0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

800to

850

750to

799

700to

749

650to

699

600to

649

550to

599

500to

549

300to

499CREDIT SCORE

% O

F PO

PULA

TIO

N

2%

5%

8%

12%

15%

18%

27%

13%

Table of FICO Credit Scores% of Population Credit Score

Count�� SPRING 2012

Connections by

Courtesy of Family Features

Welcome to Country Connections, a publication of Country Mortgages by AgChoice FC. This newsletter was designed to provide you with informa-tion and tips for your lifestyle. We ap-preciate the relationship we have with you as a customer. If you, a friend or a neighbor, are planning to buy a home, land or a farmette, please give us a call so we can help you achieve your goals.

1-800-998-5557agchoice.com/country-livng

Visit our Facebook pages:Lovin’ Rural PA andAgChoice Farm Credit

Knowing you makes the difference.™

Enjoy a Green Lawn All Season LongHomeowners use green solutions for their home, but they may forget to extend those practices beyond the brick and mortar. Using sustainable practices can lead to a green lawn your family can enjoy all season long.

Black & Decker® and Clean Air® Lawn Care – the nation's leading full-service sustainable lawn care company – have teamed up to help spread the word about practical and affordable lawn care methods. Use these tips to help care for your lawn and garden this year – in more ways than one:

Mow tall – The correct mowing height is one of the most critical issues in keeping your lawn healthy and lush. Make sure your mower’s blades are sharp and take no more than 1/3 the length of the grass off each time.

Go electric – Without the need for gas or oil to operate your outdoor equipment, you can tend to your lawn, garden and landscaping using electric products. Electric tools also save you money compared to using gas-powered outdoor equipment. Learn more about the conve-nience of electric products, like Black & Decker’s new 36V Lithium-ion Cordless String Trimmer/Edger at http://blackanddecker.com/recharge.

Water slowly, deeply and less frequently – Proper watering will allow your grass to grow deeper roots, making it less vulnerable to drought. Make sure to identify the type of grass in your yard and be aware of the recommended frequency of watering for that variety. Also, water early in the morning, so less moisture evaporates throughout the course of a hot day.

Be cautious when using pesticides – Remember, all pesticides are toxic to some degree and may harm people, wildlife and pets. Pesticides can also kill beneficial organisms, such as worms, disrupting the ecological balance in your yard.

Recycle your grass clippings – According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 27 percent of landfills were filled with grass clippings and yard waste in 2011. Help to eliminate this waste by composting. Learn about composting techniques at www.epa.gov.

Choose lawn care services – If you prefer to leave your yard maintenance to the experts, choose a lawn care service company like Clean Air® Lawn Care. Unlike some lawn care com-panies, this company utilizes electric tools, such as Black & Decker’s outdoor products, and biodiesel-powered equipment for lawn mowing and landscape maintenance, and charges its equipment during the day with solar panels mounted on its service trucks.

For more lawn care tips from Black & Decker and Clean Air Lawn Care, visit http://blackanddecker.com/recharge and www.cleanairlawncare.com

Is Your Pet Ready for Warm Weather Fun?

Dr. Kemba Marshall, PetSmart veterinarian and pet care expert, knows it’s important to pay extra attention to your pet when temperatures climb.

She suggests the following tips for pet parents looking to include their canine companions in warm-weather activities:

Keep pets groomed.A winter indoors often leaves pets with tangled fur and a thick undercoat, which begins to shed when the weather warms. Take your dog to a professional grooming salon, like those found in PetSmart stores, to help keep them cool with services like a bath, brush or hair cut to remove loose hair.

Keep pets hydrated.Be sure to pack extra bottles of water for your dog when heading outdoors for a long hike, walk, jog or trip to the park. “Remember, if you’re feeling hot, tired and thirsty, your pet likely feels the same way,” says Dr. Marshall.

Keep pets sheltered. Keep your pet indoors during the hottest part of the day to help them avoid such conditions as dehydration and heatstroke. Consider taking your dog to an indoor play center to keep them happy, such as the Doggie Day Camp at PetSmart. They’ll spend the day interacting and exercising with other dogs and trained pet-loving professionals.

