BOISE - The Idaho Housing and Finance Association has a new low interest rate of 5.49 percent on a 30-year fixed mortgage. The 5.49 percent rate is available through any of IHFA's nearly 40 participating lenders with more than 100 banking branches statewide (see list at http://www.ihfa.org/residential_lenders.asp). Call toll-free 1-800-219-2285 for referral to a local lender offering IHFA loans.

"IHFA traditionally has the state's lowest mortgage interest rates, creating more home-buying opportunities for Idaho's families," said Bob Reed, vice president of Real Estate Lending for IHFA. "Owning a home brings so many advantages in economic and social stability, and we are proud to have provided home loans for more than 50,000 Idaho families in our history. That is an investment of nearly $3.2 billion in home ownership for the state of Idaho."

To obtain a mortgage loan through IHFA, home buyers must meet borrower requirements and income limits that vary by county. The borrower also must find a home within IHFA's $150,000 sales price limit ($189,000 in Blaine County). These borrower requirements can be found at www.ihfa.org/mortgage_borrowreq.asp.

During 2003, IHFA helped 1,566 individuals and families purchase their homes by providing lower interest rates, generating a home-ownership investment of $138.2 million for Idaho.

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The Idaho Housing and Finance Association, a financial services and housing organization, provides funding for affordable housing in Idaho communities where they are most needed and when it is economically feasible. IHFA uses no state funds or state employees to support its operations. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ihfa.org.