If you're looking to buy a home now or in the near future, time is running out to take advantage of the Nov. 30 deadline to cash in on an $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit.
Free home-buyer seminars are being offered this month by the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors to help potential home owners learn from experts in real estate, banking and consumer credit counseling about the incentives and programs available.
"There are a lot of good incentives out there for individuals who have been contemplating purchasing a home for some time," GNIAR Executive Director Pete Novak said. "Some of that is coming to an end very shortly, and we just want to make sure as best as possible educate those potential home buyers of what's available to them."
Novak said professionals will be on hand to walk people through what the advantages of owning a home would be in terms of tax deductions and how they would take advantage of the tax credit the federal government is offering.
Attendees also will learn everything from enlisting the services of a Realtor and the steps to take in getting pre-approved for a loan.
Consumer credit counselors will be able to assist those who still don't feel they're in a position to buy a home before Nov. 30 when some of the major incentives end.
"At least they could get started on the right path to eventually being homeowners," Novak said.
"We're doing our best to educate people of the benefits of homeownership and that it's a great time to buy, because there's really a lot of an incentive for qualified buyers."
A pre-registration form has been set up online for those interested in attending a seminar at nwi.com/homebuyerseminar.
Potential home buyers who register online qualify for a drawing at each session to win a $150 gift card from Gus Bock Ace Hardware for the Oct. 6 session at The Times in Munster or a $150 gift card from Von Tobel for those who attend the Oct. 13 session at GNIAR's office.
Homebuying seminars
Session 1
Oct. 6
6 to 8 p.m.
The Times
601 W. 45th Ave., Munster
Session 2
Oct. 13
6 to 8 p.m.
GNIAR
800 E. 86th Ave., Merrillville
