Whether you are looking to purchase a starter home or your true dream home, you have a lot to learn.

The public is invited to attend the Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC)’s free Home Buyer Open House/Fast-Track Education Event to gain a better understanding of what mortgage options are available and how to qualify for them. This event will be held on Tuesday, October 23 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at CHEMED, located at 1771 Madison Avenue, Lakewood.

The LRRC is sponsoring the Open House/Fast-Track Education Event in partnership with Solutions to End Poverty Soon (STEPS) to provide you with pertinent information such as how much you can afford to spend, which mortgage option is best for you, and whether you would qualify for a loan.

Anyone purchasing a home, in the market for a home, or considering buying a home is encouraged to attend this free event. Representatives from local lending institutions will be available to discuss various topics relating to the home-buying process, with a special emphasis on how to access reduced interest rates and down payment requirements with no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance).

Additionally, this year’s Open House will once again feature a series of 10-minute presentations by several bank representatives on mortgage options, the benefits of First-Time Home Buyer mortgages, credit and money management, mortgage calculations and ratios, and the application process. The 30-minute series of presentations will occur twice, once from 6:30-7:00 and again from 7:15-7:45.

Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss and review mortgage products with each lender and receive preliminary prequalification for loans. LRRC and STEPS Certified Housing Counselors will also be available to answer questions.

Each participant will receive a copy of the second edition of the LRRC’s Home Buyer’s Handbook, which contains a summary of the entire home-buying process and important advice for home buyers, among other helpful features. The Home Buyer’s Handbook also has a comprehensive directory of product and service providers whose services home buyers and homeowners are likely to need.

About the Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC): The Lakewood Resource and Referral Center (LRRC) provides comprehensive social service information, referrals, counseling, community education, and assistance in navigating both government and private-sector programs in a caring and compassionate manner to enhance the quality of life of the residents of Ocean County and help them achieve financial independence. They can be reached at 732-942-9292 and are located at 212 2nd Street, Suite 204. For more information or to be added to their mailing list to receive valuable tips and special program announcements, visit www.lrrcenter.org.

[Press Release]