First-time buyers planning to purchase a home in 2005 can learn more about what such a purchase entails in Home Stretch, an educational workshop designed for first-time home buyers.

Classes will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Jan. 5, 12 and 19 at North Branch High School. The three-night workshop offers important information regarding how to purchase a home ìthe right way.î

Central Minnesota Housing Partnership, a non-profit organization providing affordable housing services to the central region of Minnesota, coordinates the Home Stretch workshop.

Community lenders, realtors and other housing professional volunteer their time to bring first-time buyers the most important and current information about the home-buying process.

Topics to be covered include the mortgage approval process, budget and credit issues, real estate, closing procedures, basic home maintenance and affordable mortgage products that may be available for first-timers.

Along with the process of buying a home, workshop participants will learn about affordable mortgage products they may qualify for.

ìMany first-time home buyers are not aware of the multitude of programs designed to help them get into a home,î said Jason Krebsbach, program coordinator. ìMany of these mortgage products can be helpful to people wanting to own, but unsure if they can afford it.î
Some affordable mortgage products, first-time homebuyer products and government loans may require a buyer to receive a Home Stretch certificate.

Completing the workshop is not only a great place to start the process of purchasing a home, but having that certificate can save time.
Krebsbach said his organization offers a variety of information.

ìFirst-time buyers participating in this class are going to experience a smoother path to homeownership,î he said. ìThere are a lot of tips here and there that you might not find out about from other sources.î

There is a $25 fee per household and registration is required.
Call North Branch Community Education at (651) 674-1025 for more information and to register.

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