How to Become a Home Owner

Ramona Mullahey and Lynn Lee of HUD welcome Waianae residents to the community homebuyer fair at Waianae Mall.

American Savings Bank and First Hawaiian Bank conducts mortgage pre-qualifications for potential homebuyers.

Lee Jennings of HUD keeps the Keiki happy with crayons and paper to color their dream home.

Waianae residents learn about homeownership opportunities from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and HUD.

During the summer of 2002 the HUD Hawaii State Office, in partnership with 14 other housing organizations, sponsored five free Community Homebuyer Fairs in Hawaii. Each homebuyer fair was conducted on a Saturday morning in a different community on Oahu and Maui.

These homebuyer fairs were designed to guide and help interested people and families become homebuyers. People learned about qualifying for a mortgage, how homebuyer education and housing counseling can help people become a homebuyer, and what steps are necessary to buy a home. These fairs were also an opportunity to have any questions on purchasing a home answered by knowledgeable and respected housing industry representatives.

The first homebuyer fair was conducted on June 8, 2002 at Waianae Mall. The fair was a tremendous success with 150 people in attendance. American Savings Bank, First Hawaiian Bank, and Irwin Mortgage Corporation were available to help people pre-qualify for a mortgage. Other housing organizations like the Department of Hawaiian

Home Lands, Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, Nanakuli Neighborhood Housing Services, and Catholic Charities were on hand to educate people on their programs and services to help people become homeowners. Even the keiki (children) kept busy by coloring their dream home at the children's coloring table.

For more information on the community homebuyer fairs, contact the Hawaii State HUD Office.