Peoria County and the City of Peoria participates in the Assist Program, a federally funded program that eases the financial burden for qualified first time homebuyers and persons who have not bought a home in the past three years. The Assist Program provides first time homebuyers up to 4.25% of the amount borrowed on the home purchase to be used for down payment and closing costs. Through the Assist Program, the 4.25% is a gift, not a loan. To find out if you qualify contact one of these participating lenders:
http://www.peoriacounty.org/planningAndZoning/firstHome/
Combining this program with the new Federal tax Credit of $7,500 makes this a great time for first time homebuyers.