Housing Expo Has Wide Appeal

Posted on Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Whether visitors come to learn about upkeep, upgrades or movin' on up, homeowners and renters will find a wealth of information at the third annual Housing Expo, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 30 at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse.

A broad range of housing-related services will be presented at the expo. Kristen Reese, Lake Area Housing Coordinator with Interlakes Community Action Partnership, said businesses in painting, landscaping, interior design, insurance companies, financial services, realtors and the county Equalization Office will be at the expo. Businesses in plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinetry, legal professionals, and home inspection will also be present.

The City Engineer's Office will have building permit information available. Habitat for Humanity and ICAP's Weatherization and Homeownership Education programs will have materials to pass out as well. Landlords with available rental units are encouraged to attend the expo and market their property.

"It's everything to do with housing," Reese said.

There will be a lot of money-saving tips offered at the expo, Reese said. Businesses will be on hand to do demonstrations and answer questions from the public, such as how frequently household items should be maintained to avoid costly repairs or how to be energy efficient.

"Hopefully they'll come away with some great ideas for different things in their home," Reese said of expo attendees.

For visitors who aren't homeowners, there is a lot of information on different programs to help finance and attain a home, even in the current economy, she said.

"If you're in the right position, it's still a good decision to invest in a home," Reese said.

Sponsors of the event include Dakota State University, Madison Housing Committee, the Lake Area Improvement Corporation, ICAP, KJAM and City Foundation.

Jesse Wise, vice president for student affairs at DSU, has been a member of the Madison Housing Committee for nearly three years. He said working on the committee allows him to help students find safe and affordable housing. The Housing Expo gives students an opportunity to learn about credit and the responsibilities of maintaining a house, Wise said, and the chance to connect and form better relationships with landlords.

"We're expanding the efforts on the rights and responsibilities for landlords and tenants," Wise said.

The expo is also a way to show students the options of living in Madison beyond graduation, he said.

Businesses that want to be included in the advertising of the event, want to register a booth, or want more information, should contact Reese at 256-6518.

A free information table will be available for any businesses who would like to display their housing related materials but can not attend the event.

Article Provided by Lake Area Improvement Corporation, by Emmeline Elliott, contributing writer, Madison Daily Leader