Homebuyer education class set

Classes offered by the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach Inc. are availabel on the third Saturday every month. COURTESY PHOTO The Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach Inc. is partnering with the Lee County Housing Development Corp. to provide a free homebuyer education class on Saturday, Feb. 20. Home Buyer Education is designed to increase knowledge and build new skills in the area of homeownership.

The association offers this course because of its commitment to neighborhood stabilization. Federal Housing Administration research indicates that 80 percent of homebuyers who attended mandatory homebuyer counseling did not default on their mortgage. The association’s goal is to help people who live and work in the community purchase homes that are affordably priced and learn, through homebuyer education, how to maintain and keep their home.

Consumers purchasing a home between now and April 30 may be eligible for the extended and expanded Homebuyer tax credit. The U.S. government has a substantial incentive for home buyers — current homeowners can receive a $6,500 tax credit, while first-time buyers are still eligible for an $8,000 credit. With the increased number of eligible buyers and the extended deadline, this tax credit is the homebuying opportunity of a lifetime.

Subjects covered during this eight hour course include:

• Homeownership readiness and affordability

• Money and credit management

• Types of properties and financing available

• Purchase, mortgage, and closing processes

• Home maintenance and financial management after home purchase

The class is offered on the third Saturday of each month at the Realtor Association’s Education Center. The Education Center is located at 4081 Center Pointe Drive in Fort Myers (behind the association offices). Cost is $35 and covers program materials and lunch for participants; however, on Feb. 20, this class will be provided free as a service to the Greater Fort Myers community. This course is required for downpayment assistance through the Florida Housing Finance Corp. and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The public can sign up to attend homebuyer education at www.snoopzone.info/homebuyerEducation. php. 