LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- A program called Home Equity and Required Occupation or HERO helps local heroes get a first and second mortgage loan that can include a down payment and closing costs.

First responders and teachers have a unique opportunity to get a below-market interest rate on a 30-year home loan.

Real estate agents are helping these members of the community learn about this option.

”It's mostly to infuse the community with kind of that bedrock people. Police, teachers and hospital staff qualify,” said Garland Realty agent Bruce McDougall.

The people who fill these positions can often be lured away by other communities which can pay more. Hatch Paramedic Ben Burcham bought his home with the program earlier this year.

“As everybody knows, we don't do it for the money. It's mostly for the job you have to like the job to do it, said Burcham.

HERO gives flexibility when it comes to credit and assets. Credit counseling if needed with the program can also help. With that additional program, the Housing Authority can buy a home until the buyer can qualify for a loan.

”Housing will then lease the home to the homebuyer for one to three years as the period for them to improve their credit. Once it is improved, they sign the house over into the homeowner’s name,” said McDougall.

”With all the help that the HERO program offers, people can buy a house this year and actually become part of the community,” said Burcham.

There are income limits for qualified applicants. In Dona Ana County it's just over $65,000. Heroes don't have to be first-time homebuyers to qualify.