You've dreamed for years of buying your first home and now it's time. You've spent hours surfing listings online, watched every episode of "House Hunters" and "Fixer Upper" on television and your Pinterest boards are covered with photos of home decorating ideas. But have you done the math?

When it's time to shop for a home, many people quickly discover that their budget isn't enough to cover the house. Some people aren't aware of how much is needed for closing costs and down payments. And what if the home you want is in need of some tender loving care - do you have the funds to make improvements?

If you are thinking of buying a home - whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to make an investment purchase - you may want to set some time aside to attend this free housing workshop on Saturday, March 21 at the Ceres Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Brought to you by EXIT Realty Consultants and Ability Mortgage, this workshop will feature speakers on available mortgages, title and escrow information, credit issues, home inspections and more. Other sponsors include Eagle One Home Inspections, G.R.E.E.N. Faciliation Services, and Farmer's Insurance Agent Nathan Dabulewicz.

"Many people don't know that if you find a home that needs new windows there's an energy efficient mortgage available to help make repairs," said Renee Ledbetter, Realtor and manager of the Ceres EXIT Realty Consultants office. "There are also 203K loans which help cover other improvements like flooring, appliances, plumbing, even bathroom and kitchen remodels."

Energy improvement mortgages allow borrowers to include the cost of energy-efficiency improvements to an existing home in the mortgage without increasing the down payment.
Free comparables and tips also will be provided to homeowners thinking of selling this spring.

Attendees must pre-register for the free event by calling the EXIT Realty Consultants Ceres office at 554-5252 or online at www.StanCountyHomeBuyerWorkshop.Eventbrite.com.