As reported by WTOP News, Prince Georges County will begin a stabilizing program aimed at helping area neighborhoods stop the growth of vacant properties, and the decline of dropping home prices. A big part of stabilizing the housing market is getting rid of all of those foreclosed homes. Starting May 1, one county will try to do just that.

With close to 7,000 foreclosed properties, Prince George's County is among the hardest hit areas.

"In order to stabilize these neighborhoods, we need to first get rid of these vacant homes," says Michael Chelst, vice president of America Home Key.

Prince George's County is teaming up with HUD and using federal dollars to sell vacant foreclosed homes at 15 percent less than the appraised value, Chelst says.

Selling homes less than the appraised value gives buyers instant equity.

The program in Prince George's County starts May 1. While the homes aren't limited to people with low incomes, there is a salary cap.

Some of the qualifications include first time homebuyer, or buying a home if you have not done so within the last 3 years.

For complete details on how to qualify and purchase a home using this program, please call DeHanas Real Estate Services at 301-870-1717.