The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IDHA) provides help for many would-be first-time homebuyers:

• Provides 3% of purchase price (up to $6,000) for down payments and closing costs in the form of a forgivable 2nd mortgage
  
  
• More relaxed credit standards (minimum credit score 620)
  
  
• Maximum sales price of $259,615 for homes in Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Counties*
  
  
• Buyers must contribute 1% of purchase price or $1,000, whichever is greater
  
  
• Homebuyer counseling is required
  

*Single-family residences