MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Marty Qually, Coordinator of Housing, Food & Nutrition and Facilities Services and Ann Bussard, Case Manager
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2004

FCAA HOMEBUYER EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Frederick Community Action Agency (FCAA) is pleased to announce the launch of a new FREE Homebuyer Education Counseling Program for first-time homebuyers. The primary objective of the Homebuyer Education Counseling program is to help first-time homebuyers gain a broad knowledge of how to obtain and retain home ownership status through a comprehensive course on the process of home purchase.

Topics will include assessing readiness to buy, available loan products, lender relations, finding a realtor, the home buying process, understanding credit and budget planning.

Each participant will receive pre-purchase counseling two hours each month for six months. Additionally, participants will meet one-on-one with a certified Housing Counselor to complement group education sessions. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

The FCAA has been a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved Housing Counseling Agency since 1997.

The first session will begin in June with an additional session to begin in September. Space is limited. Reservations are required. For more information or to register, please contact Ann Bussard at (301) 600-2077.