NRHA on Channel 8 Las Vegas Now
NRHA on Channel 8 Las Vegas Now
PAHRUMP -- Even in the recession, there's free money for first-time home buyers. The Nevada Rural Housing Authority is helping families move into the state's smaller communities, and you may be surprised at what areas qualifies.
The Authority is not just giving away free money for people moving to communities like Pahrump and Beatty. This program includes communities in Clark County, including Boulder City, South Summerlin and Winchester, near the Las Vegas Strip.
Pahrump Valley High School custodian Carrie Smith walks us though her home. The first-time home buyer moved in with the help of a low-interest rate loan from the authority that saves the single mother of three around $300 a month in her mortgage. Smith says, "I love my home. It's much bigger than the place I was living in. More cupboard space. Big backyard for the kids to play in, an acre." Anyone who hasn't owned a home in three years is eligible.
There's a choice between a 3-percent cash grant or a 4.7-percent mortgage interest rate. Gary Longaker with the authority explains, "this isn't a program designed for people on welfare. This is for working families who are trying to buy their first home and it's a great feeling."
Smith's neighbors on Pahrump's Gee Street appreciate the government grant too. This home had been trashed and abandoned, lowing the neighborhood property values. Neighbor Judy Lund comments,"this is a good start to have good neighbors that care about the value of their home and keep it up. It helps everybody."
As Smith enjoys the pride of home ownership, she shares advice for others working for the same goal, "don't give up. Just keep trying for your dream and work hard and you'll get it, like me." Smith adds, "it's great, wonderful. I'm very happy, they could help me out and get me into a home. It's the American Dream."
In the past few years, the Nevada Rural Housing Authority has helped 500 families. Despite the recession, the program still has $24 million left. That means thousands of families can apply for this free money.
The following communities are among those eligible for first time home buyers: Boulder City, Mesquite, Blue Diamond, Mountain's Edge, Bunkerville, Cal-Nev-Ari, Enterprise, Fort Mojave Indian Reservation, Goodsprings, Indian Springs, Laughlin, Moapa Town, Moapa Valley, Mount Charleston, Sandy Valley, Searchlight, Summerlin South, Whitney, Winchester, Arden, Cactus Springs, Cottonwood Cove, Glendale, Jean, Logandale, Mountain Springs, Nelson, Overton, Primm, Sloan. To view the website with a clip of this story, visit http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12053364
Thank you to Channel 8 for allowing NRHA to share this story.
