Still Taking Registrations For Free Classes

There are still openings for the Free First Time Homebuyer classes Aug. 12th & 19th at the Chestnut Village Center within the Brethren's Retirement Community in Greenville, Ohio. If you're a first time homebuyer (haven't owned a home for 3 yrs.) you qualify for the government tax credit of up to $8000 but you'll need to take advantage of this soon because it expires Nov. 30th of this year. If you've thought that owning a home was out of reach in the past then now is the time to check in to the possibility again. Along with the tax credit there are still some great loans out there which you may qualify for if your credit score is above 620. Another big plus is the many homes available today. Call today (937-423-3316) or email (trfinch@gmail.com) to register. All we'll need is your name, how many to expect, and the date you're planning to attend. You can see more information on this class by checking out one of my previous posts on this blog or by viewing www.darkecountyproperties.com.

Note: Due to the success of the spring classes three more will be offered and another two in September as well.

Does the thought of buying your first home leave you feeling overwhelmed or confused? Well, help is on the way. On Thursday July 30^th, Wednesday August 12^th, and Wednesday August 19th from 6:30 – 8:00 at Chestnut Village Center in Greenville, Leis Realty and National City Mortgage will be offering a free class for anyone wanting more information on the home buying process.

The timing for buying that first home could not be better with a large number of homes on the market, low interest rates, lower home prices, and of course the $8000 tax credit (which will end Nov. 30, 2009) offered to first-time homebuyers. Home ownership offers many advantages over renting. It is a strong investment (yes, even now), and it comes with many tax advantages. You also have control over your environment, pride of ownership, and independence. Since historically, homes appreciate in value over time, every time you make a payment you get a step closer to paying off your home and you build equity, unlike rent.

The process of financing and purchasing your first home can be overwhelming, frightening, and confusing. We will attempt to provide you with some valuable information to help you on your way to probably, your biggest investment. Topics covered will include:

Prequalifying and preapproval for a home loan

Credit rating

Using a realtor

Making an offer

Disclosures

Equal opportunity

The new stimulus tax credit

The steps to closing on your first home

The class is free, but you need to pre-register because seating is limited. To reserve your place call Todd Finch at Leis Realty at 937-548-5750 ext. 245 or Diane Hill at National City Mortgage 937-548-1300. If you prefer to email, contact Todd at trfinch@gmail.com or Diane at diane.hill@ncmc.com . When registering please leave your name, address and phone number along with which class you’re signing up for. If you have questions, leave those as well and we will return your call.

Well my first ever first-time homebuyer classes are finished (for now) and I feel that they were successful at getting some valuable information out there for first-timers. This is such a great time to buy your first home. I've asked a number of Realtors who have been in the business for over 30 years and they believe this is the best opportunity since they've been in real estate. This is a time when I wish I could be buying my first home. I mean look at all the bonuses:

- $8000 tax credit (see previous post)
- Rural development loan (see previous post)
- A large inventory of houses on the market
- Nearing historic low interest rates

If you missed the class but would still like more information on any of the above I'd love to sit down and discuss these with you. You can contact me at trfinch@gmail.com or give me a call at 937-423-3316.

Remember to sign-up for the free first-time homebuyer class offered by Leis Realty and National City Mortgage in Greenville, Ohio. The dates are Wed. Mar. 25th and Mon. Mar. 30th from 6:30 - 8:00 at the Chestnut Village Center in the Brethren Home Retirement Community. This is free but you need to sign up because of limited seating. You can email me at trfinch@gmail.com or Diane Hill at diane.hill@ncmc.com or you may call Leis Realty at 937-538-5750 ext. 245. Make sure, if leaving a message, that you include your name, phone # or email and the date you wish to attend. More information can be seen in one of my earlier posts. See you there.

I just listened to a presentation on the new USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan at a meeting yesterday and it looks like the ideal type of loan for first-time homebuyers in the Darke County, Ohio area.

Some of the details are:

- No down payment required
- 30 year fixed rate
- 102% LTV (loan to value) means you might be able to get some of your closing costs paid too
- No mortgage insurance
- No cash contribution required from the borrower
- Unrestricted gifts from others and no need to document the source of the gift
- No maximum loan amount
- No reserve requirement

A designated "rural area" include open country and places with a population of 10,000 or less and under certain conditions, towns and cities between 10,000 and 25,000 residents. Every town and rural area in Darke County falls within these requirements. If you need further questions answered, leave me a comment or give me a call and I can give you the names of some of the banks and mortgage companies that offer this loan program.

This loan program will also be explained at the First-time Homebuyer Class offered Mar. 25th & Mar. 30th (See previous post for more information about this class). Hope to see you there.

Todd Finch
trfinch@gmail.com
937-423-3316