Keep pets pest-free.Pets are susceptible to a variety of bugs and pests – especially fleas and ticks. Purchase preventative collars and topical treat-ments to protect your pet. And after every outdoor trip, inspect pets carefully.

For more pet parenting tips, products and services to care for your pet, visit www.PetSmart.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty ImagesArticle courtesy of Family Features

What is a FICO score?Your FICO score is nothing more than a reference to a credit score that was developed using the Fair Isaac credit scoring model. Scores are published by each of the three major credit report-ing agencies. The FICO model calculates credit scores based on information along five dimensions:

• Payment History (35% of FICO score) – account payment information with such agencies as credit card companies, lend-ers of installment loans, mortgages and retailers. This part of your credit score measures your ability to pay on time, and the money you have past due.

• Amounts Owed (30% of FICO score) – information concern-ing the total amount of credit you have outstanding, number of accounts, balances on account and how much credit you have relative to the maximum amount creditors are willing to extend to you.

• Length of Credit History (15% of FICO score) – this dimen-sion measures how long your accounts have been open with creditors and lenders. The longer your credit history, the easier it is to accurately identify payment patterns.

• New Credit (10% of FICO score) – this information is used to calculate your credit score, and reflects how much credit you’ve applied for lately.

• Types of Credit (10% of FICO score) – this is the diversity of credit you have in your portfolio. For example, do you have a mortgage, car loan and credit cards? The more types of credit you have, the more accurately your score can be determined.

To request your credit report online visit: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

To request your credit report by phone, call: 1-877-322-8228

Please, allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

4

Champion Your Child with a Wholesome BreakfastGetting children to eat a well-balanced breakfast can be difficult. Here are some tips to help turn breakfast into a quick, delicious and nutritious meal:

• Insteadofthesametiredtoastor bland bowl of cereal every day, offer a variety of morning meals. Empowering kids with the choice of what they eat at breakfast will make them more apt to cooperate.

• Agoodsourceofproteiniskeywhenitcomestobreakfast.Products such as Chobani Champions will help your child fuel-up for the day ahead. The authentically strained Greek yogurt made just for kids is not only nutritious, but delicious.

• Trypackingabrown-bagthenightbeforesoyourkidscaneaton the way to school. Fruit ranks at the top of the kid-friendly foods list. Slice up some fresh fruits such as strawberries, ba-nanas and apples that kids can easily eat at home or on the go.

• Trysettingupatastingforyourkidssotheycantryavarietyof foods without the pressure of having to finish an entire por-tion. Encourage them to talk about what they like best, includ-ing taste and texture.

For more information on preparing meals for happy, healthy kids, visit www.chobanichampions.com.

Courtesy of Family Features

“Like” Lovin’ Rural PA on Facebook for a chance to win a Nook e-reader!

FHA Home Loan Program

Wanda Vasquez has been renting an apart-ment and working full-time for three years. She has managed her finances carefully, saving what money she could with the goal of buying a house. She has no other assets. Her debt includes a car loan and a balance of $600.00 combined on two credit cards. Since she is young and doesn’t have a long credit history, her credit score is lower than she would have liked. While she was frugal and managed to save some money to achieve her goal, she does not have a large sum accumu-lated. Wanda is excited that she found a loan package that is a great fit for her circum-stances. She was approved for an FHA home loan and will be moving into a townhouse next month.

Highlights:• Residentialpropertywithnomorethan

35% of the value coming from the land alone

• Lowdownpaymentof3.5%anditcanbe a gift

• SomeHousingandUrbanDevelopment (HUD) homes offered with only $100 down

• Flexibilitywithqualificationrequirements

• Noincomelimits• Non-occupantco-borrowerispermitted• Sellerconcessionupto6%isallowable• Maybeassumable

VA Home Loan Program Bob Morgan recently returned from serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq. He and his wife, Laurie, have two children and another on the way. They have been renting a small two-bedroom condominium for several years but they need more space for their expanding family and want to buy a home. They would like to stay in the same suburban community where they currently live and where Laurie works part-time and their boys attend school. While Bob and Laurie don’t have money saved for a down payment, they have done their homework and established that they can afford the monthly costs associated with home ownership. Their loan officer intro-duced them to the VA home loan program and all agreed it is the best option for their situation. Bob and Laurie are thrilled that they will be closing on a four-bedroom house near their current home next week.

