in response to stilkicking... Money and Help to Buy Real Estate or Pay Your Rent or Mortgage
The federal government supports over 1,000 local non-profit organizations that will help homeowners, real estate investors or even renters with any kind of programs they may have with buying real estate or even holding on to it. To find offices near you, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Counseling Center Locator, 800-569-4287 orhttp://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/i_want_to/talk_to_a_housing_counselor
Four federal government agencies handle most of the federal government's housing programs. Don't let this limit you, but these are the best places to start:
1) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th St., SW, Washington, DC 20410;http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/topics/buying_a_home . This has some great starting places for learning how to buy a home, get a loan, learn your rights, and more.
2) Rural Housing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 5037, South Building, 14th St., and Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250; 202-720-4323;http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/LP_Subject_HousingAndCommunityAssistance.html .
Free Money for Closing Costs and a Down Payment
*Houston has a program that offers $4,000 in down payment and closing costs through their First-Time Homebuyers Program.
*Iowa offers up to $2,750 in grants for a down payment. You can be earning up to $65,000 a year and still be eligible for the money in their Down Payment/Closing Cost Grant Program.
*Many cities, like Minneapolis, will offer interest free loans, called Equity Participation Loans, for up to 10% of the cost of the home. You pay back the money when you sell the house.
Programs vary from state to state and city to city. Contact your city government, your county government, and your local community development office to learn about local programs. If you have trouble locating your local community development office, the following organizations may be able to help:
-National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, 630 Eye St, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 202-289-3500; 877-866-2476, Fax: 202-289-8181; http://www.nahro.org/index.cfm
-Information Center, Office of Community Planning and Development, P.O. Box 7189, Gaithersburg, MD 20898; 800-998-9999, Fax: 301-519-5027; http://www.comcon.org/
Free Housing Books
A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Settlement Costs
Home Mortgages: Understanding the Process and Your Right to Fair Lendings
A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Refinancings
Looking for the Best Mortgage: Shop, Compare, Negotiate
Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages
A Consumer's Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins
For your copies, contact Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Publications Fulfillment, MS-127, Washington, DC 20551; 202-452-3245; Fax: 202-728-5886; http://www.federalreserve.gov/
I hope this helps you--- let me know.. Marisa