A series of free seminars are being held across the state to help guide Iowans through the home buying process. Ashley Jared, spokesperson for the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), says the sessions are being funded through a grant from the National Association of Realtors. “It’s open to anybody. So, even if you aren’t quite on the market to buy a home yet, but are just wondering what resources and programs might be out there or where to start in the process, this would be a good seminar for you,” Jared says.

This is the first time these seminars have been offered in Iowa. Jared says they’re particularly helpful for first time home buyers. “Because they’ve never been through the process before, the Iowa Finance Authority will be on hand to talk about our programs specifically for first time home buyers, including affordable mortgage programs and down payment assistance they may be eligible for. We’ll walk them through the process and go through what are income limits and purchase price limits are for each county that we’re in,” Jared says.

The next seminars are scheduled for Bettendorf tonight and Dubuque on Thursday. More seminars will take place later this month in Coralville, Spencer, Sioux City, Ames, and Burlington. Anyone interested in attending is asked to R.S.V.P.