Lynn holds home schooling for new buyers

LYNN – The City of Lynn has taken an active role in helping its citizens get a piece of the pie.To do that, it is offering the First-Time Homebuyer Education Workshop, a seminar that teaches people buying their first house everything from how to apply for a mortgage to what to look for in a home inspection.The most recent seminar drew 46 participants.The program is offered by the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND) and Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy. To receive a certificate, participants are required to attend two class sessions.The workshop teaches first-time homebuyers about budgeting and credit, the mortgage application process, home inspections, down-payment assistance and the difference between foreclosed and short sale properties. These classes, which are held at least six times throughout the year, are offered in English and Spanish and are both approved by the Citizens Housing And Planning Association and Mass Housing Partnership. More than 2,500 individuals have completed the program since its inception.The class seeks to help people realize their dream of owning a home and improving the lives of their family regardless of their economic standing. One attendee who wanted to learn about legal issues, home inspections and credit said, “I initially signed up to get access to certain loan programs but am so glad I did because the information has been so useful. I think it is the best thing you can do to start making a plan.”The class also informs participants about de-leading and its importance in households with children. The City of Lynn, through LHAND, administers a lead-abatement grant program which first-time homebuyers are encouraged to take advantage of. LHAND also offers post-purchase and one-on-one counseling.Income-eligible households that complete the first-time homebuyers class and receive the certificate may be eligible to receive a $5,000 grant and a $5,000 loan at zero percent interest amortized over five years. The assistance is to be used for down-payment, closing costs, lead-paint removal or correction of all code violations.Those interested in the workshop or any of the programs offered by LHAND and the City of Lynn can visit www.lhand.org or call 781-581-8600 for more information.