Good Neighbor Next Door program helps teachers, first responders buy homes

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Are you a law enforcement officer, teacher, firefighter or emergency medical technician? If you are, first we want to thank you for your services. And second, you might be eligible to buy a home for 50 percent off — read on to learn more.

How? Through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Good Neighbor Next Door Program. Its goal is to help teachers and first responders live in the communities that they serve.

“HUD wants to strengthen America’s communities,” according to the program’s website. “The purpose of the program is to strengthen communities by encouraging employed, professional law enforcement officers, teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians to live in the community.”

Through the Good Neighbor Next Door program, teachers and first responders will have a much greater chance of being able to afford to live where they work, and moreover, an easier time paying off monthly mortgage payments. It’s no secret that these important careers don’t pay very well, which can make it difficult to afford a home.

So, how does it work? HUD owns many single-family homes in so-called revitalization areas, or parts of the country that need some economic and community development. When HUD posts these homes for sale, people who are eligible for the program can get them for half-price. For example, a HUD home listed for sale for $100,000 can be purchased by teachers, police officers and first responders for just $50,000.

On top of the program, if you qualify for any federal mortgage programs, you can spend as little as $100 for your down payment.

Some current revitalization areas are located in parts of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Wichita, Kansas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and others cities.

To qualify, applicants must be a law enforcement officer, pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade teacher, firefighter or emergency medical services technician; live in the property for three years as their sole residence; sign a second mortgage and note for the discounted amount; use a real estate broker or agent to buy the home; and purchase a home located in a HUD designated Revitalization Area. You also must not own any other residential property — in other words, this can’t be your second home or a vacation property.

Those who are eligible should make sure to fill out all the pre-qualification paperwork together prior to shopping. This includes things like signing a second mortgage and note for the discount amount. Also, it’s good to note that the properties for purchase are only available for seven days.

Be sure to share this with anyone you think could benefit!

[H/t The Penny Hoarder]

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About the Author
Chelsea Davis
Chelsea is a freelance journalist based in New York City whose passion revolves around traveling the world, immersing herself in foreign cultures, and of course, eating and drinking everything delicious. She covers all things food, drink and travel and is always up for an adventure, whether that means an adrenaline-pumping excursion or trying a new cuisine. Follow her on Instagram at @cheycheyfromthebay and keep up with her latest work at www.chelseadavis.com.

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