Free First-time Home Buyer Open House Hosted by the LRRC and STEPS Attracts a Crowd
Shopping for your first home can be a confusing and challenging experience. How much can you afford to spend? What is the best mortgage option for you? Would you even qualify for a loan?
The Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC) recently held its semi-annual First-time Home Buyer Open House at the Lakewood Public Works Complex in partnership with Solutions to End Poverty Soon (STEPS) and the Township of Lakewood to help attendees get answers, gain a better understanding of what mortgage options are available, and learn how to qualify for them, among other questions.
Representatives from local lending institutions discussed topics related to the home-buying process, with a special emphasis on lower interest rates and down payment requirements with no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance).
Attendees had the opportunity to discuss and review mortgage products with each lender and receive preliminary prequalification for loans. LRRC and STEPS certified housing counselors were on hand to answer questions. Each participant received a copy of the LRRC’s new Home Buyer’s Handbook, which offers a summary of the entire home-buying process and important advice for home buyers.
Mayer Hoberman, executive director of Social Services at the LRRC, said, “The LRRC and STEPS partnered with the Township to host this program because we recognize that first-time buyers and all home buyers need the understanding and skills to make appropriate and informed decisions during the home-buying process.”
The LRRC offers a twice-a-month homeownership education session required by many lenders in order for clients to take advantage of first-time home buyer mortgage products. Everyone who attends the session is given the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one meeting with an LRRC certified housing counselor.
To ask a question, register to attend a housing education session, or schedule an appointment with a housing case manager, call the LRRC at 732-942-9292 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Call for specific times of walk-in and telephone hours.
About the Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC): The LRRC, a federally designated 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization, 212 Second Street, Suite 204, Lakewood, provides free comprehensive social services, information, referrals, and assistance for government and private sector programs and auxiliary services in such areas as housing, rental counseling, health care, insurance plans, nutrition, and utilities. For more information about the LRRC, call 732-942-9292 or email info@lrrcenter.org.