(Exercising Your Mind) Even though the homebuyer tax credit program has expired, now could still be a great time to buy a home. However it is more difficult to find financing and qualify for a loan than it has been for many years.

There remain many programs in place to help people buy a home- especially if you are a first time homebuyer. These programs offer access to down payment assistance, low cost loans and more.

There are also programs in place to help repair and improve homes. Below you will find access to many of those resources. There is information that is applicable nationwide as well as information for each state.

Even if you need help to meet the monthly mortgage and home ownership expenses, you still may be able to purchase a home through the Home Ownership Voucher program. If you are currently participating in the voucher program to help with rental expense you may be able to use the help to BUY a home instead of rent. Contact your local Public Housing Agency(PHA) to see if the program is available in your area and if you qualify.

FHA Home Loan Information:
https://www.homeloansforall.com/fha-home-loans/

Get the contact information for your local PHA here:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Information:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html

Department of Veteran Affairs Home Loan Information:
http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/

Get Help to Avoid Foreclosure:
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/topics/avoiding_foreclosure
http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/eligibility.html

Help for Veterans Facing foreclosure:
http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/docs/delinquent_veteran_borrowers_in_delinquency.pdf

Advice from the FDIC:
http://69.0.254.19/wwMS/english/InfoBooth/index.htm

Native American Home Loan Guarantee Program Information:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/ih/homeownership/184/

Habitat for Humanity has programs nationwide:
http://www.habitat.org/default.aspx

USDA Rural Development- Find a grant, find a loan, etc.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Individuals.html