Program opening doors for people to buy homes

Heather Rawlyk

Friday, May 14, 2004 | 4:34 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

May 15 - 16, 2004

It can be intimidating buying a house, especially if money is tight.

Las Vegas officials hope to ease home-buying fears this afternoon at the "House Party in the Park," where residents from all income brackets can learn about community resources, down payment assistance, first-time buyer programs, special needs assistance and new loan products from the community's leading financial institutions, nonprofit organizations and housing agencies.

"There are a lot of grants out there for housing assistance and down payment programs that people don't know about," Janell Bettinger, spokeswoman for the event, said. "Especially instances where a family has a child with a disability -- there are down payment programs that will assist them in a heartbeat."

There are also other programs for special circumstances, such as single women making under $30,000, she said.

"The assistance programs are out there. It's just (that) people don't know about them," she said. "The whole idea is to make people aware of these opportunities."

Many people in these situations get intimidated just thinking about buying a house, Bettinger added.

"This event will create a comfortable atmosphere, where people can have their questions answered and get introduced to different programs at the same time," she said.

Sponsors, including the Nevada Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Countrywide Home Loans, Guild Mortgage Co., Nevada State Bank, LandAmerica Lawyers Title, Citibank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, will be on hand to answer questions and introduce home-buying options to residents.

Specialized agencies will also be present to help single parents, parents of children with disabilities and citizens with disabilities, Bettinger said.

Families are encouraged to attend, she said. Games and prizes for children, demonstrations by the Metro Police Department's Mounted Patrol and K-9 units, and skateboard park facilities will provide entertainment for children while adults talk to home-buying representatives.

Spanish interpreters will also be available, Bettinger said.

The event is free and takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Freedom Park, on Mojave Road at East Washington Avenue.

For more information call (702) 229-4904.