Q: Where's the money to buy a home, fix up a home, or invest in real estate?

A: Money for real estate is in 4 basic places-- local and county governments, state government, federal government, and non-profit organizations. Each of them is also likely to have money for investors. However, non-profit organizations and the local and state sources are more likely to have money for the first-time homebuyer or for someone who has not owned a home in the last few years. Fix up money is also available at these sources. Be sure you search for all your local programs. These may be difficult to find because they may be located in local housing authorities, local governments, or non-profit organizations.

The kinds of programs available vary. Some offer grants for down payments and closing costs, others offer low interest loans, 0% interest loans, or loans you don't have to pay back as long as you agree to live there for a certain number of years. I've also seen housing money for people with bad credit. Some areas offer free courses on how to successfully purchase a home and once you complete the course, they give you a $1,000 grant to use towards buying a home. And if you can't pay your mortgage, there are even federally supported non-profit groups that will help you work it out with your mortgage bank and even pay your mortgage while you get your life back together. The government wants you to be a homeowner.

(My book that best speaks to this subject is "Free Stuff For Busy Moms," even though the title says "Moms," it has the most up-to-date information on local programs. "Free Money To Change Your Life" has a complete list of state and federal programs. If you need it all, you will have to get both until we come out with other titles that can condense this information.)

I hope this helps! Also check out www.FreeForVictims.Lesko.com for more resources!