We are approved by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide counseling, education and advice in housing issues to new and existing homeowners.

The Illinois HOME START Loan Program offers assistance to first-time homebuyers in the form of a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage. The HOME START Tax Credit Advance Loan may also be available to offset the up-front costs of purchasing their home in anticipation of receiving the federal First-Time Homebuyer's tax credit to repay the loan.

The MCC can help qualified homeowners reduce the amount of federal tax they pay, up to 20 percent of their annual mortgage interest. This direct credit is meant to give people more money in their pocket each month to help them make their mortgage payment. The other 80 percent of the mortgage interest may still be claimed as a tax deduction as usual.