Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that his proposed City budget for 2008-2009 will include two measures designed to move the City forward in economic development – an area ranked highly by citizens in the PRIORITY LINCOLN budget input process. The Mayor is proposing the City create a home ownership stimulus package and a Development Services Center (DSC) using two one-time sources of funds. Continue Reading »

Cracking down on landlords who ignore housing code directives and the disorder and blight they cause is the goal of proposed legislation offered by City Council members Doug Emery and John Spatz. The City Council will hold a public hearing on their proposal to increase housing code violation fines at its meeting, which begins today at 5:30 pm. Continue Reading »

June 20, 2008 - Mayor Chris Beutler participated a groundbreaking today for a “green build” house in the historic Malone neighborhood. The design of the home at 631 N. 24th Street includes passive solar techniques, materials, and building methods essential for sustainable design. Beutler said the innovative homeownership option is part of the Stronger, Safer Neighborhoods Initiative he launched in March. Continue Reading »

Lincoln, Neb - Attorney General Bruning wants to warn Nebraskans about a certified deed scam. The Lancaster County Register of Deeds Office received more than 20 requests for certified deeds on local homes from a company called National Deed Service in the last few months.

National Deed Service preys on vulnerable Nebraskans, often first-time homeowners, senior or non-English speaking households. The company contacts people by mail. The letter says homeowners should have a copy of a certified deed to document homeownership. If they don’t, the company offers to provide one for $69.50. The price of a certified deed through the Register of Deeds office is usually less than $5. The Attorney General’s Office has received several complaints.

“Beware of companies using public information for profit,” says Bruning. “Deeds don’t cost big bucks, and you’re not required to have a certified copy.”

Lancaster County Assessor/Register of Deeds Norm Agena says, “When our office receives a deed request from National Deed Service, it’s basically too late. The homeowner has already been scammed and purchased an overpriced copy of his or her deed. Educating people ahead of time is the key to prevention.”

Most homeowners receive a copy of their deed at closing when they purchase a home and the deed is also recorded in the Register of Deeds’ permanent records. However, if a homeowner does want a copy of a deed, the Register of Deeds Office is a good starting point.

For more information on consumer protection issues go to: http://www.ago.ne.gov. If you’ve been a victim of a consumer-related scam, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-727-6432.

(Lincoln, Neb) Has recent storm damage left your home in need of repair? Or, are you thinking about making some home improvements this spring? If so, it’s important to make sure you don’t fall into the hands of an unscrupulous con artist. While most home repair specialists and home improvement contractors perform a valuable service at a fair price, there are those who take advantage of their customers. Continue Reading »

April 10, 2008 - Nebraska taxpayers who file federal taxes without itemizing will be able to take advantage of a new standardized tax deduction for property taxes passed by the Senate today and pushed by Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson.

Nelson joined a bipartisan coalition in voting to pass legislation aimed at addressing the troubled housing market.  Included within the bill is a version of legislation championed by Senator Nelson that would create a new, standard deduction for real property taxes for homeowners who do not currently itemize their deductions. Continue Reading »

Mayor Chris Beutler today announced that local agencies serving the homeless have been awarded a record $1,630,861 million in federal grants. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awards “Continuum of Care” grants through a competitive process. The grants provide permanent and transitional housing as well as job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care. Continue Reading »

The Annual Tax Credit Compliance Seminar sponsored by Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) and Midwest Housing Equity Group (MHEG), will be held Thursday, May 8, 2008, and Friday, May 9, 2008, at The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, 333 S. 13th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508. Continue Reading »

NeighborWorks® Lincoln urges local homeowners at risk of foreclosure to take the first step to avoid losing their biggest investment – call for help. By calling 1-888-995-HOPE (4673) or 477-7181, Lincoln homeowners can receive foreclosure counseling from agencies like Neighborworks® Lincoln, who are certified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD). Continue Reading »

November 16, 2007 – Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson yesterday cosponsored legislation with Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana to expand property tax deductions for millions of Americans. The legislation would create a new, standard deduction for real property taxes for homeowners who do not currently itemize their deductions. Continue Reading »