Highlights:• Residentialpropertywithnomorethan

35% of the value coming from the land alone

• Modularhomesareacceptablebutmanufactured homes are not

• Nodownpaymentinmostsituations• Negotiableinterestrate–competitive

with conventional mortgage rates• Nomonthlymortgageinsurance• AbletofinanceVA-approvedenergy efficient items on a purchase or refinance• Non-occupantco-borrowerisnot

permitted• Sellerconcessionupto4%isallowable• Borrowerisrequiredtopayverylittle

closings costs. Most costs are paid by the seller.

USDA Rural Development Program

With the second of their two children gradu-ating from college this year, Jeff and Miriam Hanson are looking forward to downsizing and simplifying their lifestyles. They retired four years ago with a dream of living in the country and they found an older farm house on three acres that would suit them perfectly. Most of their savings was depleted as a result of medical expenses they paid during a lengthy illness suffered by Bob’s mother, so they do not have funds available for a down payment. While their income is reduced due to retirement, it is sufficient to support the necessary monthly payments. Jeff and Miriam were happy to learn about the USDA home loan program, as the package offers exactly what they need. They easily navi-gated the loan process and are now ready to move into their country home.

Highlights:• Propertymustbeinaneligiblerural

area – parts of some Pennsylvania counties are excluded

• Farmbuildings,farmfencingorbuildings not essential to residential purpose are not permitted

• 100%financingavailable• Noprivatemortgageinsurance• Flexibilitywithqualifyingrequirements• Incomelimitsapply• Nomaximumgiftamountsorseller’s

concessions - this is typically a generous 6%

• Non-occupantco-borrowerisnotpermitted

Learn about Government Home Loan Programs – NowofferedbyCountryMortgagesbyAgChoiceFC

Residential Loans –A Package for EveryoneOur goal is to help you achieve yours! Country Mortgages by AgChoice FC has a variety of home loan products to fit most every need. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you smoothly through the loan process, answer your questions and help you choose the package that suits you best. If you are considering purchasing a home, call your loan officer to arrange a consultation to learn about what we have to offer and how you can benefit from our products and services.

We offer:

• Competitively priced long-term fixed, adjustable and variable rate conventional home loans for properties in rural areas.

• Financing for varying types of investment properties.• Second home loans with fixed and adjustable rates for one-

unit properties only.• Modular homes with financing available for modular and

some manufactured homes.• Residence loans in a typical housing development.• Residence loans with small land tracts (30 acres or less).• Residence loans with land, but few or no out-buildings.• Refinancing tools and information to help you determine

the right time to refinance your home.• Government loan programs (new for AgChoice) such as FHA,

USDA and VA loans. • Construction loans to finance the building of a single-family

home.• Lot/homesite loans to finance the property, then build your

dream home.• Recreational property offerings that go beyond the loan

products we offer for recreational land. For example, if you purchase land that includes timber and forest land, we have forest products staff to help you make wise timber manage-ment decisions for the future.

• Government sponsored Home Affordable Refinance Program for those borrowers whose equity has been affected

by the fall of the housing market.• Amish and Mennonite programs. • HomePath Mortgage Program, an incentive to purchase Fannie Mae owned homes, obtained through foreclosure or

deed in lieu of foreclosure.• Jumbo loans–thoseovertheFannieMaelimitof$417,000.00.

2 3

Exclusive offer for Country Connections recipients!

facebook.com/lovinruralpa

Join the conversation and share what you like best about living in rural Pennsylvania.

Act now! Drawing will be held on June 29, 2012.

Do a friend a favor! If you know someone who is shopping for a new home, share this newsletter.

