Homebuyer down-payment aid available

Help with down payments for first-time homebuyers is available in rural Nevada, according to the Nevada Rural Housing Authority based in Carson City.

Anyone hoping to access 2013 Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership funds, also known as WISH, must be in contract for the home by March 31 in the new year to be eligible.

“We have enough funds remaining to assist 15 to 20 more rural Nevada families between now and the end of March,” said Nicole Larrimore, Authority mortgage and marketing specialist. She said the WISH program is provided in partnership with Heritage Bank and Nevada State Bank. It provides qualified people with down-payment assistance, but those eligible must have income below 80 percent of the area’s median income.

For example, in rural Washoe County a family of two must have gross income of less than $43,450. In Carson City, it’s slightly higher, and in Lyon County it’s slightly lower.

Those interested may visit the authority’s website at www.nvrural.org/wish or contact the office at 775-887-1797.