For Aaron Carter, a musician who was struggling to fit a drum set, a piano and three guitars into his 600-square-foot apartment in Phoenix, the math on owning a home finally began to work in his favor.

The $25,000 per homeowner is part of a $263 million grant given to Michigan and other states under 2008's Housing and Economic Recovery Act. The funds are intended to help buyers bring trashed properties up to code, according to Mary Townley, a director with the MSHDA.

Overlooked signs the U.S. housing market is turning

SAN FRANCISCO - In the Sacramento Delta suburbs east of San Francisco - where home prices soared and fell as viciously as anywhere in the country - a housing market rebound is feverishly under way.

"Getting a mortgage has become increasingly challenging in the new economy. One recent survey showed that 67% of those who applied for a mortgage found it more difficult. Although banks now may have stricter lending rules, it is still possible to qualify for a mortgage. Here are a few steps that may make it easier.

"DETERMINE HOW MUCH YOUR CAN AFFORD

"UPPER GRANDVIEW, NEW YORK - In the midst of foreclosure, actor Stephen Baldwin's hamlet home seems to be costing him far more than the $515,000 he paid for it in 1997.

"The 1.4-acre Old Mountain Road home will be up for public auction June 24 at Rockland County Court after Baldwin and his wife, Kennya, defaulted on paying $824,488.36 to mortgage holder Bankers Trust Co.