FHA MORTGAGE PRODUCTS CENTERPIECE OF HUD HOMEOWNERSHIP FAIR
Homeownership Month Launch Designed for Government Employees

The fair will provide potential homeowners with insight into the home buying process through workshops such as "The ABCs of Home Buying," and "Spotlighting House Options ? From Reverse Mortgages to Financing a Fixer-Upper." The hour-long workshops will run simultaneously at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The Fair will open at 10 a.m., with refreshments and remarks from HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson and FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery. Each speaker will explain the significance of homeownership in developing personal wealth. Secretary Jackson will also speak about the need to reform the FHA in order to provide potential homebuyers who do not qualify for prime financing a safe alternative.

The FHA exhibits will be opened from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and include representatives from: HUD's Community Planning & Development Program, Government National Mortgage Association, Fair Housing and Equality Opportunity Program, and the Public and Indian Housing Program; the Housing Initiative Partnership; DC Housing Finance Agency; the National Association of Real Estate Broker; the National Association of Mortgage Brokers; the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals; the Mortgage Bankers Association; the National Association of Realtors; the US Department of Veterans Affairs; the Virginia Housing Development Authority; the USDA Rural Development; and Housing Counseling Services.

Attendees who choose may enter into a drawing for door prizes that include two $100 gift certificates from Home Depot and Lowe's. The prize drawing will be announced at 1:05 p.m. and winners must be present to accept the prizes.

The fair is the kickoff of HUD's Homeownership Month, an annual educational outreach to help individuals reach the dream of homeownership. This year, Homeownership Month will highlight FHA mortgage products. HUD will participate in more than 200 events nationwide throughout the month.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and, supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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