florida housing partnering to educate and empower first time homebuyers


For Immediate Release:	Contact:
9/14/2004	Cecka Rose Green (850) 488-4197

Florida Housing Partnering to Educate and Empower First Time Homebuyers

First Time Homebuyer Program Has $25 Million Available for Low-Interest Rate Mortgages

TALLAHASSEE, FL — On Saturday, September 18, 2004, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, the Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium and the Tallahassee Urban League will host a free homebuyer fair from 10:00am to 3:00pm. at the Leon County Civic Center located at 505 West Pensacola Street. The purpose of this event is to match low-to-moderate income homebuyers with local providers of housing and housing services.

Information about qualifying, financing and owning a home will be available from lenders, builders, realtors, and other local providers of affordable housing and housing services. Families throughout the Big Bend area are invited to come out and learn about new and existing homes for sale in all areas of town, obtain credit reports, home prequalifications, prize giveaways as well as activities for the kids. For more information please call (850) 222-6609 or visit www.floridahousing.org

The showcase will include information from lenders and mortgage specialists on down payment assistance, bond money and other financing, as well as the following Homebuyer Education workshops:

11:00AM – 11:30AM Credit & Budgeting

11:30AM – 12:00PM Appraisal & Survey

12:00PM – 12:30PM Homestead Tax & Insurance

12:30PM – 1:00PM Closing Cost

1:00PM – 1:30PM Fair Housing

1:30PM – 2:00PM Assistance Programs

In addition to providing helpful information to prospective homebuyers, Florida Housing currently has $25 million in mortgages available for eligible borrowers across the state. These 30-year, fixed interest mortgages are currently available through Florida Housing’s First Time Homebuyer Program at a rate of 5.46%. The program also offers down payment and closing cost assistance of up to $14,999 to eligible applicants throughout the state. For more information on the First Time Homebuyer Program, including income and purchase price limits, please visit Florida Housing’s website at www.floridahousing.org or call the toll free information line at (888) 447-2977.

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