Sandy has an offer for prospective homeowners: Buy a new house in Sandy and get $5,000.

The southern Salt Lake Valley suburb of 97,000 people is rolling out an "Own in Sandy" campaign to spark home sales and new construction.

The city, spokeswoman Trina Duerksen said, hopes to preserve construction jobs and shrink the number new, but empty, homes on the market.

Initially, the money is considered a no-interest loan. But it becomes a $5,000 grant if recipients stay in their homes for three straight years.

Sandy plans to award 10 loans for new, existing, never-occupied homes and another 10 loans for construction of new homes in Sandy subdivisions. The cash has to be used at closing for a down payment, closing costs or a principal reduction in purchase price.

The home cannot cost more than $305,000. Applicants also have to make below a certain income -- $44,080 for an individual and up to $87,406 for a family of eight.

To apply, visit sandy.utah.gov/owninsandy.

Rosemary Winters