FSS Newsletter :: October 2002

Quote of the Month
"Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."

Vincent Van Gogh

Free HUD-Certified Homebuyer Education Classes Available

Would you like to own a home of your own someday but don't have a clue as to how to pursue that goal? Don't despair. Free help is available through Harcatus Tri-County CAO's HUD Homebuyer Education Learning Program.

Participants who complete the course and receive a HUD Certificate can even qualify for CHIP down payment assistance monies if they want to buy a home within the city limits of either New Philadelphia or Uhrichsville.

Participants are required to attend all 6 classes and complete all assignments in order to receive the HUD Certificate.

The classes are scheduled to be held on the following days, all in November. They will be held from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm on the following days: November 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, and 21st. Those are all Tuesday and Thursday nights. The classes will meet at the Harcatus Housing & Weatherization building located at 508 Grant St. in Dennison.

Some of the topics to be taught during the training program include the following:

Session I - Financial management including budgeting, goal setting, credit management & credit building issues, avoiding high interest places, establishing a savings plan and more.

Session II - Preparing for home ownership including affordability, advantages / disadvantages of owning and increasing your borrowing power.

Session III - Shopping for a home, the sales purchase contract, home buyer checklist, negotiating the price, home inspections, making the offer and contract signing.

Session IV - Obtaining a mortgage, applying for a loan, dealing with rejection, insurance issues, Fair Housing Acts, alternative financing, pre-qualifying worksheets, good faith estimates and truth in lending statements.

Session V - Closing, pre-closing requirements, preparing for closing, review of closing documents, fees, review HUD 1 Settlement Statement and sample closing packet.

Session VI - Life as a homeowner, settling in, meeting your loan obligations, predatory lenders, refinancing pros and cons, home maintenance issues, major home repairs, dealing with contractors, cutting energy costs, rehab grant opportunities, basic repair safety precautions and reaping the benefits of homeownership.

For more information and to pre-register for this program contact the Harcatus Housing & Weatherization Division at (740) 922-6693.