Home sales statistics for central Ohio in 2010 showed marked improvements compared to previous years according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS. "Our market saw average sale price increases for eight of the 12 months of 2010," says CBR President Rick Benjamin. "As we have experienced annual decreases in our average sale price since 2005, we see ending the year just half a point lower than 2009 as a positive for central Ohio homeowners."

10 Reasons To Buy a Home: In this article that appeared in Time magazine, author Brett Arends explains why owning a home is a good thing. He tells readers, "Enough with the doom and gloom about homeownership."

The tax deductibility of interest paid on mortgages is a powerful incentive for home ownership and has been one of the simplest provisions in the federal tax code for more than 80 years. For those reasons, the National Association of REALTORS is aligning its 1.1 million members across the nation to ensure that the government does not make any attempt to reduce this important benefit for people of all economic sectors.

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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.

Call  614-221-8889 ext.134  to register. All classes are held at the CHP center, 562 East Main Street (free parking). 

NEW! -Online classes now available through our partner - eHome America
Save $14 on your registration
Enter HOME411 in the coupon code
The cost of this Online Homebuyer Education Workshop is $49.00. If you do not want to pay a fee to take this course online, CHP offers Homebuyer Education at no cost at our local office. This online workshop is not a HUD approved workshop and does not meet the requirements of the Down Payment Assistance Programs.
If you need information regarding these programs, please contact us directly for more information.
Call  614-221-8889 ext.134 

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.

All classes via the Internet: Participants must register to receive authorization code and information. Call  614-221-8889 ext.134 for information on available times and to register.

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.

Call  614-221-8889 ext.134  to register. All classes are held at the CHP center, 562 East Main Street (free parking

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.