Real estate: Resource helps link buyers to homes

The tool, called Down Payment Resource, connects buyers toproperties that qualify for government-funded down-payment help,affordable mortgages and rehabilitation loans. Realtors This new tool should help keep that from happening, he said. Locally, more than three-quarters of residential listings may beeligible for a down-payment assistance program, according to theTucson Association of Realtors. Right now, Down Payment Resource istracking 34 programs in the area, 25 of which are funded andavailable for use. Wading through those programs - which are often layeredthroughout local and federal governments - is difficult for bothbuyers and Realtors, Tedesco said. With the new tool, as agents or buyers search for properties onthe Multiple Listing Service website, www. Clicking the icon, which shows an outstretched hand holding ahouse in its palm, reveals programs the property may qualify for. Realtors using the tool can search for eligible properties fortheir clients, quickly view details about assistance programs andadd the tool into their own websites. Tedesco said Workforce Resource tracks which government programsare available, both locally and federally, for each specificproperty. The tool is especially important in today's sluggish housingmarket, where buyers sometimes need a little extra incentive beforethey decide to snatch up a property, Tedesco said. And saving up for that down payment is still an obstacle formany potential buyers. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.