Homeownership is both an exciting opportunity and a huge responsibility. For many people though, this vision is one they believe they might never achieve, especially in challenging economic times. Often, potential home owners are uninformed and ill-prepared for what could very well be the single biggest financial investment they will make during their lifetime. However, being fully knowledgeable and educated about the process has been shown to contribute to more successful and responsible ownership. Vital information regarding financing, documentation, eligibility requirements and other essential details help long-time renters and other would-be homeowners get a head start on realizing their homeownership goals. Using this information, they can then create real-life, personalized action plans that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the homeownership process from start to finish, with goals and objectives that lead to desired results.

The main purpose of programs such as this is to help more persons get on the path to responsible homeownership by coaching them through the home buying or building process. The primary focus is on assessing ownership readiness, budgeting and financial management, deciding whether to build or to buy, the mortgage and insurance processes and maintenance of a new home.  As a result, participants will then be able to manage the various stages of homeownership in their own self-interest. In order to benefit from these types of programs, participants are required to attend a series of interactive modules, which typically feature real estate, banking, construction, insurance and other industry professionals combined with Q & A sessions along with other relevant activities such as field trips and on-site visits.

Using this model, one such initiative is currently being organized in Antigua. The Property Advice Center (PAC) is preparing to launch the First-time Homeownership Program in March. This initiative is aimed at educating prospective first-time homeowners in the process of acquiring a home or piece of land of their own. In partnership with like-minded professionals, PAC is dedicated to simplifying and streamlining the home ownership process for a wide cross section of the community.

Prospective home owners participating in the First-time Homeownership Program can expect a wealth of valuable, practical and engaging information to ensure they can successfully apply the knowledge gained and the skills learned to their own real-world situations. It is envisioned that this program will help save tens of thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.

Full details pertaining to the Antigua program including exact dates, times, cost and location can be found at http://homeownershipantigua.eventbrite.com