Grants
With support from the state and federal governments, the Housing Council offers grant assistance to first time homebuyers whose incomes are 80% of the county median income or lower (in 2008 the figure ranges from $29,500 for a single individual to $55,650 for a family of 8).
Grants may include money for down payments, settlement charges, and reducing the mortgage amount. In addition to being income eligible, clients must complete a program of Homebuyer Education.
Homebuyers often find that the cost of mortgage, taxes, and insurance is less than they were paying in rent.