Residents looking to move from renting to owning can learn the ins and outs of homeownership this weekend during a housing fair at Sim Scott Park.
The event, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Sim Scott Community Center at 909 20th S. N., will feature eight agencies including counselors, lenders and real estate agents. Representatives from each agency will provide first-time homebuyers with general information about purchasing a home, along with details about loan and down payment assistance programs.
Many of those programs are offered through Jackson-based Mississippi Home Corporation, a nonprofit aimed to increase affordable housing opportunities for lower-income residents.
“A lot of times people do not know that these programs exist,” said Greg Lewis, director for the Columbus Recreation Department. “So we’re just trying to provide citizens with information … on different opportunities … and make sure that the citizens understand that these are programs that you can qualify for.”
The free event will be sponsored by both MHC and North Mississippi Rural Legal Services, based in West Point.
Counselors from both organizations will be available to speak with residents about credit requirements, building financial readiness, avoiding housing scams and understanding fair housing rights. Mortgage lenders and insurance brokers with Trustmark, Shelter Insurance, and State Farm will also attend.
Attendees will also receive general information about the process of building a home from the ground up.
Ward 5 Councilman Gary Jefferson initiated plans for the housing fair.
“We know that the American dream is owning your own home, so we wanted to give … people who might not think they can afford one, the opportunity to come out and meet these lenders,” he told The Dispatch on Thursday. “… We know that when you own your own home, you tend to cherish it more than renting. You tend to clean your neighborhood up because it’s something that you’re a part of.”
Katrina Porter, case maintenance and fiscal secretary for NMRLS, said all attendees will receive informational packets to take home. She said the event will give a leg up to residents who plan to obtain their homebuyer education course certificate, a requirement for most lenders when applying for specialized mortgages, down payment assistance and grants.
NMRLS plans to host a homebuyer education course in April, though the date and time has not been determined.
Porter said she hopes to see about 200 people attend the event.
“I would love for them to come out of renting mode and be able to own their own home and have something for your kids … to go around and play (or) even if you’re an older person, you can have your grandkids come over and play in a nice big yard,” Porter told The Dispatch. “… Everyone doesn’t understand the concept of being a first-time home buyer. If you’re already a homeowner, you can share this information with someone that’s been looking for this type of assistance.”
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 47 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
