he relative benefit of one particular grade configuration over another has been the subject of debate for years. Which configuration for a school is most cost effective? Which yields higher student achievement? How does grade configuration affect the community?

There are no easy answers to these questions nor is there any conclusive evidence that one grade configuration is better than another. School districts poised on the brink of making these decisions must take into account factors beyond simply what is best for the students. They also must consider projected enrollments, transportation costs, number of transitions to be made by students, size of the school and overall school goals.

These discussions and their ultimate outcomes are not without controversy, especially in rural areas where reconfiguration is often the first step toward closing small schools. This can have farreaching effects on not only the staff and students but on the community itself. Every home is different. Every family is unique. That's why our home mortgage consultants and personal bankers will recommend a home mortgage or equity loan that's particularly right for you.

We have a variety of loans with features and benefits that range from simple to sophisticated financial plans.

But whichever home financing plan you choose, trust that all of our loans have competitive rates, flexible terms and affordable payment options.

Wells Fargo can help you turn home ownership into a foundation for wealth building. And if you already have a home that has built up equity, then we can construct a plan to turn your home into a working asset. And your home is your financial base. So, let's talk. Please join us at a Wells Fargo Wealth Building Strategies Seminar near you. Together, we can determine the home financial plan that's right for you. When Tracy Allen contacted Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, the nation's leading retail mortgage lender, she had no idea she could purchase a home with no money down. Like most renters, she thought she was years away from owning a home. But, that didn't stop her from researching her options. She explained her financial situation to Ken Beckles, a Boston Wells Fargo Home Mortgage branch manager, and together they embarked on the road to home ownership." Ken educated me about the home-buying process. He was wonderful."

Educating the home buyer is key to helping consumers understand the various mortgage options available to them. Ken explained the products and services within Wells Fargo's National Homeownership Program[SM] such as the Wells Fargo no-money-down loan program that allows customers to finance 100% of the cost of the home. Individuals with credit concerns or who have not accumulated savings for a down payment can learn more about Wells Fargo's flexible programs and loans. All first-time home buyers are encouraged to read our Homeownership Guides, speak with a mortgage consultant and attend our home buyer's seminar.

The no-money-down mortgage feature was the right strategy to help Tracy purchase a late-1800s, two-unit home for $192,000. She was only required to pay closing costs, which were approximately $1,000. Ken helped Tracy go from renting to owning rental property. Now, she uses her rental income to supplement her mortgage.

Helping Homeowners Renovate Homes

When Michelle Jones Boxley first saw her three-bedroom, 1940s row house, she realized she found a diamond in the rough. Like many older homes in the Washington, D.C. area, the row house needed renovations. Michelle wasn't deterred. She knew that improving her new home would positively impact her community.

But Michelle had to figure out how to pay for the $25,000 in home improvements. After unsuccessfully reaching out to several lenders, a friend recommended Wells Fargo, the nation's leading home mortgage lender. Michelle contacted Yvonne Gipson, a home mortgage consultant/renovation specialist, and together they created a financial plan that fit Michelle's particular needs.

Yvonne recommended that Michelle refinance her existing mortgage with a renovation loan. A renovation loan is a mortgage product that allows a customer to get everything they need with one loan, making it easier for people to purchase the home of their dreams as well as make repairs. And, the buyer can borrow an amount based on the improved value of the home.

"Yvonne asked me what I wanted to do and I created a list--new hardwood floors, a Jacuzzi, a new bathroom and vanity, a new roof and a new AC system." Now, Michelle's 1940s row house reflects her contemporary lifestyle and her commitment to the community.

Homeowners Build Wealth

When Hans and Lisa Kappel bought their home, they knew they were taking the first step to wealth building. "The biggest advantage of home ownership is equity."

After their second child arrived, the Kappels wanted to make home improvements and have a readily available source of cash to meet any unexpected family needs. They contacted Wells Fargo, the nation's leading home mortgage and home equity lender. They worked with Vincent Samson, a branch manager in Atlanta and were able to access the equity in their home with a home equity loan from Wells Fargo, Now the Kappels have a nest egg they can access for home repairs, improvements or simply to meet the needs of their growing family.

And for homeowners who have built up equity and want to diversify their portfolios with real estate, purchasing a second home is a smart investment opportunity. Since it's an investment, the objective is for the value of the property to increase.