Bar Harbor - A lot of people dream of owning a home, but it's not so easy for everyone.

A local couple has had their dream come true, thanks to help from the federal and local levels.


Owning a home has been a long time coming for Jen Harry and John Barnes.

" We didn't know if it was possible to get a house here on MDI, so it's pretty exciting," said Harry.

Thanks to support from a USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Loan, Machias Savings Bank and MaineHousing, the dream became reality.

" We do it because we really enjoy helping folks and helping first time home buyers buy their homes," said Jack Gibbons, vice president of Machias Savings Bank.

" We have tried to make sure that we invest in people who have played by the rules all their lives, who have done what they've been asked to do," said Tammye Trevino, administrator for housing and community facilities programs with USDA Rural Development.

Through the program, officials say there's no down payment and great interest rates.

It's still a process, but it's one these homeowners say, is worth it.

" You have to stick with it and it is a difficult process but as long as you do that, do your research and get it all done, it's a possibility," explained Harry.

Harry and Barnes now have big plans for their home.

" I want to make the gardens beautiful and I know he wants to make a workshop in the garage," said Harry.

The two say before they get started on house work, they'll take some time to enjoy the place they can now call home.

For more information on USDA Rural Development, click here.

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