Buy, Rent or Renovate

Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP)

The Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) is a transitional rental subsidy program developed by the Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), Office of Adult Mental Health Services, to assist people with psychiatric disabilities through their recovery in a safe, healthy, and decent environment...a place one can call home. BRAP follows a "Housing First" model and is designed to assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities with housing assistance until they are awarded a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 Voucher), another federal subsidy, or alternative housing placement.

Program participants pay 51% of their income for rent. BRAP subsidizes the remaining portion of the rent up to the Fair Market Rent.

External Website: Department of Health and Human Services

Farm Loans (USDA)

USDA Provides Loans for Farms and Homes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides loans and guaranties to buy, improve or operate farms. Loans and guaranties are generally available for housing in towns with a population up to 20,000. Applications from veterans have preference.

Contact

Farm Service Agency or Rural Development, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250

Loan Application

USDA Locator: Local Department of Agriculture offices are usually located in county seats.

External Website: USDA Information for Veterans

External Website: USDA Information for Veterans

Federal & State Rental and Homeownership Assistance (Maine)

This site is a good starting point to become familiar with federal rental assistance, homeownership and home buying assistance programs as well as programs sponsored by your state or local government or other organizations. Click on the state that interests you for the federal Housing and Urban Development office contact and other helpful information.

External Website: Housing and Urban Development

Home Improvements: HUD Federal and Community-based Programs

The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) federal agency site offers information regarding home and property renovation/improvement financing and consumer tips about doing repairs yourself, hiring others and avoiding fraud.

External Website: Housing and Urban Development

Home & Property Purchase: Multiple Listing Service (Maine)

The Multiple Listing Service at MLS.com is a free search to find real estate MLS listings for sale by Realtors® and other realty professionals that are members of your local MLS Multiple Listing Service. MLS.com also features real estate news, common real estate questions and answers, real estate classes, mortgage information and a mortgage calculator. Find homes for sale, new homes and resale homes, new construction, acreage, lots, land, commercial property and investment property in all 50 states.

External Website: Multiple Listing Service

Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing)

MaineHousing assists people in Maine to obtain and maintain quality affordable housing and services suitable to their housing needs.  All of their programs and services are listed on this site, including:

• Homebuyer Programs
• Home Improvement & Repair Assistance
• Rental Assistance
• Energy & Heating Assistance
• Homeless Assistance
• Housing Development & Construction Services

External Website: Maine State Housing Authority