Sign up now for City’s upcoming Home Buyers Club workshop

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2013

For more information, contact:
Doris Sims, Assistant Director, City of Bloomington Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development, 349.3510
Marilyn Patterson, Program Manager, City of Bloomington Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development, 349.3401 or [mailto:hand@bloomington.in.gov]

Sign up now for City's upcoming Home Buyers Club workshop

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington's Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) will host the Home Buyers Club in April. The workshops offer participants a chance to learn how to become successful homeowners.

The workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 6 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 13.

The Home Buyers Club program helps first-time home buyers understand and overcome the obstacles involved in realizing the American dream of homeownership. Presenters will include HAND's HUD-certified housing counselors, local real estate industry professionals and community non-profit housing providers.

Participants will receive the HAND-produced home-buying guide, "Buying a Home: A Guide For First-Time Home Buyers," and an opportunity to meet with a HAND housing counselor to develop a personalized home-buying action plan. Income eligible participants that complete the classes may apply for $5,000 down payment and closing cost assistance from HAND.

Discussion topics will include:

• Determining if homeownership is right for you
• Developing a household budget and savings plan
• Establishing good credit
• Navigating the home-buying process from start to finish
• Inspecting your potential home
• Locating mortgage application and down payment assistance programs
• Protecting your investment and maintaining your home
• Accessing community and neighborhood housing resources

The Home Buyers Club is offered to anyone in the community at no cost. However, class size is limited and pre-registration is required. To register contact HAND at 349.3401 or at [mailto:hand@bloomington.in.gov] or visit [www.bloomington.gov/hand|www.bloomington.gov/hand]. The Home Buyers Club is sponsored in part by Fifth Third Bank and Indiana University Credit Union.

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