BUENA PARK

The City Council has agreed to continue a program that makes it easier for first-time home buyers to qualify for a loan. The Mortgage Credit Certificate Program allows a borrower for a single-family home to take an annual federal income tax credit, which counts as additional income for a home buyer to qualify for a loan. The credit is equivalent to 15% of the mortgage interest paid per year--which typically adds $100 to $200 in qualifying income per month, according to the city’s staff report. The county has a list of the 181 participating lenders. Information: (714) 562-3585.