June 5, 2007 – In celebration of National Homeownership Month, FirstBank will host its 11th annual Homeownership Exposition on St. Thomas. The Expo is structured as the most comprehensive homeownership event of the year. Admission is at no cost. The Homeownership Expo will be held on Saturday, June 9, at FirstBank Waterfront Branch from 9 a.m.-noon, on St. Thomas.
Expo participants will benefit greatly in their quest to both understand and become prepared for homeownership with the availability of educational resources and expert advice from housing industry professionals. Several housing-related agencies and organizations will be on site to share information about their homeownership programs and services. The exhibitors will include:
V.I. Housing Finance Authority, Rural Development, The Home Inspector Inc., Brian Moseley and Associates (surveyors on St. Thomas), Survey Services Company (surveyors on St. Croix), Beyond Visions Foundation (budgeting workshop), V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, V.I. Energy Office, credit reports and evaluations provided by FirstBank, FirstBank mortgage experts, and First Insurance Agency.
Information will be shared on topics such as: budgeting techniques to decrease debt and increase saving toward a down payment, mortgage program options, Government loan program options, how much mortgage you can afford based on income, how to repair damaged credit, homeowners insurance coverage, the construction permit process, what is covered in a home inspection and the significance of a land survey.
During the Expo, a seminar will be held providing participants with the opportunity to learn in detail how the bank evaluates an applicant's readiness to purchase a home. The seminar will be conducted twice starting at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
"The key to becoming a homeowner is becoming knowledgeable about the process, said Alicia Bean, FirstBank Vice President. "The Homeownership Expo is designed to help those who are pursuing homeownership be empowered with the latest information on programs and services that will help to make their dream of homeownership a reality."
Childcare and a continental breakfast will be provided at no cost. Participants may also receive a credit report consultation at no charge once a picture ID is provided.