THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM (02/11/96)

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Woonsocket area children enjoy visit by St. Nicholas

by Janet Bardell

WOONSOCKET, R.I. - St. Nicholas visited the children gathered here in the parish hall of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church on December 10, 1995.

Janet Bardell, UNA Branch 241 representative, was in charge of arranging refreshments and gifts for children, while Dr. Michael Klufas served as liaison with St. Nicholas.

The Rev. Z. Brzezicki greeted the participants from the decorated stage with Christmas trees and festive wreaths. St. Nicholas arrived dressed in the traditional robes of the bishop of Myra. He was assisted by two angels, Lisa Magner and Heather Nikolyshyn, and Tara Bilyj, who was dressed in a Ukrainian folk costume.

Marko Tkach sang "Boh Predvichnyy," and his father, Ivan Tkach, entertained the audience by playing Christmas music. The children sang Christmas songs and received gifts.

As a surprise at the conclusion of the celebration, "Uki the Clown" (Walter Kaminicki) arrived and gave the children animal-shaped balloons. He also admitted that 75 years ago he had performed on the same stage as a little boy.

The UNA and you
Points to watch for at settlement

by Stephan Welhasch

When purchasing a home it is advisable to pay close attention to all of your closing costs.

Some closing costs, like taxes, mortgage and title insurance are fixed and non-negotiable, while others are not. Since settlement expenses can add anywhere from 3 percent to 7 percent to the cost of the home, it pays to pay close attention to them.

Here are just a few things to look out for:

Unpaid contractors: If you're buying a new house or an old one that has recently undergone any renovations prior to settlement, you may be vulnerable to mechanics' liens that may be filed even after your closing. With any recent renovations, you can ask the owner for paid receipts. With a new home purchase, some of the work may not be completed by the time of the settlement - and you can get taken if your contract states, as many do, that when you accept the deed the builder has met all terms and conditions.

Many builders try to protect their good name and finish any incomplete work. Usually, most sales require disclosure of mechanics' liens. Still it is wise to request that the builder list the names, addresses and amounts owed to subcontractors at settlement. Or you can make your offer contingent upon getting mechanics' lien insurance in your owner's title insurance policy. It costs a couple of hundred dollars, but in the end you could save yourself thousands.

You won't get this insurance if the builder still owes large sums to subcontractors prior to settlement. In that case, don't close until the builder puts funds in escrow to pay them.

Inflated or fictitious fees: The most flagrant tack-ons are for overhead items, which should be a part of the cost of doing business, and document transportation, which may be inflated or even fabricated.

The Truth-in-Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement and Procedures Act are supposed to put a damper on monkey business at settlement. Lawsuits have made some shady lenders and settlement agents wary of pumping up charges.

Discrepancies and errors: Double check everything - rates, points and type of loan to see if it coincides with your lock-in rate and previous documentation. Even when the lender is acting in good faith, hard-to-correct mistakes are still possible.

* * *

We at the UNA realize buying your own home is probably one of the most important financial steps of your life. If you're purchasing your first home, moving to a bigger or better one, or looking to refinance your current mortgage loan, the UNA can help you.

The UNA offers its members financing for owner-occupied one-, two- and three-family homes throughout the U.S. and Canada. The UNA's First Mortgage Loan Program is specially designed to meet the financing needs of its members and offers an interest rate that is competitive with the prevailing rate in your area. We also provide Jumbo Loans to Ukrainian churches and organizations.

To find out more about the UNA's First Mortgage Program or about becoming a member and sharing in the many benefits the UNA has to offer, please call 1 (800) 253-9862.

Young UNA'ers

Kelly Marie Geddes, daughter of Steven and Joan Geddes, is a new member of UNA Branch 5 in Astoria, N.Y. She was enrolled by her mother. Kelly Marie is a great-granddaughter of the first president of Branch 5 in Astoria, N.Y., Stanley Krywen.

Michael V. Muzyka, son of Helen and Michael Muzyka, is a new member of UNA Branch 238 in Boston. He was enrolled by his grandparents Adeline and Fred Muzyka. Fred Muzyka is vice-president of Branch 238.

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