Homebuyer education is making difference in central Ohio

With more than 20,000 home foreclosures filed in central Ohio during 2007, it is more important than ever to know all aspects of credit and the homebuying process before purchasing or refinancing a home. Whether buying for the first or fourth time, recent studies have shown that the better educated the buyer, the greater the chance for longterm stability in the home.

One local non-profit agency, Columbus Housing Partnership, offers free classes and individual credit counseling for all central Ohioans looking to take the next step toward homeownership.

"Since our counseling classes are free and open to the public, we see doctors, lawyers and business people taking advantage of the opportunity to prepare for their pending home purchase," said Becky Hilbert, Director of Housing Counseling for Columbus Housing Partnership. "With so many foreclosures taking place, people are beginning to realize that they need an expert to guide them in understanding their credit and the homebuying process and we are happy to help."

In the last five years, Columbus Housing Partnership has helped more than 500 people achieve the dream of homeownership investing over $60 million in first mortgages in central Ohio.

Christian Rose Anderson, a resident in the North of Broad neighborhood on Columbus' near east side, is one of the over 500 homeowners helped by Columbus Housing Partnership's homebuyer education programs.

"I can't tell you how accomplished I felt and that sense of accomplishment may never have been realized without all the help of Columbus Housing Partnership," said Ms. Rose Anderson. "It is because of CHP that I was equipped with the knowledge of not only how to purchase a home, but also how to manage my personal finances."

For more information about the classes offered by Columbus Housing Partnership or to enroll, please visit www.CHPColumbus.org or call (614) 221-8889 ext. 134.