The rising cost of real estate is making it hard to find a house in Casper, so a new program will help those who want to remodel their home rather than buy a new one.

A new program with the Wyoming Housing Network will offer affordable loans to qualifying families and provide assistance for home improvement projects. Though the loans do not cover luxuries, they can be used for any necessary projects from installing new windows and doors to restoring roofs, plumbing and air conditioning.

"Like many communities in our state, Casper has challenges in having an adequate supply of affordable housing," said WHN Executive Director Forrest Neuerburg in a press release. "One way to address these challenges is to improve upon what we currently have, helping people to maintain their homes."

This program is designed to help homeowners who are at or below 80 percent of the median income. In Natrona County, a single person with an income below $33,650, or a family of four with an income below $48,100, are eligible for a loan.

Interest rates average about 3 percent, and three types of loans are available. A straightforward home improvement loan provides money for necessary projects. Accessibility loans are available strictly for accessibility projects, such as remodeling a house to be wheelchair friendly, and emergency loans are available for any unexpected problems that may arise.

All qualifying residents will receive low-interest federal loans as well as expert assistance to help them through the process, according to the press release. The WHN staff will aid in identifying the improvements to be made, preparing construction specifications and cost estimates, and seeking bids from area contractors. They will also inspect the work in progress and certify its quality before payment to the contractor is made.

Though this is a fairly new program, it has already helped residents in several Wyoming communities throughout the state, including Buffalo, Lusk, Thermopolis, Goshen County and Torrington.

"We've already got some pretty good interest here in Casper," said Neuerburg in an interview. "We open up centers in different communities and don't leave them, so we'll be here as long as we have funds for the program."