The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Atlanta Regional Office and FHA's Homeownership Center, invited Federal Employees located in the Atlanta Central Business District to participate in FHA's First-time Homebuyer Education Learning Program (HELP).

The two-day training, held June 27 - 28, 2006, offered a curriculum of comprehensible information and detailed guidance about buying a home. The goal was to provide first-time homebuyers with the necessary tools for a successful home buying experience, while minimizing fear and intimidation of the process.

Atlanta HOC Processing & Underwriting Division staff, Daniel Ellis, Bonnie Lewis, Edward Harris, Linda Middleton, Robert Starnes, and Jesseka Williamson presented instruction on the following topics:

1. How to budget for your home purchase
2. How to shop for your home
3. How to shop for your lender
4. The loan closing process
5. How to establish a post purchase budget
6. How to care for your home after closing

Margaret Fondry, OGC, Attorney Advisor covered the importance of working with an attorney during a real estate transaction while Joseph Brooks, FHEO, Equal Opportunity Specialist, provided information about consumers' rights and housing discrimination.

HUD also invited Remonia Brown, IRS, Senior Tax Specialist to speak to the group about the benefits of homeownership as it relates to income tax requirements.

54 participants received certificates of completion, which in addition to HUD staff included employees of IRS, SBA, USPS, EPA, SSA, DOL, FLRA, Homeland Security, and Labor Statistics.

Bob Young, Regional Director and Charles Gardner, HOC Director, opened the training by welcoming the group of participants and congratulating them for taking this important first step towards homeownership.