I recently worked with a client who wasn't aware of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program-Homeownership (COAHP-HO).

The government will assist with your down payment (up to $7,262) if you are a low to moderate-income level andyou want to purchase a home. Applicants must be first-time homebuyers over the age of 18 with a combined household income of no more than $55,900. The home to buy must be located in the city of Hamilton and priced at or below $185,500.

When combined with the Land Transfer Tax Rebate (up to $2,000); the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit (apx. $750); and steadily decreasing house prices, you just might be able to make that move into home ownership this year.

Robert J. Morrow is editor of www.HamiltonHomeReview.com, an online real estate magazine serving Greater Hamilton, Ontario. Click here for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION sent to your email monthly. Click here to receive new Hamilton area listings in your email daily.