USDA Rural Development loan program grants 12 month waiver - KOAM TV 7

USDA Rural Development loan program grants 12 month extension waiver for Joplin

Rebuilding gets another federal boost with the extension of guaranteed loans.

Today the USDA Rural Development Program with help from Senator Roy Blunt announced a 12 month extension of a waiver for Joplin, which usually doesn't qualify for the guaranteed loans.

Realtors say they've allowed 197 to close on homes last year and more than 300 already this year.

USDA Undersecretary Doug O'Brien says the program empowers banks.

"It allows them to make loans to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to get a loan or it allows them to provide better terms so that they're able to get into the house their family needs," says O'Brien.

O'Brien says it lowers the risk for banks and provides them leeway to provide better terms -- in some cases that  will mean a lower interest rate.