Champion Your Child with a Wholesome BreakfastGetting children to eat a well-balanced breakfast can be difficult. Here are some tips to help turn breakfast into a quick, delicious and nutritious meal:

• Insteadofthesametiredtoastor bland bowl of cereal every day, offer a variety of morning meals. Empowering kids with the choice of what they eat at breakfast will make them more apt to cooperate.

• Agoodsourceofproteiniskeywhenitcomestobreakfast.Products such as Chobani Champions will help your child fuel-up for the day ahead. The authentically strained Greek yogurt made just for kids is not only nutritious, but delicious.

• Trypackingabrown-bagthenightbeforesoyourkidscaneaton the way to school. Fruit ranks at the top of the kid-friendly foods list. Slice up some fresh fruits such as strawberries, ba-nanas and apples that kids can easily eat at home or on the go.

• Trysettingupatastingforyourkidssotheycantryavarietyof foods without the pressure of having to finish an entire por-tion. Encourage them to talk about what they like best, includ-ing taste and texture.

For more information on preparing meals for happy, healthy kids, visit www.chobanichampions.com.

Courtesy of Family Features

“Like” Lovin’ Rural PA on Facebook for a chance to win a Nook e-reader!

FHA Home Loan Program

Wanda Vasquez has been renting an apart-ment and working full-time for three years. She has managed her finances carefully, saving what money she could with the goal of buying a house. She has no other assets. Her debt includes a car loan and a balance of $600.00 combined on two credit cards. Since she is young and doesn’t have a long credit history, her credit score is lower than she would have liked. While she was frugal and managed to save some money to achieve her goal, she does not have a large sum accumu-lated. Wanda is excited that she found a loan package that is a great fit for her circum-stances. She was approved for an FHA home loan and will be moving into a townhouse next month.

Highlights:• Residentialpropertywithnomorethan

35% of the value coming from the land alone

• Lowdownpaymentof3.5%anditcanbe a gift

• SomeHousingandUrbanDevelopment (HUD) homes offered with only $100 down

• Flexibilitywithqualificationrequirements

• Noincomelimits• Non-occupantco-borrowerispermitted• Sellerconcessionupto6%isallowable• Maybeassumable

VA Home Loan Program Bob Morgan recently returned from serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq. He and his wife, Laurie, have two children and another on the way. They have been renting a small two-bedroom condominium for several years but they need more space for their expanding family and want to buy a home. They would like to stay in the same suburban community where they currently live and where Laurie works part-time and their boys attend school. While Bob and Laurie don’t have money saved for a down payment, they have done their homework and established that they can afford the monthly costs associated with home ownership. Their loan officer intro-duced them to the VA home loan program and all agreed it is the best option for their situation. Bob and Laurie are thrilled that they will be closing on a four-bedroom house near their current home next week.

Highlights:• Residentialpropertywithnomorethan

35% of the value coming from the land alone

• Modularhomesareacceptablebutmanufactured homes are not

• Nodownpaymentinmostsituations• Negotiableinterestrate–competitive

with conventional mortgage rates• Nomonthlymortgageinsurance• AbletofinanceVA-approvedenergy efficient items on a purchase or refinance• Non-occupantco-borrowerisnot

permitted• Sellerconcessionupto4%isallowable• Borrowerisrequiredtopayverylittle

closings costs. Most costs are paid by the seller.

USDA Rural Development Program

With the second of their two children gradu-ating from college this year, Jeff and Miriam Hanson are looking forward to downsizing and simplifying their lifestyles. They retired four years ago with a dream of living in the country and they found an older farm house on three acres that would suit them perfectly. Most of their savings was depleted as a result of medical expenses they paid during a lengthy illness suffered by Bob’s mother, so they do not have funds available for a down payment. While their income is reduced due to retirement, it is sufficient to support the necessary monthly payments. Jeff and Miriam were happy to learn about the USDA home loan program, as the package offers exactly what they need. They easily navi-gated the loan process and are now ready to move into their country home.

