We are celebrating more than a fresh start to a new year with the recent news from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® (CBR). According to the Columbus and Central Ohio Multiple Listing Service, home sales in our region were 59.5 percent higher in November 2009 than they were in the same month last year. Not since 2005 has the housing market looked so strong.

Columbus ranked second in the nation in the latest Housing Markets Forecast released by Housing Predictor. The study looked at 250 market indicators to assess the likelihood of housing price increases. Optimism abounds in markets across the nation as many cities expect to see appreciation in 2010.

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that benefits all those who choose to buy a home between now and April 30, 2010.

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Homebuyer Education Programs

The Grass is Greener in central Ohio. This year, thousands of families will be keeping their own yards green after they buy their first home. If homeownership is your dream, but you're not sure if you're ready or able to buy, there is help: Columbus Housing Partnership. This private, nonprofit organization has education and counseling programs to help you prepare for your first home.

CHP's housing counseling services give people the information they need to improve their financial lives and prepare to purchase their own homes. Homebuyer and housing counseling programs also work to address the underlying social and economic needs facing families within Columbus neighborhoods. CHP programs help people understand that purchasing a home comes with many obligations. CHP teaches its clients how to be responsible homeowners and    good neighbors.

Homebuyer Education

CHP's homebuyer education course consists of eight hours of classroom time. One-on-one counseling is also available. Through CHP's FREE Homebuyer Education classes, you will learn 1) How to find a home and negotiate a contract; 2) How to apply for a mortgage loan; 3) What lenders look for when approving you for a mortgage; 4) How to budget to buy a home; 5) How to understand your credit; 6) What happens during the closing process; and 7) How to be a successful homeowner.

Foreclosure Prevention Counseling

If you fear foreclosure, don't wait another minute. We can help now, even if you have missed several payments or have received foreclosure documents. The goal is to provide families with the information and tools necessary to maintain their home by identifying the cause of default or delinquency, identifying intervention strategies, and reviewing budgeting skills. Financial assistance is available through the Ohio Home Rescue Fund for those who qualify.

Credit Counseling

CHP can review your complete credit history for FREE. We can help you get your credit ready to purchase a home.

The credit counseling CHP provides encourages families to tackle credit issues early. Counseling includes reviewing the individual's credit report, identifying credit issues, and helping the person develop a plan for repairing credit problems. Individual sessions are scheduled to meet the needs of the clients.To schedule an appointment call CHP at 614-221-8889, extension 134. 

Financial Fitness

Get your finances in shape with Financial Fitness! This free 10-hour workshop is designed to give you money management and consumer skills. All graduates will receive a gift card.

Downpayment Assistance

You can buy your own home with only $500 down!
This means you can receive up to $6,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for a home. This down payment assistance is forgiven after five or six years of home ownership. Listed below are some of the requirements to participate in CHP's Down Payment Assistance Programs:

• You must live in the property as your primary residence.
• The property must be located within designated areas.
• You must meet income eligibility guidelines.
• You must invest $500 of your own money.
• You must complete a HUD-certified homebuyer education course.

So, how do you sign up for CHP's Down Payment Assistance Programs? Just call CHP at 221-8889, extension 134 . You will be referred to a housing counselor who will help you determine if you are eligible for down payment assistance.

Home Maintenance

CHP offers free classes on home repair and home maintenance? Not only can we help you find the home of your dreams and provide downpayment assistance to those who qualify, we can help you learn more about what it takes to care for your home. 

*** No classes offered in December - check back in 2010