Condo buying

With apologies to our friends at the U.S. Postal Service, we'd like to alter their famous unofficial motto just a bit:

"Neither snow, nor bitter temperatures, nor an economic downturn, keeps first-time condo buyers from the completion of their American dream." 

It's true. There is no shortage of people who want and need to buy houses and condos, even in this challenging market. And they're looking for a way to do it. 

West Chicago is the the latest community to offer a first-time home buyers' program using the state's Mortgage Credit Certificate Program which allows participants to reduce their federal income tax by as much as $2,000 per year for up to 30 years.

Other communities that have joined the program recently are Downers Grove and Joliet. Condos, townhomes and single family houses are all included. Learn more about the program in this Chicago Tribune article.