Sometimes it seems like you can’t get a break if you serve your country, even if you aren’t in the military. Teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and other emergency personnel often get the bad end of the stick when it comes to their jobs. So it should come as a pleasant surprise that these jobs can work for you if you want to buy a home. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is making life just a little bit easier for those people who teach kids and make sure the streets are safe with the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD is offering “eligible single family homes located in revitalization areas” at a 50% discount from the list price of the home.
It’s not all barbecues and emerald-green lawns, though. You must be a full-time employee in the approved fields. HUD requires that you live in your new home as your only home for 36 months and that you sign a second mortgage, plus a note for this discounted amount. However, there will be no interest or unexpected payments on this mortgage, as long as you live in the place for three years as your only residence.
Revitalization areas can be a challenge to mold into a working society of law abiding people. Sometimes the communities are hampered in their growth by crime or lack of work. These are challenges that need to be faced by you and your family in order to make this program work. Getting involved with your home, your neighbors and your surrounding neighborhood is what will lead to your success.
The revitalization efforts of a community are immeasurably aided by the presence of law-abiding people with a vested interest in building a thriving community. The presence of law enforcement and emergency response personnel can have an overwhelmingly positive effect on a neighborhood, both as good examples and as contributors to their local economy. The presence of families of those in service to their community also provides a good atmosphere of community involvement and pride.
Making communities safer begins in the home. Contributing to revitalization efforts by getting involved in the community along with any fellow Good Neighbors, your community might turn around faster than you first conceive. At the very least, it’s worth looking into.