The Gaylord hotel at the National Harbor in Fort Washington, MD has gone all out for the holiday season!

What Is ICE?

As part of the festivities, 40 Chinese artisans were brought in to hand carve thousands of blocks of ice, turning a 15,000 square foot tent into a winter wonderland!

(View Photos from ICE! here)

It’s Cold in There!

The tent is kept at a constant 9 degrees, and heavy winter coats are handed out to visitors in order to keep warm while visiting the indoor ice palace.

How Much is Admission?

Monday-Thursday before 4 p.m., adults $19.99, after 4 p.m. and Friday-Sunday all day, adults $24.50. Seniors $18; kids ages 4-12 $13; kids younger than 4 free.  The sculptures will be on display until January 10th, so don’t miss out!

Don’t forget that through Jan. 3, the Gaylord atrium has a 60-foot glass Christmas tree is lighted every night at 6. (Friday’s lighting will also include fireworks in the harbor!.)

Ice skating is also offered through Jan. 10 for $8 at a rink next to the ice tent.

~Jonathan Benya- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 – office
301-653-8116 – cell

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The goal of the program is to reduce the number of vacant homes in neighborhoods troubled by foreclosures. Through a government funded program (Thanks to the large economic stimulus package), PG County has been allocated $10,883,234 for a program called the “Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance Program” (DPCCA).

If you’re looking to buy a foreclosure in PG County, you may qualify!  For a detailed list of qualification requirements, please click here:  Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers in PG County. This is going to allow you to purchase your first home with between $1,000-2,000 down, and no closing costs or additional down payment required!  That means some people are actually going to be getting their first home for almost nothing down, AND they can qualify for the $8,000 first time home buyer credit as well!

Keep in mind that this program is not designed to get people loans with serious credit issues.  Your credit and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio’s need to allow you to qualify for a traditional mortgage.  This program has been designed for people with good credit, but limited savings.

Will You Need to Pay Back the DPCCA?

You may be required to pay back some or all of the DPCCA Money you receive, depending on how long you live in the home.  The money is treated like an interest free loan, that does not need to be paid back until you sell your home.  Here’s the rundown on how much you may owe at settlement:

If you live in the home for: % of amount due is:

0-3 years                                                                        100%

3-6 years                                                                         50%

6-9 years                                                                         30%

10+ years                                                                         0%

The longer you live in the house, the more money you save!  When you figure that this program can save you anywhere between $6,000-$20,000, it makes one heck of an argument for buying a foreclosed home!

Have Questions, or Want to Know More?

Please feel free to give me a call on my direct line at (301)-653-8116 and I’ll be more than happy to assist you with taking advantage of this great program!

~Jonathan Benya- Realtor
Century 21 New Millennium
9405-A Chesapeake St
La Plata, MD 20646
301-609-9000 – office
301-653-8116 – cell

Charles County Real Estate Blog
SOMD Home Search
Southern Maryland Custom Homes & Land