On Saturday, October 11, 2008, potential first-time homebuyers boarded the "Shoe Shuttle" for neighborhood tours of homes for sale. The town of Manchester, CT initiated the unique new program to promote homeownership. Why a "Shoe Shuttle" you ask? It's because the targeted neighborhoods form the shape of a shoe.
The town of Manchester identified homes available for purchase in census tracts 5146, 5147 and 5148. The tour began at Town Hall where homebuyers learned about the benefits of living in Manchester, mortgage options and general information on buying a home.
The Shuttle continued to tour targeted neighborhoods where prospective buyers kept a checklist of homes they were interested in. Upon returning to Town Hall, buyers received additional information and appointments to visit their choice homes.
![[Photo 1: Tour participants]](hgv-picw-ct-2008-12-02a.jpg)
Participants take the bus tour |
![[Photo 2: Home in Manchester]](hgv-picw-ct-2008-12-02b.jpg)
One of the available Manchester homes |
Buyers learned about mortgage products that offer reduced interest rates, downpayment and closing cost assistance. They also learned about FHA-insured mortgages offering $7,500 in tax credits.
The Shoe Shuttle tour was in collaboration with HUD, the Town of Manchester, CT Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), McCue Mortgage, Enfield Federal Savings, GMAC and local realtors.
For information about the Manchester mortgage program, visit CHFA's website (http://www.chfa.org). Visit HUD's website for information on FHA loans.
Content Archived: March 21, 2011
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