

Next stop, Halloween.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.

Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.

If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.