Highlights:• Propertymustbeinaneligiblerural

area – parts of some Pennsylvania counties are excluded

• Farmbuildings,farmfencingorbuildings not essential to residential purpose are not permitted

• 100%financingavailable• Noprivatemortgageinsurance• Flexibilitywithqualifyingrequirements• Incomelimitsapply• Nomaximumgiftamountsorseller’s

concessions - this is typically a generous 6%

• Non-occupantco-borrowerisnotpermitted

Learn about Government Home Loan Programs – NowofferedbyCountryMortgagesbyAgChoiceFC

Residential Loans –A Package for EveryoneOur goal is to help you achieve yours! Country Mortgages by AgChoice FC has a variety of home loan products to fit most every need. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you smoothly through the loan process, answer your questions and help you choose the package that suits you best. If you are considering purchasing a home, call your loan officer to arrange a consultation to learn about what we have to offer and how you can benefit from our products and services.

We offer:

• Competitively priced long-term fixed, adjustable and variable rate conventional home loans for properties in rural areas.

• Financing for varying types of investment properties.• Second home loans with fixed and adjustable rates for one-

unit properties only.• Modular homes with financing available for modular and

some manufactured homes.• Residence loans in a typical housing development.• Residence loans with small land tracts (30 acres or less).• Residence loans with land, but few or no out-buildings.• Refinancing tools and information to help you determine

the right time to refinance your home.• Government loan programs (new for AgChoice) such as FHA,

USDA and VA loans. • Construction loans to finance the building of a single-family

home.• Lot/homesite loans to finance the property, then build your

dream home.• Recreational property offerings that go beyond the loan

products we offer for recreational land. For example, if you purchase land that includes timber and forest land, we have forest products staff to help you make wise timber manage-ment decisions for the future.

• Government sponsored Home Affordable Refinance Program for those borrowers whose equity has been affected

by the fall of the housing market.• Amish and Mennonite programs. • HomePath Mortgage Program, an incentive to purchase Fannie Mae owned homes, obtained through foreclosure or

deed in lieu of foreclosure.• Jumbo loans–thoseovertheFannieMaelimitof$417,000.00.

2 3

Exclusive offer for Country Connections recipients!

facebook.com/lovinruralpa

Join the conversation and share what you like best about living in rural Pennsylvania.

Act now! Drawing will be held on June 29, 2012.

Do a friend a favor! If you know someone who is shopping for a new home, share this newsletter.

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

800to

850

750to

799

700to

749

650to

699

600to

649

550to

599

500to

549

300to

499CREDIT SCORE

% O

F PO

PULA

TIO

N

2%

5%

8%

12%

15%

18%

27%

13%

Table of FICO Credit Scores% of Population Credit Score

Count�� SPRING 2012

Connections by

Courtesy of Family Features

Welcome to Country Connections, a publication of Country Mortgages by AgChoice FC. This newsletter was designed to provide you with informa-tion and tips for your lifestyle. We ap-preciate the relationship we have with you as a customer. If you, a friend or a neighbor, are planning to buy a home, land or a farmette, please give us a call so we can help you achieve your goals.

1-800-998-5557agchoice.com/country-livng

Visit our Facebook pages:Lovin’ Rural PA andAgChoice Farm Credit

Knowing you makes the difference.™

Enjoy a Green Lawn All Season LongHomeowners use green solutions for their home, but they may forget to extend those practices beyond the brick and mortar. Using sustainable practices can lead to a green lawn your family can enjoy all season long.

Black & Decker® and Clean Air® Lawn Care – the nation's leading full-service sustainable lawn care company – have teamed up to help spread the word about practical and affordable lawn care methods. Use these tips to help care for your lawn and garden this year – in more ways than one:

Mow tall – The correct mowing height is one of the most critical issues in keeping your lawn healthy and lush. Make sure your mower’s blades are sharp and take no more than 1/3 the length of the grass off each time.

Go electric – Without the need for gas or oil to operate your outdoor equipment, you can tend to your lawn, garden and landscaping using electric products. Electric tools also save you money compared to using gas-powered outdoor equipment. Learn more about the conve-nience of electric products, like Black & Decker’s new 36V Lithium-ion Cordless String Trimmer/Edger at http://blackanddecker.com/recharge.

