Oregonians obtain the American dream of home ownership. Through home buyer education, savings programs, and individual coaching, the Housing Centers are working to provide Realtors with ?buyer-ready? clients who understand the process and are prepared to take that first step down the path to home ownership.

?Home buyer education is a perfect first step for anyone who may be thinking about buying a home,? said Laura Fritz, Housing Director for NeighborImpact. ?There are some powerful financial assistance programs available in Central Oregon, especially for first time home buyers or people who haven?t purchased a home in more than three years.?

According to Fritz, a partnership between local realtors and the Housing Centers could result in an increase in the number of Central Oregon home owners.

?I think people might be surprised to learn how affordable home ownership can be right now,? said Fritz. ?Mortgage loan interest rates are lower than they?ve been in years and people of all ages and income levels can take advantage of these low rates. We also have a matched savings program to help qualified homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.?

Fritz added that there is a common misperception about NeighborImpact?s Housing Centers because the agency is better known for offering emergency services for people in crisis situations.

?The Housing Centers of NeighborImpact offer programs designed specifically to help people from all walks of life become successful home owners.?

A Realtors open house is taking place on June 7th from 4:00 ? 6:00 p.m. at the Bend Housing Center of NeighborImpact at 20310 Empire Ave, Suite A110 in Bend. Guests will learn more about home buyer education and assistance programs for realtors and their clients.

For more information about individual or on-line home buyer education, contact The Housing Centers of NeighborImpact at (541) 318-7506 x 309. About NeighborImpact: NeighborImpact is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to succeed and become engaged citizens in the community. As a private, nonprofit organization that serves Central Oregon, NeighborImpact offers a variety of support options ranging from emergency housing services to home buyer education and savings programs. The Housing Centers of NeighborImpact also serve Eastern Oregon and other neighboring communities with online home buyer education and individual home buyer coaching. To learn more please visit www.neighborimpact.org.