Spring has always seemed the fresh time of year to me. It’s a rebirth of sorts; a harbinger of the growth season ahead. As spring time foliage bursts forth and shows its vivid array of colors, we yearn to be outdoors.

Spring is also a time when people think about a fresh start. And what could be any fresher than a new home? If you’re one in this season’s legion of potential home buyers, you’ve probably already seen the “For Sale” signs popping up on lawns all over the area.

* Full story: Available on Herald Dispatch

Painting, cleaning and remodeling the kitchen are some of the projects self-proclaimed handyman Kevin Garvey is ready to delve into now that he has a home of his own.

After he had browsed more than 30 houses in Northern Virginia, the price and location of the single-family house off Liberia Lane made the first-time home buyer move to Manassas.

* Full story: Available on Washington Post

Matt Schuetze knew right away the brick home for sale in North Temple would be perfect for his wife and 2-year-old son. But there were two problems: red carpet and money for a down payment.

Under the Homes for Texas Heroes program, Schuetze’s job as Temple College police officer enabled him to get a grant that he could use for the down payment.

“It got us in here,” said the 22-year-old, first-time homeowner. “I knew something was out there like that, but I didn’t know what it was.”

In the aftermath of the subprime mortgage meltdown, local mortgage companies are using programs like these to help first-time buyers cross the threshold into a home of their own.

* Full story: Available on Temple Daily