by
Terry Kent of Crestwood Communities
BIA Baldy View Chapter VP of Government Affairs

In the challenging economy we all are facing, the building industry has been hit exceptionally hard. Through all of the industry’s setbacks, it has risen to the challenge to use its skills and resources to build housing for non-profit organizations.  These are specific organizations that provide aid and shelter to homeless families and individuals. The successful completion of Veronica’s Home of Mercy II, a 15,000 square feet long-term transitional home for homeless women and their children, is a star example of the old saying attributed to football coach Knute Rockne – "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Last week brought great news for homebuyers when President Obama signed H.R. 3548 – the law that extends and enhances the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The $8,000 credit for first-time homebuyers was set to expire at the end of this month but is now available through next June as long as the buyer signs a binding contract by the end of April.
More importantly, the new enhanced measure increases income limits and expands the program to include a $6,500 credit for existing homeowners who buy a new home after living in their current residence for at least five years.

Take a drive through some of our more historic neighborhoods here throughout San Bernardino County and you will see an amazing collection of stately Victorian and Edwardian mansions built in the days when wealthy easterners used to travel to the Inland Valley to ‘winter’ among the beautiful citrus groves, vineyards and Joshua trees of our era.