<b>FOR BUYERS: </b>There’s help in all directions

Eligible first-time buyers seeking mortgage, down-payment, closing-cost and other assistance can tap into a number of government and private programs. Here is a sampler: California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA): Provides financing for first-time buyers who fall within specific income ranges. (877) 922-5432; www.calhfa.ca.gov.

Los Angeles Housing Department: Offers assistance with down payments, closing costs and property rehab. (213) 808-8800; www.lacity.org/lahd

Extra Credit Teacher Home Purchase Program: Provides a reduced interest rate on some CalHFA mortgages to qualified teachers. (877) 922-5432; www.calhfa.org/homebuyer/programs/ectp.htm.

Los Angeles Neighborhood Housing Services: Nonprofit lender and housing developer offers loan counseling. (213) 381-2862; www.lanhs.org.

Orange County Housing and Community Services: Offers mortgage and tax-credit assistance, among other services. (714) 480-2900; www.ochousing.org/homebuyer.asp.

Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, Lake Forest: Provides education, counseling and flexible mortgage loans to low- and moderate-income families. (949) 859-9255 or (877) 990-5626; www.affordable-housing.org.

L.A. County Community Development Commission: Provides first mortgages, silent seconds and more. (323) 890-7281; www.lacdc.org.

Pasadena Neighborhood Housing Services: Provides financial assistance and counseling. (626) 794-7191; www.pasadenanhs.org.

Inglewood First Time Home Buyer program: Offers silent seconds to qualified first-time buyers. (310) 412-5290; www.cityofinglewood.org/depts/commdev/redevelopment/programs/first_ti me_home/default.asp.

Azusa Down Payment Assistance Program: Offers $125,000 (or up to $140,000 for public servants, such as firefighters, police and teachers) for first-time buyers meeting the CalHFA eligibility requirements. (626) 334-9300.

Area Housing Authority Home Buying School: Free classes and counseling for low- to moderate-income buyers in Ventura County: (800) 549-0337, Ext. 167; www.ahahomebuyingschool.com.

Assn. of Community Organizations for Reform (ACORN): In partnership with Bank of America, provides 100% financing for mortgage loans up to $500,000 for qualified borrowers. (213) 748-1345; www.acornhousing.org.

Fannie Mae’s MyCommunityMortgage: Offers a range of options, including extra flexibility with nontraditional credit histories and income sources. (800) 732-6643; www.fanniemae.com/homebuyers/findamortgage/mortgages/mycommunity.jhtm l.

Countrywide Bank’s Express Grant: Provides closing-cost assistance of up to $2,000 to eligible low- to moderate-income Countrywide borrowers or those purchasing in low- to moderate-priced communities. Available in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. (888) 564-7268.

Korean Churches for Community Development: The Los Angeles nonprofit offers home-buying classes and counseling for government down-payment and other assistance programs. (213) 985-1500; www.kccd3300.org.

-- Diane Wedner