Water slowly, deeply and less frequently – Proper watering will allow your grass to grow deeper roots, making it less vulnerable to drought. Make sure to identify the type of grass in your yard and be aware of the recommended frequency of watering for that variety. Also, water early in the morning, so less moisture evaporates throughout the course of a hot day.

Be cautious when using pesticides – Remember, all pesticides are toxic to some degree and may harm people, wildlife and pets. Pesticides can also kill beneficial organisms, such as worms, disrupting the ecological balance in your yard.

Recycle your grass clippings – According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 27 percent of landfills were filled with grass clippings and yard waste in 2011. Help to eliminate this waste by composting. Learn about composting techniques at www.epa.gov.

Choose lawn care services – If you prefer to leave your yard maintenance to the experts, choose a lawn care service company like Clean Air® Lawn Care. Unlike some lawn care com-panies, this company utilizes electric tools, such as Black & Decker’s outdoor products, and biodiesel-powered equipment for lawn mowing and landscape maintenance, and charges its equipment during the day with solar panels mounted on its service trucks.

For more lawn care tips from Black & Decker and Clean Air Lawn Care, visit http://blackanddecker.com/recharge and www.cleanairlawncare.com

Is Your Pet Ready for Warm Weather Fun?

Dr. Kemba Marshall, PetSmart veterinarian and pet care expert, knows it’s important to pay extra attention to your pet when temperatures climb.

She suggests the following tips for pet parents looking to include their canine companions in warm-weather activities:

Keep pets groomed.A winter indoors often leaves pets with tangled fur and a thick undercoat, which begins to shed when the weather warms. Take your dog to a professional grooming salon, like those found in PetSmart stores, to help keep them cool with services like a bath, brush or hair cut to remove loose hair.

Keep pets hydrated.Be sure to pack extra bottles of water for your dog when heading outdoors for a long hike, walk, jog or trip to the park. “Remember, if you’re feeling hot, tired and thirsty, your pet likely feels the same way,” says Dr. Marshall.

Keep pets sheltered. Keep your pet indoors during the hottest part of the day to help them avoid such conditions as dehydration and heatstroke. Consider taking your dog to an indoor play center to keep them happy, such as the Doggie Day Camp at PetSmart. They’ll spend the day interacting and exercising with other dogs and trained pet-loving professionals.

Keep pets pest-free.Pets are susceptible to a variety of bugs and pests – especially fleas and ticks. Purchase preventative collars and topical treat-ments to protect your pet. And after every outdoor trip, inspect pets carefully.

For more pet parenting tips, products and services to care for your pet, visit www.PetSmart.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty ImagesArticle courtesy of Family Features

What is a FICO score?Your FICO score is nothing more than a reference to a credit score that was developed using the Fair Isaac credit scoring model. Scores are published by each of the three major credit report-ing agencies. The FICO model calculates credit scores based on information along five dimensions:

• Payment History (35% of FICO score) – account payment information with such agencies as credit card companies, lend-ers of installment loans, mortgages and retailers. This part of your credit score measures your ability to pay on time, and the money you have past due.

• Amounts Owed (30% of FICO score) – information concern-ing the total amount of credit you have outstanding, number of accounts, balances on account and how much credit you have relative to the maximum amount creditors are willing to extend to you.

• Length of Credit History (15% of FICO score) – this dimen-sion measures how long your accounts have been open with creditors and lenders. The longer your credit history, the easier it is to accurately identify payment patterns.

• New Credit (10% of FICO score) – this information is used to calculate your credit score, and reflects how much credit you’ve applied for lately.

• Types of Credit (10% of FICO score) – this is the diversity of credit you have in your portfolio. For example, do you have a mortgage, car loan and credit cards? The more types of credit you have, the more accurately your score can be determined.

To request your credit report online visit: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

To request your credit report by phone, call: 1-877-322-8228

Please, allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.

4