Down payment assistance now available

GAINESVILLE - Hall County residents purchasing their first home can now apply locally for down payment assistance through a city-county initiative.

Low to moderate income homebuyers will be awarded $2,500-$5,000 toward a down payment or closing costs. About 60 grants will be awarded to first-time homebuyers or displaced homemakers.

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs funnels federal grant funding to counties through the Community Home Investment Program. The local grant administrator, Home Development Resources Inc. (HDRI), started accepting applications this week for the funds.

"This service is in high demand in Hall County, especially considering the economic conditions. The grant money is usually gone within six months, so I encourage people get their applications submitted quickly," said Mary Ledbetter, HDRI Executive Director.

HDRI is a HUD-certified nonprofit created by Hall County Government and the City of Gainesville to provide no-cost homebuyer and debt management education to the community. To apply for down payment assistance, contact HDRI at 770-297-1800, 731 Queen City Parkway, Suite 105, Gainesville, GA 30501. More information is available at www.homedevelopmentresources.org.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/4/237967