According to the Arizona Republic, the Chandler First Time Homebuyer's Program uses federal money to buy and renovate vacant homes in the area, then sells them to qualified buyers. So far, the program has filled 11 homes since last year, and that number could swell to 30 in the coming months.
After the sale, workers from the program continue to keep in touch, and help make sure that the new homeowners are adjusting well to their new responsibilities.
"It's not the kind of program where you help somebody buy a house and it's finished," Chandler neighborhood resources director Jennifer Morrison told the paper. "It's an ongoing relationship with a client so they can become an active member of their community and everybody benefits. It's such a great match for Chandler."
Overall, the number of first-time home buyers has seen a sharp drop-off following the expiration of the federal tax credit. A report from Campbell Surveys showed that they made up just 39 percent of buyers last month - a 9 percent drop since March.
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