Calling all public service employees! HUD has several special programs going on right now, and the most recent, Good Neighbor Next Door, is directed for those in the public service sector. This program is targeted for those employed by non-profit agencies and local government agencies such as Law Enforcement, Teachers, Firefighters and Emergency response staffs.

While becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program, law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians will be contributing to community revitalization and getting a good deal for themselves as well.  The buyer will receive a savings of 50% off the list price of a home and will have up to 180 days to move into the home after HUD has determined the condition of the home and the level of repairs needed.

As with any program, there are stipulations that must be met for eligibility. The buyer must be approved for an FHA-insured mortgage program and commit to live in the property for 36 months as their sole residence. The property must be single family homes located in revitalization areas and listed for sale through the Good Neighbor Next Door program.

Those in law enforcement, fire fighter or a medical response employed by the federal government, a state, a unit of general local government, or an Indian tribal government must be employed full time. Those that are law enforcement professionals must be sworn to uphold, and make arrests for violations of, federal, state, tribal, county, township, or municipal laws.

Buyers that are employed as medical response professionals must belong to a unit of the federal government, a state, unit of general local government, or an Indian tribal government serving the area where the home is located.

Teachers must be employed as a teacher in public or private school with students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 in the area where the home you are purchasing is located.

The buyer will be required to sign a second mortgage and note for the discounted amount with no interest or payment required until the three year occupancy requirement is fulfilled.  The list of properties available in this program is limited and changes weekly. 

The Neighbor Next Door is another initiative from HUD to help communities and promote homeownership in the current economic times.  By bringing these professionals into neighborhoods that are in the midst of revitalization, the hope is that it will turn those areas that are unappealing around and bring up the property values and bring more buyers to the areas.