On the morning of Saturday, March 8, United Way Northwest Indiana hosted its annual First-Time Homebuyer Fair at the Neighbors’ Educational Opportunities Center in Portage. Over 15 vendors from organizations like First Financial Bank, Allstate, and American Hero Home Loans were ready and willing to offer helpful information regarding the purchasing of a home. Individuals hailing from all over Northwest Indiana attended this free event.
This is the second year that United Way Northwest Indiana has held the First-Time Homebuyer Fair. This years fair saw an added panel discussion element to the event. This addition was intended to supplement the vendor fair element by allowing attendees to ask professionals any questions they might have about buying their first home.
Kevin Lisboa, financial counselor for United Way Northwest Indiana and moderator of the panel discussion, considered the panel discussion to be an excellent resource for the event attendees.
“The panel discussion adds another dimension to this educational event,” Lisboa said. “I believe that a discussion with a panel of vetted and unbiased individuals is the best way to spread all this great information. United Way Northwest Indiana is by far the premier organization when it comes to community-focused activities. We have the resources to put on an event like this, and we are committed to doing good in the community.”
The three panel presentations touched on down payment assistance and Individual Development accounts, Veterans Affairs loans, working with a real estate agent, and a breakdown of the loan process and the role that credit plays in that process. Lisboa asked each group of panelists, all of whom were also participants in the vendor fair, several pre-prepared questions. Audience members were invited to ask whatever questions they had during the presentation.
Kristine Clark, mortgage loan specialist for Purdue Federal Credit Union and one of the vendors, looks forward to participating in the First-Time Homebuyer Event again next year.
“Working with first-time homebuyers is my passion,” Clark said. “I enjoy educating them and walking them through what can often be a very stressful process. I encourage them to keep an open mind and speak with a few different lenders and real estate agents before they make an informed decision. I would like the attendees here today to feel inspired, empowered, and confident that they can do it. They have the support of the entire community behind them.”
Organizations like Bedzzz Direct, CoAction, Surf Internet, 1st Source Bank, and POPA Heating and Cooling participated in the vendor fair this year. Representatives of Weichert Realtors Shoreline, The Mortgage Exchange, and the Northwest Indiana REALTORS Association were on site as well.
Michelle Jacinto, branch manager for Direct Mortgage Loans and a vendor, appreciated the opportunity to share information about Direct Mortgage Loans down payment assistance, veteran support, and other special programs with the attendees.
“We participated in last year’s installment and I thought it was a great event for the community,” Jacinto said. “It’s truly an asset because much of the information that aspiring homebuyers will need is right here in one spot. Each of the vendors here is from the community and they’re trusted. They wouldn't be here otherwise. My hope is that anyone feeling doubtful about buying their first home, however far along in the process they are, leave this event knowing that it can be done.”
All attendees were eligible to participate in drawings for prizes like Lowe’s gift cards, Texas Roadhouse gift baskets that included spices and gift cards, and a grand prize bed set worth $1800.
This is the first year that Laura James, co-owner of Pillar To Post Home Inspection and a vendor alongside her co-owner and husband, Tim James, had participated in the First-Time Homebuyer Event. Laura James found it to be a great opportunity to lend support to prospective homeowners.
“In some cases, the purchasing of a house is the biggest investment a person will ever make,” Laura James said. “As a home inspection company, we love being able to help educate them on the home they plan to buy and help them make sure that the house is a sound investment. We also teach them home maintenance tips so they can get ahead of future issues. Homeownership is definitely an aspect of the American dream and, although it takes a lot of hard work to get there, anyone can achieve it.”
Please visit unitedwaynwi.org to stay up-to-date on United Way Northwest Indiana’s upcoming projects and events.
