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Shugart Enterprises is offering a “sweat equity” plan to help potential buyers save money on down payments in 13 of its communities. By agreeing to do their own interior painting and landscaping, buyers can save as much as $4,680 on a down payment, according to a news release from the company. The plan applies to selected Shugart communities in Forsyth, Alamance and Guilford counties.

Shugart builds townhomes and single-family homes ranging from 1,200 to 3,700 square feet and priced from $96,000 to $180,000. Sweat equity is a loan option available through a program from the Federal Housing Administration, which requires 3.5 percent of the purchase price as a down payment. According to Shugart, the average discount on landscaping costs is $900, and about $2,150 to $3,780 on interior painting, based on the home’s square footage.

Some restrictions apply to the program. Buyers must receive financing through Shugart, and they will get seven to 10 days to do the work, which must be completed before closing.

Imagine Tile hosts product seminars

Imagine Tile and Stone is holding seminars Feb. 10 at its location in the Home Design Emporium in New Garden Village in Greensboro.

At 11 a.m. Kathy Runnels of Walker Zanger will discuss the latest stone, tile and glass design trends.

At noon, Paul Hyde, East Coast sales manager for Emil Ceramica of Italy, will discuss the green certification of tile. This includes how tile relates to commercial LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points and what to look for when considering the environmental impact of tile manufacturing for the homeowner requesting green-certified products.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. An RSVP is required for lunch. Call Imagine Tile at 292-4993 to reserve a seat.

The Home Design Emporium at New Garden Village is in the first two buildings on the left at 5586 and 5588 Garden Village Way.

Allen Tate FUNDay raises $110,000 for education

Allen Tate Co. recently distributed $110,000 to public education organizations across the Carolinas with the proceeds of its 11th Annual FUNDay fundraiser held in September at The Point Lake & Golf Club on Lake Norman.

During the event the company’s Realtors and associates used the golf club’s facilities and paid an entry fee, with all proceeds going toward the fundraiser. The day also included silent and live auctions. Money raised is returned to public education organizations in the communities of the Realtors who participate in the event.

Since it began, Allen Tate’s FUNDay has raised more than $937,000 for public education organizations in the Triad, Charlotte, Triangle and Upstate South Carolina regions.

Send your real estate news to Heather L. Modlin by e-mail at heather.modlin@ news-record.com. Questions? Call Modlin at 373-7144. Items will be edited for style, length and clarity. Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday for same-week publication.