Deborah Meek

Hi Emily

I am glad you are doing your homework and asking lots of questions. There are a number of resources I feel that may be very useful for you to investigate. Firstly, as an educator for the state I am delighted to pass along information about the hoMEworks class. A first time homebuyer class, or simply a refresher course, this is an excellent place to start getting a solid education about the people, process and paperwork involved in the homebuying process. The class also has content from budgeting to tax considerations, incentives to title insurance. Many professionals from the lending, real estate and legal profession gladly give of their time to help people just like yourself get a great start in the homebuying process.

There are many classes around the state and felxible hours mean they meet most people's schedule and availability.

Here is the link to the HoMEworks website:

http://www.mainehomeworks.org/

The other place to check your options financially is through the USDA Rural Development Program. They have a "Guaranteed" and "Direct" program for first time homebuyers linked ot income and some other variables. They would be a super place to start and here is their link:

http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeActio…

Good luck Emily.

Sincerely
Deborah Meek - Mon Aug 3 2009, 19:02