Tawana Reliford and her family lived in her St. Paul home for a year through the MCASA Homes rent-to-own option until she was able to obtain a mortgage.

Purchase price: $129,000.

Mortgage amount: $125,729, FHA, 30-year fixed rate.

Monthly payment: $737 (principal, interest and mortgage insurance).

First-time homebuyer loans: Reliford received interest-free deferred loans from the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to apply to closing costs and down payment.

Homeowner's up-front investment: $1,000.

HOMEBUYER RESOURCES MCASA

MCASA Homes is a partnership between Model Cities Community Development Corp. and Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corp. in St. Paul, funded with foundation and public money. It provides affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families who meet income requirements. MCASA rehabs homes and offers rent-to-own and contract-for-deed options for prospective buyers, to give them time to qualify for a mortgage and buy the home.

For information, call Model Cities, 651-632-8350 or visit www.modelcities.org/mcasa-homes/about-mcasa-homes.

HOMEOWNERSHIP CENTER

To find out about other Twin Cities first-time homebuyer programs and Home Stretch homebuyer workshops, go to the Minnesota Homeownership Center at www.hocmn.org or call 651-659-9336.