Free first-time homebuyer workshop set Saturday

A first-time homebuyer workshop is slated for 9 a.m. Saturday at YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St. in downtown Columbus.

The educational presentation, a team effort with Apprisen, in partnership with First Financial Bank, Southern Indiana Housing and Community Development Corporation, and the Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Home Buyer Program, is open to all.

Registration is required at (812) 379-1630 or [email protected].

Workshop topics include: preparing for home ownership; working with a real estate agent; understanding budgets and credit history; finding and working with a lender; home inspections and home maintenance; and preventing loan default.

Each attendee will receive a U.S. Housing and Urban Development home buyer certificate of completion at the end of the workshop.

“We think the lessons people learn with these workshops are incredibly valuable,” said Diane Doup, community outreach coordinator with the Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Home Buyer Program. “I think this takes away a lot of the mystery of the (home buying) process, and generally makes people better prepared.”

Lisa Piercefield, senior management of strategy and development with Apprisen, said that those who take advantage of such free help before launching their home-buying journey can be better prepared to approach the process with wisdom.

“A first-time homebuyer who actively engages in resources such as a first-time homebuyer workshop is equipped with the knowledge, tools and resources to make more informed financial decisions as it relates to one of the largest — if not the largest — investment they will make in their life: home ownership,” Piercefield said. “While home ownership information and resources are available on the internet, the workshop provides an interactive dialogue of main topics.”

Piercefield sees another advantage for workshop attendees.

“It creates community with individuals who have like-minded goals, and helps to connect them with additional resources, if need be,” she said.

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What: First-time home buyer workshop with Apprisen, First Financial Bank, Southern Indiana Housing and Development Corporation and the Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Home Buyer Program.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Where: YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St. in downtown Columbus.

Cost: Free.

To register: 812-379-1630 or [email protected]

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