On July 12, Horizon Bank hosted its "Journey to Home Ownership" workshop in Gary, providing valuable insights and resources for individuals aspiring to become homeowners.
Jill Brotan, a dedicated Community Lender at Horizon Bank, spearheaded the workshop with the aim of assisting community members in comprehending the intricacies of owning a home.
Brotan expressed the bank's commitment to ensuring homeownership opportunities for everyone, stating, "Our motivation is to allow everyone to have the opportunity to become a homeowner. I believe the biggest benefit in our workshop is gaining knowledge and understanding the specifics, such as purchase agreements and pre-approvals."
The workshop offered attendees a comprehensive overview of the eight stages in the mortgage cycle, enlightening them about crucial steps to undertake before embarking on the journey to homeownership. By familiarizing participants with these stages, Horizon Bank aimed to empower them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the process confidently.
Horizon Bank also extends several first-time homebuyer programs to support individuals in the community, such as Home Pride, Home Pride Plus, and Home Ready. These programs cater to diverse needs and credit scores, enabling new buyers to identify the program that aligns best with their requirements. Additionally, the workshop shed light on federal home loan bank grants, highlighting the Homeownership Opportunities Program (HOP), the Neighborhood Impact Program (NIP), and the Accessibility Modification Program (AMP).
Alexis Harris, the Community Reinvestment Act Officer at Horizon Bank, emphasized the importance of availing oneself of these programs, urging first-time homebuyers to exercise patience throughout the process.
Harris advised, "When it comes to purchasing a home or repairing credit, it's essential to be patient and allow the process to unfold. Once the home is purchased, then you can take action as you wish."
The workshop also emphasized the significance of having a knowledgeable real estate agent by one's side. Starr Smith, a real estate broker for Listing Leaders Premier, stressed the pivotal role an agent plays in the home buying process.
Smith stated, "When you purchase a home, having a good agent is essential to stay on top of everything from the beginning to the end. If you're unsure, we have a plethora of venues to reach out to for assistance."
Angela Morrow, another real estate broker with Listing Leaders Premier, highlighted the ideal purpose an agent serves when it comes to home buying.
She emphasized the importance of having an agent dedicated to working in one's best interest, stating, "It's definitely good to have your own agent who is strictly assigned to work in your best interest. They serve as more than just a tour guide; they need to be highly knowledgeable about the property and the process."
The event fostered a sense of community and engagement by providing attendees with refreshments. To conclude the presentation on a lively note, the speakers organized a quiz, offering participants the chance to win prizes.
For more information about Horizon Bank, visit the bank's Facebook page or website at HorizonBank.com