Programs to Help Single Parents Buy a Home

1. Contact Your Local Housing Authority

Before you look for national homebuying programs, find out what specific homeownership programs may be available to you right in your own state. To do this, you need to visit the Web site of your state's local housing authority, which you can find through the Public Housing Authorities Director's Association.

2. Meet With a Housing Counselor Funded by HUD (Housing and Urban Development)

A housing counselor can answer your questions about the home-buying process, obtaining a mortgage, and more. He or she may also be able to tell you about various homebuying programs in your area.

3. Consider Buying a Home Through the Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD sells properties in every state. You can search online for properties in your area and learn more about HUD properties by visiting HUD.

4. Apply for a Habitat for Humanity House

Habitat for Humanity uses a set of three criteria to select homeowners:

1. The need of the individual applying for the home
2. The individual's willingness to partner with Habitat
3. The individual's ability to repay the interest-free loan

To apply, contact Habitat for Humanity.

5. Buy a Home With an Individual Development Account (IDA)

An Individual Development Account is a matched savings account, usually set up by a community organization, for the purpose of helping low-to-mid income families save money toward the purchase of a home, education costs, or financing a small business. You can find out which organizations in your area offer IDAs through the Corporation for Economic Development.