FHA MORTGAGE PRODUCTS HIGHLIGHTED AT HUD HOMEOWNERSHIP FAIR
Homeownership Month kickoff educates hundreds of government employees

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, more than 550 government employees attended the "Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Celebrates Homeownership" Fair, held at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) cafeteria. Attendees gained insight into the homebuying market through many different resources, including workshops such as "The ABCs of Home Buying," and "Spotlighting House Options - From Reverse Mortgages to Financing a Fixer-Upper."

HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson joined Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi, FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery, Keith Pedigo of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Russell Davis of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in remarking on the importance of the homebuying process and personal financial security. During his speech, Secretary Jackson congratulated the 2.5 million minorities who became homeowners since 2002. President George W. Bush and HUD hope to increase that number to 5.5 million by 2010.

"President Bush and I believe the American Dream is meant for everyone," Secretary Jackson said. "And we're dedicated to building a society in which every person realizes the promise of this country."

Esther "Essie" Jackson, a worker at HUD, was honored by the Secretary during the program. After searching for two years, Essie recently became a homeowner thanks to FHA's mortgage products.

Attendees also enjoyed refreshments and exhibits provided by organizations such as the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, and Housing Counseling Services. In addition, $100 gift certificates to Home Depot and Lowe's were awarded.

The "FHA Celebrates Homeownership" Fair was the kickoff event for Homeownership Month. Throughout June, HUD will host over 300 events nation-wide to inform potential homebuyers of the road to homeownership through FHA's mortgage products.

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, and 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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