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BREA : City to Participate in Housing Program

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The city will participate in a program that will give financial assistance to low- and moderate-income home buyers in an effort to help them qualify for mortgages.

“It’s another tool that the city can use in our attempt to develop a comprehensive housing program,” Assistant City Manager Tim O’Donnell said. “We are participating in a program that allows people to claim income tax credits to be able to qualify for a loan.”

The Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, which is run by county officials, increases first-time home buyers’ income after taxes, making it easier for them to qualify for loans, city officials said.

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To be eligible for the program, which is already in place in Anaheim, Buena Park, Santa Ana and Garden Grove, a family of three or more people, for example, must earn less than $64,974 a year; live, work or have relatives in Brea; and purchase a home priced below $240,030.

The city will ask for a $4-million allocation from the county, which will help about 27 home buyers over a two-year period, said Susan M. Georgino, the redevelopment services director.

The City Council approved the program last week with a 4-0 vote. Councilman Carrey J. Nelson was absent.

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