Consider giving Kamilia Lawson a call.

First-time homebuyers who meet certain income requirements are sought for new homes being constructed on Cedar Hill Drive in Blacksburg. The homes are for residents with low- to moderate-incomes, said Lawson, principal broker with Community Housing Partners in Christiansburg.

Community Housing Partners is a community-development corporation that serves the needs of low-income individuals and families. The agency's mission is to create affordable, green and sustainable housing opportunities and services, according to its Web site.

The town of Blacksburg and Community Housing Partners have partnered on the development of 10 homes on Cedar Hill Drive.

One of the homes has sold, and five are now under contract. Another potential buyer has also expressed interest in a home, and buyers are sought for the rest, Lawson said.

Lawson will take applications until the homes have buyers, and she encourages people interested to contact her now, especially since they may be eligible for the first-time homebuyer tax credit of up to $8,000.

"Our target market is people that are renting right now and probably don't think they can own," Lawson said. "You can own a home, and we can help."

She said the houses are quality built and energy efficient.

The homes have three bedrooms and 2 ¹₂ bathrooms. Some of the two-story homes also have basements.

Other features include an Energy Star rated dishwasher, clothes washer, refrigerator, windows, doors, light fixtures and programmable thermostat. Also, there are compact fluorescent light bulbs and low-flow shower heads and faucets.

Applicants must meet current low- to moderate-income standards as mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. They include $41,800 for two people, $47,050 for three people and $52,250 for four people.

"We try to base their monthly payments and mortgage amounts on their income and make it so it's affordable to them," Lawson said.

She said nine of the homes are still under construction and the goal is to have them finished by Nov. 30. The homes are approximately 1,416 square feet.

The finished home was built with assistance from members of the Virginia Tech Marching Virginians. The house was built in honor of former band member Ryan "Stack" Clark. Clark was killed in the April 16, 2007, shootings on campus.

Community Housing Partners has designed and is building the homes.

The town of Blacksburg and the New River Valley HOME Consortium provided funding for the homes, said Elisabeth Vogel, the town's housing and community development project manager.

The funding was a little more than $1 million for the homes and the money comes from some federal sources through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, include the federal Community Development Block Grant program, Vogel said.

For more information about the homes on Cedar Hill Drive, contact Kamilia Lawson with Community Housing Partners at 382-2002, ext. 327, or visit www.communityhousingpartners.org.